Barriers and facilitators in the orthodontic treatment of teenagers with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Introduction: Patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities often experience barriers to dental care. Despite greater access to orthodontic treatment, information about the perceptions of patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities regarding orthodontic care remains scarce. The objective of this research was to investigate perceptions of patients, caretakers, and orthodontic residents regarding the barriers to and facilitators of orthodontic care for patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through semistructured interviews of 26 subjects: 10 patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities (4 with cognitive disabilities, 4 with autism spectrum disorder, and 2 with communication disorder), 8 caretakers, and 8 orthodontic residents. The responses were analyzed qualitatively by content analysis. Results: Four dimensions of analysis were identified: previous experience, barriers to care, facilitators of care, and perception of care. There are different orthodontic care barriers and facilitators perceived by patients, caretakers, and residents treating patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Factors such as the reason for consultation, previous experience or exposure to orthodontic care or attention, and personal motivation of those involved were used to model the care of these patients. Conclusions: There are barriers and facilitators in orthodontic care for patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities, caretakers, and orthodontic residents. Educational programs in orthodontics must work to improve access and care for patients and educational training programs for students and clinical faculty.