Dental education: new synergies for development of skills in autistic patients in childhood

Aim. From the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV the autism is defined as pervasive developmental disorders. The possibility of prevention and dental care in autistic patient is seriously compromised. Use Education to improve the approach to the autistic patient through the educational activity to allow dental care (sealing, plaque ablation, M.I.) without general anesthesia and implement a prevention program. Methods. The educational intervention provided by the research protocol, involves the use of individualized strategies and methodologies, and patients with non-verbal use of Augmentative Alternative Communication. The dentists Are trained educator, which acts as a filter between the patient and the team doctor. Its presence is required until the dentist, built a relationship of trust with the patient, will be able to continue independently. Results. 14 out of 16 cases, aged between 6 and 12 years of education have responded positively to the intervention, allowing the execution of dental therapies and activating a proposed long-term prevention. Negative results are recorded with 2 patients who did not undergo any rehabilitation therapy. Discussion and conclusions.. Given the positive results obtained, the Unit of Pediatrics Dentistry, Umberto I of Rome has decided to continue the experiment on a larger series, to improve the patient's clearance in children with autism, avoiding where possible, with the educational intervention, the operating room.