Special needs dentistry

Special needs dentistry, also known as special care dentistry, is a specialty of dentistry concerned with the oral health of people who have intellectual disability, or who are affected by other medical, physical, or psychiatric issues.

Special needs dentists require an extra three years of postgraduate training after attaining their dental degree. They are then eligible for Board Certification by the American Board of Special Care Dentistry (Diplomate ABSCD) or Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (FRACDS (SND)).

People in this group require particular education and support to establish and maintain their oral health.

Books

 * Glassman, P. (2006). Oral Health Promotion with People with Special Needs. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.

Papers

 * Waldman, H. B., & Perlman, S. P. (2004). Eliminating Medicaid Dentistry for Adults With Mental Retardation: Mental Retardation Vol 42(6) Dec 2004, 476-479.