Adaptation to the dentist consultation of patients with intellectual disability and epileptic episodes. Case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Neurological disabilities are conditions with which many individuals are born. Families and society are called not only to foster acceptance and inclusion, but also to seek professional training for appropriate care. Dentistry is included in this commitment. Objective: To describe the clinical adaptation and dental treatments prescribed for a 24-year-old male patient with intellectual disability and epileptic episodes, who attended a dental consultation at the Comprehensive Adult Clinical Room in the Dentistry Department of UNERGen during the first semester of 2022. Materials and Methods: The study was framed within the positivist paradigm, following a descriptive field research design, non-experimental and cross-sectional, under the clinical case study modality. Results: Through the use of dental consultation adaptation techniques, commonly applied in pediatric dentistry but adapted for a biologically adult and psychologically child-like patient, the individual demonstrated calmness in subsequent visits. An increase in self-esteem and greater self-confidence were also observed. Conclusion: The adaptation methods used depend on the type and degree of the individual’s disability. It is essential that the dental professional possesses the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to successfully implement each treatment.