Consensus Framework Targets Disability-Inclusive Training Gaps in Oral Health EducationNew curriculum framework aims to improve dental care for people with disabilities

Frontiers in Medicine Published September 25, 2026 Study authors: Dorothy Koh, Delyse Leadbeatter, Melanie Aley, Woosung Sohn, Archana Pradhan DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

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Key Takeaway

Consider this consensus framework as a guide for SND education, but implementation and impact remain unevaluated.

This guideline reports a consensus-based curriculum framework development for Special Needs Dentistry (SND) education, targeting oral health therapists (OHTs) and students in oral health programs. It is not a clinical trial and does not report a study population, sample size, comparator, or follow-up.

The authors describe current educational gaps, including variability in SND curriculum content, limited clinical exposure, and low levels of perceived preparedness among students and practitioners. These findings are qualitative and no effect sizes, absolute numbers, or p-values are reported.

The proposed framework comprises ten competency domains: communication, behavioural management, clinical care, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical practice. The framework is intended as a model for integrating disability-inclusive education into oral health programs to improve workforce capability and access to equitable care for people with disability.

Limitations acknowledged by the authors include the need for further research to evaluate implementation and impact in educational settings. Funding or conflicts of interest are not reported. The framework's potential to reduce reliance on specialist services and improve access to equitable oral healthcare is a stated goal, not a measured outcome. Clinicians and educators should interpret this as a consensus-based educational model requiring future evaluation.

Many people with disabilities struggle to find consistent, high-quality dental care. This often happens because the people providing the care do not feel fully prepared to handle the unique needs of these patients. A new consensus-based framework was created to address these gaps in oral health education.

The new curriculum focuses on ten key areas, including communication, behavior management, and ethical practice. It aims to give students and oral health therapists the specific skills they need to provide equitable care. By standardizing what is taught, the goal is to build a workforce that can provide better access to dental services for everyone.

While this framework provides a roadmap for schools and training programs, it is important to note that it is a model for education rather than a clinical trial. More research is still needed to see how this specific curriculum impacts actual patient outcomes in dental offices.

What this means for you:

A new training framework aims to better prepare dental professionals to care for patients with disabilities.

Common questions

Who is this new training framework for?

This framework is designed for students in oral health programs and oral health therapists. It aims to give these professionals the skills they need to provide better care for people with disabilities.

What specific skills will the new curriculum teach?

The framework covers ten competency domains. These include communication, behavior management, clinical care, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical practice to help providers better serve their patients.

Why is a new curriculum needed for dental care?

Current programs show a lot of variety in what is taught. Many students and practitioners report feeling unprepared to treat patients with disabilities, and there is often limited clinical experience in current programs.

Study Details

Study typeGuideline

EvidenceLevel 5

PublishedSep 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Individuals with disability experience disproportionately poorer oral health outcomes and face significant barriers in accessing dental care. Despite increasing recognition of Special Needs Dentistry (SND) as a priority area, gaps remain in the education and preparedness of the oral health workforce, particularly oral health therapists (OHTs). This article addressed the need for structured, evidence-informed curriculum models to support the integration of SND into oral health education. Guide the integration of a consensus-based SND curriculum framework into oral health therapy programs. A multi-phase research approach was undertaken, including a scoping review, curriculum mapping and content analysis of oral health programs, workforce and student perception surveys, and a Delphi study with expert stakeholders. Findings across phases were synthesised to inform the development of the curriculum framework. Consistent gaps were identified across all phases, including variability in SND curriculum content, limited clinical exposure, and low levels of perceived preparedness among students and practitioners. Strong interest in further SND training was observed. The resulting framework comprises ten competency domains encompassing communication, behavioural management, clinical care, interprofessional collaboration, and ethical practice. Learning outcomes are structured across undergraduate and postgraduate levels and aligned with established educational principles, including scaffolded learning and competency-based progression. Suggested learning activities and assessment tasks are provided to support implementation. The proposed SND curriculum framework offers a practical and adaptable model for integrating disability-inclusive education into oral health programs. By supporting the development of knowledge, clinical competence, and professional confidence, the framework has the potential to strengthen workforce capability, reduce reliance on specialist services, and improve access to equitable oral healthcare for people with disability. Further research is required to evaluate its implementation and impact in educational settings.

Consensus Framework Targets Disability-Inclusive Training Gaps in Oral Health EducationNew curriculum framework aims to improve dental care for people with disabilities

Common questions

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Consensus Framework Targets Disability-Inclusive Training Gaps in Oral Health EducationNew curriculum framework aims to improve dental care for people with disabilities

Common questions

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