Strategies for Providing Oral Care to People With Developmental Disabilities
To achieve and maintain good oral health, people with mild or moderate developmental disabilities often require a special approach to dental care. With some adaptation of the skills dental professionals use every day, most people with special needs can be treated successfully in the general practice setting.
The series of publications, Practical Oral Care for People With Developmental Disabilities, equips dental professionals in the community with the basic information they need to deliver quality oral health care to people with special needs. The publications present an overview of physical, mental, and behavioral challenges common in patients with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation and offer strategies for providing oral care. Also available are a guide for caregivers that explains home-based oral hygiene for the family member or client with special needs and a publication on safe wheelchair transfer. A two-credit-hour continuing education test for dentists and dental hygienists completes the series. (133 KB)
To learn more about providing oral care to people with developmental disabilities, please see the publications below:
Practical Oral Care for People With Developmental Disabilities Series
For Health Professionals
For Caregivers
Other Government Information
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