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Behavior-Analytic Interventions for Oral Health Care: a Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Clinical Practice and Research

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Abstract

Children and adults with developmental disabilities often experience oral health problems such as excessive plaque accumulation and dental restorations related to caries. Researchers have examined the efficacy of a variety of behavioral intervention packages to teach preventative strategies (brushing, flossing) and to decrease challenging behaviors such as aggression and non-compliance associated with dental examinations and restorative procedures for both typically developing and persons with IDD. This paper reviews these peer-reviewed studies for both typically developing individuals and those with developmental disabilities (e.g., intellectual disability and autism). Additionally, this paper highlights areas for future research, makes recommendations related to the integration of behavior analysis with the practice of dentistry, and provides recommendations related to clinical practices and research.

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  1. Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatics and Warner School of Education and Human Development, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14627-0425, USA

    David Burnell McAdam

  2. School of Education, Webster University, Webster Groves, MO, 63119, USA

    Zhichun Zhou

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  1. David Burnell McAdam
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McAdam, D.B., Zhou, Z. Behavior-Analytic Interventions for Oral Health Care: a Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Clinical Practice and Research. Rev J Autism Dev Disord 10, 337–352 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-021-00294-3

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