Facilitating oral healthcare for children with disabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a qualitative exploration of the perceptions of parents and professionals

Background: Children with disabilities worldwide experience disparities in oral health. Parents and children encounter challenges in accessing quality dental care. Similar challenges are experienced in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of oral healthcare for children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This was an ethnographic study. The sample size was 25 participants, comprising of 12 pediatric dentists and 13 parents of children with disabilities. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, employing a topic guide. A pre-defined analytical framework was developed from the study objectives and framework analysis used to analyse data.

Results: The study identified significant barriers and facilitators to oral healthcare for children with disabilities. Barriers included long travel distances, inadequate clinic facilities, a shortage of specialist pediatric dentists, inefficiencies in referral systems, and financial constraints. Other challenges were related to physical barriers in clinics, cultural norms, and socioeconomic inequalities. Facilitators, though fewer, included personal connections, specialized disability friendly clinics, and the Priority Card Program, albeit with limited effectiveness. Suggestions for improvement highlighted the need for better training for dental professionals, enhanced clinic accessibility, and greater financial support for families.

Conclusion: Accessibility of dental care for children with disabilities in Saudi Arabia remains a significant challenge due to systemic barriers and individual-level obstacles. The study underscores the need for policy reforms, enhanced professional training, and the improvement of physical and financial accessibility to dental services. Addressing these issues through comprehensive educational programs and targeted interventions is essential for reducing oral health disparities and improving care for children with disabilities.