PUBLICATION
The Landscape of Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Development Disabilities in Tennessee
The primary objective of this report is to comprehensively assess access to and utilization of oral health care services among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Tennessee. The report synthesizes data from multiple sources to evaluate the readiness and responsiveness of the state’s dental care infrastructure to the unique needs of people with IDD in the state of Tennessee. By examining existing disparities, identifying strengths, and pinpointing challenges within the system, this study provides a roadmap for stakeholders to improve oral health outcomes for this medically underserved population.
Key Takeaways:
Compared to Tennessee adults without disabilities, those with disabilities have lower educational attainment, employment, and incomes. These structural barriers impact access to healthcare, including dental care, and influence health outcomes.
Tennessee adults with disabilities face significant oral health disparities, including a high prevalence of edentulism. Additionally, the elevated rates of extractions underscore the extent of dental disease, likely exacerbated by inadequate access to preventive care.
Providers often lack the training and confidence to treat people with IDD. A pervasive perception that all people with IDD have significant behavioral issues that extend beyond the scope of a dental clinician’s ability to deliver care creates profound strain on available resources.
Suggested Citation: Alpert EA, Louro J, Boynes SB, Cothron AE. The Landscape of Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Tennessee. Chicago, IL: July 2024. Copyright ©2024 The American Institute of Dental Public Health and Harmony Health. https://doi.org/10.58677/LCLS8795
