Oral health access issues for children with special health care needs

Abstract

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for all children; all require consistent age-appropriate daily care. Most children with special health care needs have the same dental routines and can see the same dentists as their typical peers. Untreated dental conditions in children with special health care needs and particularly those with disabilities and significant health conditions can result in very serious behavioral and medical results. Due to higher medication usage, the physical characteristics associated with many disabilities, and the comorbidities that contribute to compromised health status, these children have an increased need for consistent and high quality dental care. This population suffers from reduced capabilities for daily hygiene, reduced number of professionals accepting them or their insurance, and less didactic and clinical training for dental professionals to make them more comfortable and competent with treating individuals with disabilities. Many advocates are working diligently on multiple strategies to solve the access issue for those children with special health care needs who are most at risk.