New Models for Improving Oral Health for People with Special Needs

The number of people with special needs is increasing dramatically. In this context, people with special needs refer to people who have difficulty having good oral health or accessing oral health services because of a disability or medical condition. Among these groups, the number of people with developmental disabilities and the emerging population of aging "baby boomers with teeth" are demonstrating dramatic growth. People in these groups have significantly more dental disease than the general population. It is already difficult to impossible for many people with special needs to obtain oral health services. Under the current system of care, this situation will only get worse. The characteristics of a new model, which can better address the oral health problems of people with special needs, are described.