Working with patients with down syndrome can be a rewarding experience. This article touched on the difficulties Dentist and Hygienist will come across when working with them. The article began by telling us that down syndrome is usually caused by the presence of the extra chromosome 21, also called, Trisomy 21. The article states the purpose of the article is to present to diagnosis and treatment of a highly functioning DS patient at a school of dentistry. During the beginning stages of treatment, standard diagnostic records were taken to make a treatment plan. Periodontal evaluations including, probe depths, furcation involvements, mobility, bony support measurements, detailed impressions and bite registration were taken to attain a detailed image of the patients teeth. The patient and the family were taken into great consideration when planning the final treatment plan by asking them what their goals are concerning the esthetics of her smile. A wax up was shown to the family before treatment began and upon approval, they began treatment. The treatment included extraction of all hopeless teeth on the and RPD’s for the upper and lower to improve esthetics and her mastication ability. They began by taking upper and lower by impressions. They noted that each visit the patient was very happy to see them and greeted everyone with a smile and a hug. She knew that when it was time to start treatment, it was time to be serious, but always had a smile on her face. They made a latch and hinge lower RPD and a standard maxillary RPD. After a few weeks of healing and while the framework was being made, the tissue changed quite a bit on the upper and lower. Rubber base impressions were taken to make the necessary changes for the proper fit. At the final delivery, the patient and mother were shown how to properly insert the RPD’s. They made sure the patient was comfortable with inserting and removing them herself. A written copy of OHI was given to her after a show-tell-do method was performed for brushing her teeth and cleaning her RPD’s. Appointments were made for 24 hours, 1 week, and a 3 week post op to evaluate her tissue andRPD’s. After a 3 month recall, her and her families overall attitudes about her esthetics had greatly improved. While the patient presented with a difficult case and the procedures were not simple, the patient always had a smile on her face. Individuals with down syndrome should not be looked at in a negative way. I feel we can use this article to understand that we all have equal rights.This article tell me that the steps we take on every patient to achieve a treatment plan are used for each and every person, even those with mental disabilities. Each patient with or without special needs will have their own difficulties, but each one should be treated with respect. Patients with DS have such a positive outlook on life with their glowing smiles and loving hugs and kisses. This article helped me understand that careful and specific oral hygiene instructions will be crucial at home care for patients with DS.
APA Kennedy, P. A., & Renner, R. P. (1992). Long-term restorative management of the Down syndrome patient. Quintessence Of Dental Technology (QDT), 15123-127.
Personal Reflection: I chose to research an article about DS patients because I have a close friend who has a child with this mental disability. I feel like I learn so much from interacting with these patients. They have such sunny personalities, that it makes me want to be more positive on a daily basis. There is such a wide spectrum of DS patients and I think we need to learn how to work with them as patients with understanding and patients.
Additional Information: www.ndss.org The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
www.medicinenet.com/down_syndrome/article.htm This website offers simple answers to questions such as: What is DS? What are the risk factors for conceiving a child with DS? How is the diagnosis for DS made? How is DS managed? Do individuals with DS work? Where can I find more information about DS?