Dr. Aimi Kamarudin recently delivered a lecture on dental health for special needs patients during the fifth day of the Dental Summer Course on Friday (19/7). A Malaysian national and an alumna of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Dr. Aimi is currently working as a Pediatric Dental Specialist at the Pediatric Dentistry Unit, , Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Dr. Aimi discussed the importance of dental care for special needs patients, particularly among the elderly and children. She not only highlighted the challenges faced by these groups but also provided insights into the appropriate approaches to their dental care.
She began her presentation by defining dentistry for patients with special needs, which includes various conditions that limit their ability to receive routine dental care. Dr. Aimi emphasized that the aging global population presents new challenges in dental care, as elderly patients often suffer from multiple systemic diseases and require more complex treatment.
She also underscored the importance of a deep understanding of patients' needs so that dentists can provide effective and empathetic care. “We need to understand that special needs patients require not only dental care but also attention and a holistic approach,” she said.
Initially, Dr. Aimi explained that dentistry for special needs patients encompasses care for individuals with a range of physical and mental conditions that affect their ability to undergo dental treatment. This includes elderly patients, children with special needs, and those with mobility limitations.
She also highlighted the challenges faced by elderly patients, such as cognitive and physical decline, which often lead to difficulties in maintaining oral hygiene and accessing dental care. “Many elderly patients are on various medications that can affect their oral health, so dental care must be tailored to their specific conditions,” she added.
Dr. Aimi emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in dental care, which includes collaboration between dentists, nurses, and the patients' families. She suggested that dentists be trained to understand the special needs of their patients and to design appropriate treatment plans.
At the end of the session, Dr. Aimi encouraged participants to raise awareness and education about the importance of dental care for special needs patients. With this comprehensive presentation, Dr. Aimi Kamarudin hopes to promote positive changes in dental practice, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pillar 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), pillar 4 (Quality Education), , and pillar 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Author: Pram | Editor: Fajar Budi H.
Photo: Fajar Budi H.
