"The whole thing is just really difficult": Experiences of Dental Services for Children and Adults With Cerebral Palsy in Australia - A Qualitative Study

Abstract

PURPOSE: People with cerebral palsy (CP) often experience significant barriers to accessing dental care, yet this area remains under researched in Australia. This study explored how people with CP and their caregivers experience dental services in Australia. METHODS: Semi structured interviews were conducted with a total of (n = 13) participants, including caregivers of children with CP (n = 4), adults with CP (n = 5) and caregivers of adults with CP (n = 4). RESULTS: Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (1) "The whole thing is just really difficult-Difficulties in identifying and accessing dental services for people with CP," (2) When care stops at the chair-Ableism in oral health care and (3) Person-centred care-How the dental profession can be more welcoming to people with CP. Two of these themes included sub-themes. People with CP experience complex and often overlooked challenges in accessing dental services, influenced by clinical and structural barriers, as well as by systemic failures and the quality of interaction with dental practitioners. When dental care is positive, it is underpinned by trust, effective communication, respect, and genuine partnership. CONCLUSION: People with CP and their caregivers in this study identified structural and interpersonal barriers to dental service access, while also suggesting practical, inclusive, and coordinated solutions to improve access to dental care.