With the increasing diagnosis and recognition of neurodiversity sufficient resources and recognition of the specific requirements for this cohort needs to be factored into General Dental Services contracts to ensure that their needs can be met.
Increased local flexibility is required to alter contracts to make them more reflective of the time required to provide care for neurodiverse patients.
Those with neurodiversity will benefit from access to oral health professionals who can be part of an holistic model of care.
What is the Problem?
The current contract is based on activity and penalises practitioners spending “too much time” with patients, which is exactly what those with neurodiversity require.
Community Dental Services and Special Care Dentistry are under resourced and cannot meet existing need, let alone future expected need.
There may be no clinical need for neurodiverse patients to be seen by the CDS but they may require multiple acclimatization appointments and longer appointments, which is not accounted for in the current UDA contract.
In discussions at the local level the issue is often framed as one of clinical competence and increased training for GDPs; this is a disservice to both clinicians and patients.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD are at greater risk of dental caries, gum disease, and bruxism due to sensory sensitivities, motor challenges, and dietary habits.
