Effectiveness of Bisindo Android Application in Improving Access to Dental Health Services for Children with Disabilities

Abstract

Children with disabilities often face serious barriers in accessing dental health services, including communication limitations, lack of trained health workers, and facilities that are not disability-friendly. Comparison charts show that the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease in children with disabilities is much higher than in children without disabilities. Conversely, the rate of regular visits to the dentist is lower in the disabled group. In responding to these challenges, digital technology such as Android applications based on Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO) comes as a potential solution. The app provides dental health information in a visual and interactive manner, facilitating better understanding for children with hearing or communication impairments. Previous studies have shown that the use of BISINDO apps increases understanding of dental procedures by 75% and improves adherence to dental care by 60%. Besides benefiting children with disabilities, the app also assists medical personnel in explaining procedures effectively. However, challenges such as lack of technology adoption among health workers and parents remain. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the BISINDO application in improving access and quality of dental health services for children with disabilities, as a first step towards improving an inclusive and equitable health service system.