Dental care in children with developmental disabilities: attention deficit disorder, intellectual disabilities, and autism
Charles, J.M.
Journal of Dentistry for Children 77(2): 84-91
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1935-5068 PMID: 20819403 Document Number: 259637
The Federal government reports that 13% of Americans between birth and 18 years of old meet the definition of a child with special health care needs. These children and young adults present unique challenges for both pediatric and general dentists to provide access to the oral health care system--establishing a treatment plan for those with unique medical, behavioral and dental needs and maintaining oral health over the lifetime. The purpose of this article was to describe the characteristics of 3 common developmental disabilities and the challenges these issues present to the oral health care practitioner.