Parents of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Attitude Towards Silver Diamine Fluride as a Different Treatment Modality for Carious Lesions

Objective. The purpose of this study is to evaluate attitudes towards Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) for carious lesions among parents of patients receiving dental care at Mailman Segal Center for Human Development (MSC) in lieu of alternative treatment approaches. Background. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face numerous barriers to accessing and receiving quality healthcare. Dental care in particular has been found to be an unmet healthcare need among children with ASD due to poor perceived behavior, and lack of trained dental professionals. Methods. Parents (N=49) of children with ASD being treated at MSC were given information about the uses of SDF. SDF acceptance was measured by mean scale scores on the 20 item SDF feasibility questionnaire; scores for each item range from 0 (low) to 3 (high); higher scores indicate higher levels of SDF acceptance. Results. Most patients were male N=43 (87.8%), visited the dentist at least once a year N=36 (73.4%), and 22.4% (N=11) had a cavity filled. Dental management techniques included oral sedation (N=12, 24.5%) physical restraint (N=10, 18.4%), general anesthesia (N=9, 18.3%), and nitrous oxide (N=4, 8.2%). Mean level of SDF feasibility was moderate (1.3, SD=0.69). SDF was most acceptable for use on baby back teeth (1.90), back teeth if child could not complete filling (1.84), and on back teeth if general anesthesia was required (1.65). Conclusion. Results indicate that parents have moderate levels of SDF acceptance. Moreover, our findings suggest that parents are more comfortable using SDF on back teeth in order to avoid use of general anesthesia. Grants. This study is funded by a grant from the Health Professions Division.