Tribune News Network
Doha
Establishing good oral health habits early in life is essential, and this is even more critical for children with special needs. With this in mind, PHCC’s Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Department recently organised a specialised programme for parents and children with special needs.
Since parents of children with special needs often face unique challenges related to their child’s oral health—such as resistance to brushing or sensitivity to the taste of toothpaste—they require specialised strategies to address these issues. These strategies may include using neutral or flavourless toothpaste, as well as employing motivational techniques to make brushing enjoyable for children, such as using colourful toothbrushes or incorporating oral care into educational games.
Additionally, raising parents’ awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene for children with special needs and encouraging regular dental visits is vital to preventing cavities and other oral health issues.
For this reason, the programme was organised into morning and evening sessions. Each session began with an educational lecture delivered by a dentist and an oral health hygienist. The lecture covered practical, evidence-based strategies to help parents manage their children’s behavioural challenges, along with tips to overcome obstacles affecting their oral hygiene routines. It also emphasised the importance of a tooth-friendly diet, preventive dental care, and routine dental check-ups. Informative brochures were distributed to parents to reinforce the key messages.
Dr Najat Alyafei, manager of the Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Department, emphasised the importance of equipping parents with the knowledge and skills needed to address these challenges. She stated, "Our research conducted in 2020 highlighted that, while parents in Qatar generally possess good oral health knowledge and a positive attitude, their behaviours often require further support to ensure consistent dental care for their children.”
The programme included breakout sessions, giving parents the opportunity to consult privately with dentists and dental hygienists to discuss their child’s specific oral hygiene needs. During these sessions, parents received tailored advice, including recommendations on using assistive oral hygiene tools such as electric toothbrushes and mouthwashes, as well as techniques for engaging their child in a consistent oral care routine.
Dr Alyafei noted that the education level plays a critical role in shaping parents’ approach to their child’s oral health. This observation aligns with our department’s 2020 study findings, which revealed that parents with higher education levels had significantly greater oral health knowledge and were more likely to engage in favourable behaviours. "We must consider education levels when designing future programmes to bridge any gaps,” Dr Alyafei stated.
Following the lectures, oral screenings were conducted using two mobile dental units.
A total of 56 children with special needs underwent screenings. The dental team, comprising three dental hygienists and two dental assistants, ensured that each child remained comfortable and calm during the examination. They adapted their approach to address the physical, sensory, cognitive, or emotional needs of each child while assessing their oral health status.
Dr Najat highlighted that the personalised approach used by the team helps to build trust, stating, "Tailoring care to the unique needs of each child significantly improves their experience and outcomes.”
The 2020 research also revealed that mothers serve as the primary caregivers for 83 percent of children with disabilities in Qatar, highlighting the need for targeted education and training for them. This insight was incorporated into the programme’s design, with a particular focus on empowering mothers to overcome daily challenges related to oral care.
The programme had a significant positive impact, as parents left with a stronger understanding of oral hygiene practices and the correct way to brush their children’s teeth. They also learned how to adjust oral hygiene routines to suit their child’s specific needs.One parent suggested holding similar events every six months, while another expressed gratitude for the informative lecture, which dispelled her misconception that dentists might refuse to treat children with special needs.
The oral health initiative at the I SPEAK Center not only supported children with special needs but also empowered their families, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.