PlayTeeth Tool Development: An Innovative Dental Care Tool for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT Objective: To associate the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) validated techniques with technology in dentistry by developing software to mediate and facilitate dental care. Material and Methods: A literature review was performed to retrieve information about those techniques. The software for tablets and smartphones was developed based on the data extracted. The results were considered to determine which characteristics the tool should present, such as settings, colors, and gameplay patterns. Results: The main characteristics are illustrations with vibrant colors and background music and two characters to be chosen. The application has three interactive environments: kitchen, bathroom, and dental office, so the patient goes through all of them interacting with health promotion content. Conclusion: An application is presented that aims to facilitate such care in a practical, accessible, and free manner, improving the interaction between dentists and patients.