Disability We Care Conference 2017

People with special health care needs (SHCNs) include those who experience any form of congenital, developmental or acquired physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional disabilities and have limited conditions requiring specialized medical attention and management in custody health and daily routine. 

In Malaysia, 359,203 people have been registered as having disabilities, comprising 1.3% of the total population. These individual groups are subject to poor oral health risks due to the combination of functional limitations, cognitive and physical problems, polypharmacy problems and complex medical conditions that may limit their personal care. Furthermore, people with SHCN experience reduced access to professional oral health care services, resulting in ineffective treatment requirements. These individuals also show a lack of knowledge about oral health which is one of the key components of general wellbeing and quality of life.

The conference will feature local expert speakers from all areas of specialization; dental specialties, medicine, socio-nurture and allied health from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) mainly and local special needs advocates. The conference also offers a platform for special needs communities and families with special needs groups to receive knowledge and experience with academics, clinicians, dental officers as well as students through plenary sessions, sharing session forums, E-poster, table clinic presentation/competition and community-friendly programs to be organized.