Dentists' Perceptions Regarding Orofacial Care for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders in France and Italy

Abstract

Aim: Dental care for patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging because of distinct sensory and behavioral profiles. This quantitative study assessed dentists’ perceptions and practice regarding children with autism in France and Italy. Methods and Results: A questionnaire was distributed through professional associations, social networks, and dental schools. Analyses in RStudio examined differences in ASD-related knowledge and self-reported confidence when treating children with ASD across countries. In France, specialization in pediatric dentistry was significantly associated with higher knowledge and confidence scores and with treating more children with autism per month. Personal experience with autism was linked to higher knowledge. In Italy, specialization in pediatric dentistry was not significantly associated with knowledge or confidence, but was associated with a higher monthly caseload of children with ASD. Personal experience with autism was linked to higher confidence. Training, during undergraduate education or through continuing education, was associated with higher confidence in both countries and with higher knowledge scores in France. In Italy, associations with knowledge were observed for continuing education. Conclusion: Education and specialization appear central to dentists’ preparedness for ASD care. Strengthening undergraduate and continuing training may improve access to and quality of dental care for children with autism.