YOUNG INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AN INTEGRATIVE AND INCLUSIVE PART OF THE HUMAN SOCIETY

Abstract

Aim of the study Disability has always been considered a major impediment in healthcare, especially regarding oral and dental care. In the last decades, social changes have raised more attention to the inclusion and integration of disabled individuals, while medical and technology developments are an aid to the management of this population category. This study aims to give an overview of disability in our country, in terms of prevalence and recent statistics, especially regarding children and adolescents. Material and methods Recent articles and research papers, textbooks and studies were reviewed in electronic and printed form, after a search on public databases for terms like: disability, children, adolescent, healthcare, oral care. Results Statistics show a relatively high percentage of children and adolescents with disability in our country, with more and more evidence that social inclusion and acceptance towards this category of population are increasing. Conclusions The quality of life of children and adolescents with disabilities can be altered by their impairments. In order for the caregivers and medical management team, which includes a paediatric dentist, to address these everyday challenges, a great importance must be given to information and continuous education regarding the major difficulties faced by disabled individuals.

Keywords

• disability
• children and adolescents
• inclusion
• healthcare
• oral care