Effective Oral Health Guidelines for Special Needs Children Amid COVID-19: A Review

TL/DR –

The systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of global oral health policies for children with special healthcare needs (SHCN) during the COVID-19 pandemic and their success in ensuring equitable access to quality dental care. Sixteen guidelines, recommendations, and policies from six authorities were identified, addressing areas such as comprehensive care, equity, and preventive measures; however, most did not specifically address COVID-19 or make particular adaptations. The review highlighted the need for global and local efforts for equitable access, patient-centric care, preventive measures, and a resilient, inclusive healthcare framework.

Aim

This review seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health policies, guidelines and recommendations in protecting the oral health of special healthcare needs children during the COVID pandemic.

Background

The review considered how global oral health policies adapted during the COVID-19 outbreak for children requiring special healthcare. It offers evidence-based insights to guide policymakers and healthcare professionals during the ongoing health crisis. The study primarily measured how these changes ensured equal access to quality dental care for this at-risk group.

Methodology

An online search was conducted using PRISMA guidelines through various databases like LILIACS, PubMed, Scopus, COCHRANE, and grey literature. The search combined subject headings (MeSH terms) and free-text terms related to oral and dental health, policy effectiveness, and special care needs children. The eligibility criteria encompassed oral health policies, guidelines, and recommendations aimed at special care needs children. Both qualitative and quantitative studies published in English from 2008 to 2023 were considered.

Results

Sixteen guidelines, recommendations and policies from six authorities were discovered. They broadly addressed six areas including comprehensive care, ethical considerations, preventive measures, equality, patient-centric treatment, and reducing disparities indicating a paradigm shift. The review highlights the commitment to continuous improvement through quality measurement, efficient referral management, and needs assessment. With only two exceptions, none of the guidelines addressed COVID-19 or provided specific adaptations for it. The guidelines primarily adopted a generalized approach to individuals with special healthcare needs, lacking emphasis on individual conditions.

Conclusions

This review assesses the influence of COVID-19 on oral healthcare for special needs individuals. It highlights global and local efforts to ensure equal access, patient-centered care, and preventive measures. The findings encourage a robust, inclusive healthcare framework capable of addressing diverse needs.

Prospero registration

CRD 42023452475.

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