Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Implications for Future Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground This article addresses the impact of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) on dental care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).Public Health Issues The authors discuss public health issues affected, including the limited number of providers and the decreased access to hospital operating rooms that resulted in a backlog of patients needing care.Practical Implications Recommendations are presented for continuity of care during a pandemic in traditional clinical care settings and, if needed, with general anesthesia. Desensitization, noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques are discussed as methods to support continuity of care. The first responder's supportive role as a vaccination educator and administrator is also addressed as an opportunity to increase access to care for those with IDD.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• dental emergencies
• IDD
• special needs
• public health