What happens when a long-time patient has a stroke and doesn’t make it in for a recall appointment? What happens when a family in the practice adopts a child with Down’s Syndrome? What happens when the very first patient you treat starts to develop dementia? Most of us don’t feel qualified or comfortable treating patients with special healthcare needs. It wasn’t a topic that students spent much time learning in school. Nearly 800,000 individuals will have a stroke this year and sixteen million Americans suffer from a cognitive impairment. Come learn from a dental hygienist who has worked with special care patients for more than twenty-five years. She will teach simple “tricks of the trade” to be prepared and have a special care-friendly office.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this session attendees will be able to:
Develop skills to recognize early signs and symptoms of dementia.
Apply behavior management techniques to develop a relationship with patients that have ID/D.
Analyze when it is safe to treat patients and when you should refer.
Have a list of resources that will support you and your office.
Have a checklist of supplies that every practice needs to support special needs patients.
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