Step-by-step tooth-brushing guidance, simulated oral examinations, observation of various cutting-edge dental technologies ... During a hospital open day targeting special needs individuals organized by the Shenzhen Stomatology Hospital (Pingshan) of Southern Medical University, those who were initially uncooperative were willing to recline on dental chairs to undergo checks. 

As early as 2020, the hospital initiated special oral healthcare services for special needs groups such as individuals with autism. Over the past three years, with a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, the hospital has provided comprehensive anesthesia-assisted comfortable dental treatments to over 300 patients with special needs.

Xu Wen'an, director of the hospital's pediatric dentistry department and head of the hospital's dental treatment project for special needs children, explained that the project’s significance is to let patients be familiar with dental diagnosis and treatment in advance.

Medical workers at the Shenzhen Stomatology Hospital (Pingshan) of Southern Medical University. Photos from SZTV

Several years ago, a patient with special needs had several decayed teeth. Due to difficulties in cooperating with treatment, the decay progressed rapidly. After attending the hospital open day events last March, the patient successfully underwent dental imaging, cleaning, and subsequently, a surgical tooth treatment.

For patients with systemic illnesses or extreme fear for treatment, general anesthesia for dental treatments is an internationally acknowledged effective method. The hospital has meticulously optimized various processes including appointments, consultations, hospitalization, and checks to provide better dental services. When patients encounter unfamiliar equipment or materials, games and simulations will be introduced to help to reduce psychological resistance. 

The project also includes the customized nursing model. Zhong Qing, head nurse of the hospital's inpatient department, said that this model is a patient-centric interdisciplinary clinical nursing model. Establishing a complete process involving assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation, and follow-up, it offers personalized and multidisciplinary dental treatment and care for patients with special needs, making dental visits no longer daunting.

After implementing the personalized nursing model, treatment compliance among special needs patients increased from 29.62% to 62.96%, and the oral health awareness of patients' families rose from 37.03% to 100%, resulting in significant positive outcomes.