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Dental care is the most common unmet need in the special needs population. |
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For children with special health care needs, there are many potential barriers to accessing dental care. |
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Transportation, financial burden, insurance concerns, and professional availability are only some of the barriers families have to overcome to receive dental care. |
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Pediatric health professionals should help families to prioritize and address their child's oral health. |
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Children with special health care needs are at increased risk for developing caries. |
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Maintaining proper oral hygiene is often difficult, so pediatricians should emphasize to caregivers that their efforts are important. |
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Efforts should be made to modify diet and medications to protect the teeth. |
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Examining for tooth anomalies, malocclusion, and unusual patterns of eruption is important in children with special health care needs. |
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The presence of gingival hyperplasia or bruxism should prompt referral to a pediatric dentist for evaluation. |
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Oro-facial trauma is more common among children with special health care needs. |
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Inability to cooperate with oral hygiene practices is very common among children with special health care needs. |
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The child's therapists and dentist can be a valuable resource for families. |
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A complete oral examination is necessary at every routine visit. |
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All children with special health care needs should be referred to a dentist by 12 months of age. |
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Most children with special health care needs qualify for coverage of dental services through the EPSDT program. |
