Towards Defining an Intelligent System to Enhance Dentistry Experience for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This article proposes a human-centred systemic solution to enhance the dental experience for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Current dental procedures focus on desensitizing ASD patients to prevent agitation or use sedation, which reconditions their behaviour and overlooks their natural neural diversity. Additionally, communication difficulties and the need for routine make children with ASD resistant to treatment, as they are overstimulated and exposed to unfamiliar environments. There is a need for human-centred innovation in dentistry to incorporate technology that measures patient anxiety and reassures them during treatment. This paper reviews existing literature and proposes a theoretical concept for an intelligent, human-centred system to facilitate dental visits for children with ASD. It analyses the technical feasibility of solutions aimed at reducing anxiety before, during, and after treatment, categorized into technological, spatial, and communication aspects. The proposed solution integrates various technological elements, such as sensors, facial cameras, and adaptable room settings, to create a familiar and comfortable environment tailored to the needs of autistic children during dental visits. By addressing the entire dental visit process, the solution aims to reduce anxiety levels, improve patient experience, and provide dentists with real-time information, ultimately enhancing oral health outcomes for autistic children.