Theme notesAccess & special needs
Theme notesAccess & special needs
The dental home & individualized access
Make the plan fit the patient’s abilities, medical needs, and access to care. Build continuity from the first dental home through the transition to adult services.
Remember
Home by one. Adapt. Coordinate. Keep the handoff connected.
Key points
Establish a dental home by 12 months: ongoing, individualized prevention, urgent care, and coordinated referral. Teledentistry supports access but does not replace that relationship.
Dental home (PDF opens in a new tab)Ask about function, communication, sensory triggers, routines, and helpful accommodations. Adapt scheduling, staff, environment, prevention, and caregiver support.
Special health care needs (PDF opens in a new tab)Review medical conditions, medications, interactions, airway risk, and procedural demands. Coordinate consultation or a higher-level setting when needed.
Special health care needs (PDF opens in a new tab)Answer aloud
How should you individualize dental care for a child with special health care needs?
Ask the patient and caregiver what works; assess actual capabilities and risks. Communication impairment does not establish intellectual disability. Tailor goals and assistance to the individual.
Special health care needs (PDF opens in a new tab)How should you coordinate referral when care exceeds your scope or a patient needs to transition to adult dental care?
Arrange a coordinated referral and confirm a receiving dental home. Maintain continuity and emergency access during transition; identify practical barriers to completing the handoff.
Dental home (PDF opens in a new tab)Special health care needs (PDF opens in a new tab)Quick decisions
When should a dental home be established, and what role can teledentistry play?
by 12 months; teledentistry supports it but does not replace it
What should you review when planning dental care for a medically complex child?
meds, interactions, airway risk; consult or higher-level setting when needed