Introduction:

Patients with special needs represent a population with a high prevalence and severity of malocclusions, negatively affecting their quality of life. Additionally, they often report difficulties accessing orthodontic treatments.

Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate the attitudes of pediatric dentists and orthodontists regarding the orthodontic treatment of patients with special needs, and to analyze the main challenges they encounter when treating these patients.

Materials and Methods:

A survey was conducted among 38 dentists with postgraduate training in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, or both. The survey consisted of 9 questions related to their experience in dental and orthodontic treatment of patients with special needs, the limitations and difficulties they perceive for these treatments, and their professional attitudes towards them.

Results:

The final sample consisted of 38 people, with a distribution of 39.57% men and 60.53% women. Most had between 5 and 10 years (36.8%) or between 10 and 20 years of experience (23.7%). About 34.21% had postgraduate training in orthodontics, another 34.21% in pediatric dentistry, and 31.57% in both disciplines. Regarding treating patients with special needs, 68.4% do so infrequently, and 71.1% provide occasional treatment. No one refused to provide orthodontic treatment; 65.8% would attempt it if necessary and feasible. The main perceived obstacles are the lack of patient cooperation and the low demand for such treatments. The majority (73.7%) believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and 81.6% would be willing to treat these patients with more training.

Conclusions:

Training for both professionals and the families and caregivers of patients with special needs is essential to facilitate these patients' access to orthodontic treatment, which is highly beneficial for their quality of life.

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