SPECIAL CARE DENTISTRY FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED CHILD

Abstract

Special Care Dentistry (SCD) is a discipline focused on enhancing oral health for individuals with diverse impairments, including physical, sensory, intellectual, and medical conditions. It highlights the significant prevalence of disabilities in India and globally, as well as the complex nature of disability according to the WHO International Classification of Functioning. It discusses the extended lifespan of Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN) due to medical advancements, which necessitates tailored dental care to manage associated oral health challenges. Despite global efforts to improve oral health, disadvantaged and disabled populations continue to face disparities. It concludes by outlining the scope of a forthcoming library dissertation, which aims to review prevalent oral conditions among individuals with special needs and propose general care recommendations to address their unique challenges in accessing dental treatment.