Autism Spectrum Disorders and the Role of General Dental Practitioners: A Review

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is reported to affect 1% of the world's population, with a reported increase in prevalence of 556% between 1991 and 1997. Current behavioural and medical management techniques offer both medical and dental practitioners useful options in management of patients. This study aims to review behavioural management techniques that could assist or enhance management and treatment of ASD individuals in the dental office. A Medline and PubMed search from 1950 to 2014 was performed using Key words “ASD”, “behaviour specified”, “Rett's syndrome”, “Autistic disorder”, “Asperger's disorder”, “Childhood disintegrative disorder”. The search returned 600 articles, however only 56 articles specifically related to recent advances in dental and medical treatment of ASD were included. ASD presents challenges for patient, caregiver/parent and dental team. Major concerns in providing dental care include behavioural management and side effects of medications. The most accepted management techniques for ASD patients appear to be conscious sedation, familiarisation and visual schedules. Pharmacological management techniques, like conscious sedation are becoming more accepted should be used with caution. Less frequently accepted management techniques include hand over mouth and restraint. To provide satisfactory dental care to ASD patients, dental practitioners should familiarise themselves with the current management techniques and techniques that are acceptable to parents and guardians.