Assessment of structural and functional profile of dental centers for people with disabilities.

Abstract

Aims: People with disabilities (PWD) often face more significant oral healthcare needs than the general population. This study, conducted in response to the urgent and pressing need for improved dental care for PWD, aims to assess the infrastructural and work process flow of dental centers in Delhi that provide specialized dental care for PWD.

Methods and results: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare centers in Delhi, evaluating their infrastructure adaptations and work processes in delivering oral healthcare to PWD. The findings, which highlight the disparities in adaptations and work processes among different healthcare centers, are crucial for understanding the current state of oral healthcare for PWD in Delhi. The study reveals that while secondary and tertiary healthcare centers exhibit better adaptations for PWD than primary centers, challenges persist with insufficient accessibility and smooth functioning of the work process.

Conclusion: This study underscores the need for dentists to be equipped with the competence to address the unique needs of PWD. It also highlights the significant potential for improvement in oral healthcare for PWD, as dentists should become more aware of the importance of designing clinics that are accessible for PWD.