Promoting oral health for people with learning disabilities

People with learning disabilities have poorer oral health compared with the general population. Risk factors for suboptimal oral health in this group include diet, reliance on others for oral care and barriers to accessing dental care. This article discusses these risk factors and considers the importance of education and training for carers and healthcare professionals, including dentists and dental students, to enhance oral health in people with learning disabilities. The author uses a fictional case study to illustrate some of the challenges experienced by people with learning disabilities in accessing oral care and how the use of interventions such as desensitisation programmes, as well as reasonable adjustments, can help address these challenges.