Special Care Patient Demographics
This population is expected to experience an increased need for dental care due to aging, functional decline, and comorbidities.
What are older adults?
This medical condition, common in elderly patients, can result in xerostomia and increases the risk for dental caries and periodontal disease
What is Sjogren's Syndrome?
This fundamental goal of normalization aims to integrate individuals with special needs into society by providing access to the same opportunities as others.
What is equal opportunity?
Suggesting ways to increase the diameter of a toothbrush handle, or recommending a power toothbrush are examples of this type of intervention.
What is adaptive equipment?
This common oral complication in patients with Parkinson's disease is associated with muscle rigidity and difficulty controlling saliva.
What is drooling?
This group includes patients with congenital or acquired conditions that affect their ability to perform activities of daily living, such as brushing and flossing.
What are patients with physical disabilities?
This condition can cause a predisposition to aggressive periodontal disease, dry mouth, and delayed wound healing, often requiring special consideration for dental hygiene care.
What is diabetes?
This aspect of normalization seeks to allow individuals with special needs to have control over their own lives, including making decisions about their health and daily activities.
What is autonomy?
This preventive measure is of the utmost importance with many special needs patients who have trouble with xerostomia or manual dexterity.
What is fluoride therapy?
For patients with epilepsy, dental professionals must be cautious of this potential oral injury during a seizure.
What is tongue biting or trauma?
Individuals who are under the age of 18 and have physical or mental conditions that require ongoing medical or dental care.
What are pediatric patients with special health care needs?
Patients with this condition may exhibit sensitivity to light, touch, smell, and taste. There may be constant movement and repetitious activity.
What is autism spectrum disorder?
This barrier, particularly prevalent among individuals with cognitive impairments, can hinder the relationship between patients and dental professionals, potentially compromising the quality of care.
What is communication difficulty?
For patients with impaired oral reflexes or sensory issues, this alternative method can be used to protect the patients airway.
What is using a rubber dam and adequate suctioning?
In patients with congenital heart defects, a consultation with the patient's physician is necessary to determine the need for this intervention.
What is antibiotic premedication?
This growing demographic group faces a unique combination of medical, psychological, and social challenges that impact their oral health care.
What are individuals with mental health conditions?
Patients with this condition may suffer from hearing impairment, upper respiratory infections, may have an intra-oral prosthetic appliance, and dietary concerns.
What is cleft lip or palate?
This goal of normalization aims to reduce barriers and stigmas associated with having a disability, helping to improve acceptance within communities.
What is social inclusion?
This technique should be utilized at each appointment due to inadequacies of conventional health history forms related to the multiple conditions associated with many special needs patients.
What is supplemental questioning?
This condition, common in patients undergoing cancer treatment, is characterized by the inflammation and ulceration of the mucosal tissues in the mouth.
What is mucositis?
According to studies, this percentage of the U>S. population has at least one form of special health care need that impacts their oral health care.
What is 15-20%?
This lifespan shortening condition will cause decreased resistance to infections, pulmonary complications, impaired breathing, and recurrent pneumonia.
What is cystic fibrosis?
This term refers to discrimination against individuals with disabilities, often resulting in unequal access to care or marginalization in healthcare settings, including dental care.
What is abelism?
For patients with developmental disabilities or behavioral concerns, this approach involves clear communication and desensitization to reduce anxiety and improve cooperation.
What is behavior management?
This medication-induced oral condition, often seen in patients with epilepsy or those on immunosuppressive therapy, leads to abnormal tissue growth on the gingiva.
What is gingival hyperplasia?