Abstract

COSTA, Antônio Augusto Iponema  and  BONA, Alvaro Della. Dental care for deafblind patients: facing challenges. RFO UPF [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.1, pp. 107-111. ISSN 1413-4012.

Introduction: dentistry has a very important role in the health of deafblind patients, yet it is hindered by the lack of trained professionals and specific studies in this area. Objective: this literature review, aims to present to dental professionals information on deafblindness describing concepts, causes, and classifications, as well as to report communication methods, the need for dentist insertion in the multidisciplinary care team, and to define strategies to assist dental care of these patients. Literature review: the work of the dentist as part of a multidisciplinary teamwork provides patients with improvements in their development by creating bonds and activities leading to greater autonomy. This study also shows the lack of information in the field of deafblindness, revealing that the inclusion of patient´s family is a fundamental factor for a favorable prognosis on educational, social, and communication processes. Final remarks: in addition to technical and scientific knowledge in the field, the dentist should know the best way to communicate with the deafblind patient.

Keywords : Deafblind. Interdisciplinary communication; Disabled persons; Communication barriers.