Exploring the experiences of dentists during dental visits of patients with ASD

Children with ASD may manifest different behaviors during their checkup due to unusual stimuli found inside the dental clinic. Dentists and other staff may encounter difficulty anticipating the success of the treatment if both dentist and patient come unprepared. This study intended to explore the undesirable behaviors of patients with ASD and the difficulties encountered through the experiences of dentists. The study used a qualitative case study method which was participated in by five (5) dentists through interview and five (5) patients through observation. First, it was identified that the uncooperativeness of patients with ASD was one of the undesirable behaviors manifested during checkup. Second, carrying out dental treatment, handling patients with ASD, communicating with patients, making patients comfortable, and self regulation add to the difficulty of the dentists. Third, ideal treatment plan will not be implemented if behaviors were not properly addressed. And lastly, receiving trainings on how to handle patients with ASD, providing positive behavior support during treatment, and proper scheduling played a significant role in managing behaviors of the said patients. Hence, it is important to identify the profile of each patient before the start of the treatment so the dentist and his team will be prepared with necessary management needed.