Barriers and facilitators to oral health care among people with autism spectrum disorder: a scoping review

Introduction People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience persistent inequalities in oral health, with care trajectories often disrupted by sensory sensitivities, behavioural challenges, and systemic barriers that contribute to care avoidance and disease progression.Objective To map and synthesise the existing evidence on barriers, facilitators, perceptions, and accessibility factors influencing oral healthcare experiences among people with ASD.Methods A scoping review was conducted in accordance with Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and reported in line with PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science for studies published between 2020 and 2025.Results Thirty-nine sources of evidence met the inclusion criteria. Sensory hypersensitivity and dental anxiety emerged as universal barriers, often compounded by systemic constraints such as high treatment costs and limited professional training. Significant gaps were identified in support during the transition to adulthood and in strategies to promote patient autonomy. Reported facilitators included sensory-adapted clinical environments, visual pedagogical tools, and behavioural modelling technologies, which were associated with improved cooperation and clinical outcomes.Conclusion Access to oral health care for people with ASD is a complex ecological challenge rather than an individual limitation. Addressing disparities requires neurodiversity-affirming professional education and health system adaptations that prioritise preventive, inclusive, and sensory-safe care.