As a dental health expert at Station Road Dental Aldergrove, I’ve had the privilege of working with a diverse range of patients, each with their own unique experiences and perspectives on dental care. One group that has particularly captured my attention is care-experienced young people – those who have spent time in the foster care system or other forms of out-of-home care. In this article, we’ll delve into their insights and perspectives on dental services, exploring the challenges they face and the ways in which we, as dental professionals, can better serve this often-overlooked population.
Navigating the Dental Landscape
For many care-experienced young people, accessing and maintaining regular dental care can be a daunting task. The instability and disruption that often characterize their lives can make it challenging to establish a consistent relationship with a dental provider or keep up with routine prophylaxis (professional cleanings) and check-ups.
“I’ve had to change dentists a lot because of moving around so much,” shared one young person we spoke with. “It’s hard to keep track of your dental records and make sure you’re getting the care you need.”
This lack of continuity in dental care can lead to a range of issues, from untreated cavities and gum disease to a growing sense of distrust and anxiety towards dental professionals. As one young person explained, “I’ve had some bad experiences with dentists in the past, and it makes me really nervous to go back. I never know if they’re going to be understanding or if they’re just going to judge me.”
Addressing Barriers to Care
Alongside the challenges of maintaining consistent care, care-experienced young people often face additional barriers that can further impede their access to dental services. Financial constraints, lack of transportation, and limited access to information about available resources can all contribute to gaps in their oral health.
“My foster family didn’t have a lot of money, so going to the dentist was always a struggle,” shared another young person. “I’d have to wait until I had a dental emergency before they would take me, and even then, it was a fight to get them to cover the costs.”
Navigating the complex web of dental insurance, Medicaid, and other financial assistance programs can be overwhelming, especially for those who may not have the support of a stable family or caregiver. This often leads to delayed or foregone dental care, which can have long-term consequences for their overall oral health and well-being.
Fostering Inclusive and Trauma-Informed Approaches
In response to these challenges, it’s crucial for dental professionals to adopt inclusive and trauma-informed approaches when working with care-experienced young people. This means creating a welcoming and non-judgmental environment, where patients feel safe to share their concerns and work collaboratively towards improved oral health.
“The dentist I see now is really great,” shared one young person. “They take the time to explain everything and make me feel like a partner in my own care. It’s made a big difference in how I feel about going to the dentist.”
Trauma-informed care, which recognizes the impact of adverse experiences on an individual’s physical and emotional well-being, can be particularly impactful for this population. By acknowledging the potential for past trauma and providing a sensitive, empathetic approach, dental professionals can help build trust and foster positive associations with dental care.
Embracing Holistic Approaches
Beyond the clinical aspects of dental care, care-experienced young people have also expressed a desire for a more holistic approach that addresses the interconnectedness of oral health and overall well-being.
“I wish the dentist would ask me about my life, not just my teeth,” shared one young person. “Sometimes, the things that are going on in my personal life can really affect my oral health, and it would be helpful if they understood that.”
Incorporating discussions about nutrition, stress management, and the impact of mental health on oral hygiene can help care-experienced young people feel seen and understood as whole individuals, rather than just patients. By adopting a more comprehensive approach, dental professionals can better support their patients in achieving and maintaining optimal oral health.
Empowering Self-Care and Independence
For many care-experienced young people, the transition to adulthood and independent living can be a significant challenge, particularly when it comes to managing their own healthcare. Dental professionals can play a crucial role in empowering these young people to take an active role in their oral health care.
“I wish the dentist had given me more information about how to take care of my teeth on my own,” shared one young person. “It’s hard enough to keep up with everything else, and I don’t always know what I’m supposed to be doing.”
By providing clear, accessible instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as guidance on scheduling appointments and navigating dental insurance, dental professionals can equip care-experienced young people with the knowledge and skills they need to cultivate lifelong healthy habits.
Leveraging Technology and Digital Resources
In today’s digital age, technology and online resources can play a valuable role in improving access to dental care and information for care-experienced young people. From virtual teledentistry consultations to interactive educational tools, innovative approaches can help bridge the gap and empower this population to take a more active role in their oral health.
“I would love to be able to do video calls with my dentist, especially if I’m having a problem and can’t get to the office,” shared one young person. “It would make it so much easier to get the help I need without all the hassle.”
By embracing digital solutions and making them accessible and user-friendly, dental professionals can provide care-experienced young people with the resources they need to manage their oral health more effectively, even when facing challenges with transportation or scheduling.
Cultivating Collaborative Partnerships
Addressing the unique needs of care-experienced young people requires a collaborative effort involving dental professionals, social services, and community organizations. By fostering these partnerships, dental providers can better connect patients with the support and resources they need to maintain good oral health.
“It would be so helpful if my dentist could work with my social worker or counselor to make sure I’m getting the care I need,” shared one young person. “Sometimes, I just don’t know where to turn, and having that coordination would make a big difference.”
Through referrals, shared case management, and joint educational initiatives, dental professionals can leverage their expertise and networks to ensure that care-experienced young people receive comprehensive, tailored support throughout their dental care journey.
Empowering Advocacy and Representation
Ultimately, the perspectives and experiences of care-experienced young people should be at the forefront of efforts to improve dental services for this population. By actively involving them in the decision-making process and creating opportunities for their voices to be heard, dental professionals can ensure that the solutions they develop are truly responsive to the unique needs and challenges faced by care-experienced young people.
“I wish dentists would ask us what we think would help, instead of just assuming they know what’s best,” shared one young person. “We’re the ones living this experience, and we have a lot of valuable insights to offer.”
By empowering care-experienced young people to advocate for their own oral health needs and engaging them as partners in the process, dental professionals can foster a more inclusive, equitable, and responsive dental care system that better serves this underrepresented population.
At Station Road Dental Aldergrove, we are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate dental care to all our patients, including care-experienced young people. We recognize the unique challenges they face and are dedicated to implementing inclusive, trauma-informed, and collaborative approaches that empower them to take charge of their oral health and achieve their desired outcomes.
To learn more about our services and how we can support your dental care needs, please visit our website at https://www.stationroaddentalcentre.com.
