Overview of Disability

Abstract

People with disabilities encounter barriers to care and health disparities. An understanding of relevant concepts in disability can help providers better identify and mitigate them. Understanding models of disability and using appropriate language can enable providers to better care for their patients with disabilities. Dental providers should become familiar with concepts that are accepted as best practices in caring for people with disabilities, such as utilizing a strengths-based approach, providing patient- and family-centered care, integrating universal design into the dental setting, and utilizing a team approach to care delivery.