Management of Dental Patients with Special Health Care Needs

Abstract

This best practice presents recommendations regarding the management of oral health care for dental patients with special health care needs (SHCN) rather than treatment for oral conditions. SHCN are defined as any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. Nearly one in five U.S. children has a SHCN. The more severe their health conditions, the more likely they are to have unmet dental needs. Barriers to care are discussed. Without professional preventive and therapeutic dental services, children with SHCN may exacerbate systemic medical conditions and increase the need for costly care. Each oral health topic (e.g., dental home, scheduling appointments, patient assessment, planning dental treatment, informed consent, behavior guidance, preventive strategies) includes specific recommendations. The document addresses patients with developmental or acquired orofacial conditions as a special cohort of children with SHCN. Consultation and coordination of care with medical and other dental providers may be necessary for safe delivery of care and to improve long term outcomes for these patients. As children with SHCN approach adulthood, planning and coordinating their successful transition to an adult dental home ensures no disruption in the continuity of oral health care.

This document was developed through a collaborative effort of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Councils on Clinical Affairs and Scientific Affairs to offer updated information and guidance on the management of dental patients with special health care needs.

^{KEYWORDS: DENTAL CARE FOR DISABLED, DISABLED CHILD, DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN, PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY}