Comparative assessment of dental care services utilization and barriers among individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities in Jordan

Background Oral health is a key component of overall well-being, yet individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often face significant barriers to accessing proper dental care. In Jordan, limited research has examined these disparities, underscoring the need for a focused investigation. Objective This study aimed to assess dental service utilization among individuals with IDD in Jordan and identify key barriers to dental care access compared with individuals without IDD. Methods A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted with 317 participants: 168 with IDD and 149 without. Data were collected using a validated, self-designed, closed-ended questionnaire that assessed dental service utilization, reasons for dental visits, and perceived barriers to care. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants or caregivers before participation. Participants with IDD were recruited from registered IDD centers, while individuals without IDD were recruited from the same geographic areas. Convenience sampling was used to select participants from centers affiliated with IDD. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Group differences were evaluated with Chi-square tests and contingency tables. Results Reported barriers included long waiting times, high treatment costs, inconvenient clinic hours, feelings of embarrassment, lack of specialized dental staff, limited provider knowledge on treating individuals with disabilities, and inadequate facilities. No significant differences were found between the two groups on lack of dental insurance or dental care access anxiety. Conclusions This study confirms socioeconomic disparities in dental service utilization among individuals with IDD in Jordan and highlights multiple barriers to dental care access. These findings identify the most perceived obstacles to oral health services among individuals with IDD, offering valuable insights for developing targeted health policies to improve access to dental care and reduce oral health inequalities in this vulnerable population.