Special needs dentistry
Special Needs Dentistry
Special Needs Dentistry (pronunciation: spe-shəl nēdz den-tə-strē), also known as Special Care Dentistry or Geriatric Dentistry, is a specialty of dentistry that caters to the oral health care needs of individuals with physical, medical, developmental, or cognitive conditions that limit their ability to receive routine dental care.
Etymology
The term "Special Needs Dentistry" is derived from the phrase "special needs", which refers to individuals who require assistance for disabilities that may be medical, mental, or psychological, and "dentistry", which is the professional care of teeth, including professional oral hygiene and dental surgery.
Related Terms
- Oral Health: The health of the mouth, which is a vital part of overall health and well-being.
- Dental Surgery: A medical procedure involving the teeth and jaw bones.
- Geriatric Dentistry: The delivery of dental care to older adults involving the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems associated with normal aging and age-related diseases.
- Pediatric Dentistry: The branch of dentistry dealing with children from birth through adolescence.
- Dental Public Health: The science and art of preventing and controlling dental diseases and promoting dental health through organized community efforts.
Overview
Special Needs Dentistry is a branch of dentistry that provides comprehensive, holistic dental care for individuals with special health care needs. Dentists in this field are trained to manage the unique dental concerns of patients with various physical, developmental, and cognitive conditions. This includes patients with Down Syndrome, Autism, Alzheimer's Disease, Cerebral Palsy, and those who are medically compromised.
The goal of Special Needs Dentistry is to provide optimal oral health care to individuals with special health care needs, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life. This involves not only the treatment of existing dental problems, but also the prevention of future oral health issues through education and routine dental care.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Special needs dentistry
- Wikipedia's article - Special needs dentistry
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