Developmental Delay
Children with Physical and Mental Disabilities
Children with developmental delays often have difficulty cooperating with toothbrushing due to developmental limitations and may also present with swallowing or chewing disorders. As a result, they are considered to be at moderate to high risk for dental caries.
Currently, oral examinations are not routinely included in standard assessment protocols for children with developmental delays. To address this gap, our department initiated a hospital-based oral healthcare program for children with developmental delays in 2010. The program provides comprehensive, family-centered assessments and individualized treatment strategies. Through interdisciplinary consultations and case discussions, we are able to develop more comprehensive care plans
Integrating Pediatric Dentistry into Early Intervention Joint Assessments:
On the day of the early intervention assessment, children receive a complimentary oral examination and caries risk assessment. If dental treatment is indicated, our team provides appointment scheduling and referral support.
Family-Centered Oral Healthcare:
Parents’ oral hygiene practices, oral health literacy, and dietary habits strongly influence children’s oral health outcomes. We provide individualized treatment plans and tailored oral hygiene education to strengthen families’ knowledge and support positive oral health attitudes and behaviors in children.
Established Taiwan’s First Comprehensive Pediatric Oral Desensitization and Massage Program:
We established Taiwan’s first comprehensive program integrating oral desensitization with structured massage techniques, helping children gradually accept and cooperate with oral care and dental procedures.
Service Outcomes and Statistics
1.Outreach Fluoride Varnish Program:
From 2022 to 2024, a total of 9,649 children received fluoride varnish services through outreach institutions.
2.Early Intervention Referrals to Pediatric Dentistry:
Between 2018 and 2024, 1,610 children were referred to pediatric dental services through early intervention programs.
3.Total Number of Patients Served:
Since 2010, nearly 10,000 visits by children with developmental delays have been provided.
4.General Anesthesia Services:
From 2015 to 2024, general anesthesia dental treatment was provided for 335 children with developmental delays.
Pediatric Dentistry at Our Hospital
1.Zero Incidents of Injury During Pediatric Dental Visits:
No cases of injury have occurred during pediatric dental treatment.
2.Zero Incidents of Accidental Ingestion of Dental Instruments:
No cases of accidental swallowing of dental instruments have been reported.
3.Zero Incidents of Accidental Needle Stick Injuries in Children:
No accidental needle stick injuries involving pediatric patients have occurred.
Patient Satisfaction Survey Results:
From 2018 to 2024, patient satisfaction survey scores ranged from 89.0 to 92.8.
Our Pediatric Dentistry Department works closely with the Early Intervention team through interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver comprehensive, family-centered oral care for children with developmental delays. In addition, we have supported other hospitals in establishing hospital-based oral healthcare models for this population.
We have also actively provided professional recommendations to incorporate oral healthcare for children with developmental delays into hospital accreditation standards and have advocated for greater awareness of oral hypersensitivity in children—efforts that have received widespread attention.
In recognition of these initiatives, our hospital was approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare this year as one of only three hospitals nationwide selected for the “Dental Home Model Pilot Program.” This designation further strengthens and accelerates the implementation of oral healthcare services for children with developmental delays.
