London, England – A recent systematic review delved into the impact of oral health policies on children with special healthcare needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies in ensuring equitable access to dental care for this vulnerable group in the midst of the global health crisis.
Researchers conducted a thorough search across various databases, including LILIACS, PubMed, Scopus, COCHRANE, and grey literature, using a combination of subject headings and free-text terms related to oral health policies, dental health, and special care needs children. The eligibility criteria included both qualitative and quantitative studies published in English from 2008 to 2023.
The review identified sixteen guidelines, recommendations, and policies from six different authorities, covering areas such as comprehensive care, ethical considerations, and preventive measures. While international collaborations and the standardization of guidelines indicated a unified approach, the lack of specific adaptations for COVID-19 in most documents was noted. The guidelines generally took a broad approach towards individuals with special healthcare needs, with little emphasis on individual conditions.
In conclusion, the review highlighted the need for global and local efforts to ensure equitable access to oral healthcare for individuals with special needs. It emphasized the importance of patient-centric care, preventive measures, and continuous improvement in meeting the diverse needs of this vulnerable group. The lessons learned from the study call for a resilient and inclusive healthcare framework to address the unique challenges faced by children with special healthcare needs during the pandemic and beyond.