General Anesthesia for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: A Clinical Guidance for Oral Healthcare Professionals

Individuals with intellectual disability tend to have higher prevalences of oral diseases compared to the general population, but they experience difficulties accessing oral healthcare services. The use of general anaesthesia is frequently needed to provide adequate dental treatment, particularly in individuals with extensive dental disease and in those with moderate to severe intellectual disability who cannot tolerate dental treatment under local anaesthesia. The provision of dental care under general anaesthesia requires adequate background and preparation, as well as thoroughness throughout its implementation. This review aims to provide an overview for oral healthcare professionals about the dental treatment of individuals with intellectual disability under general anaesthesia. Keywords: General anesthesia, Intellectual disability, Dental treatment, Special need patients, Oral healthcare.