AAPD Definitions

Dental Home
The dental home is the ongoing relationship between the dentist
and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivered
in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and
family-centered way. Establishment of a dental home begins no
later than 12 months of age and includes referral to dental specialists
when appropriate.

Dental Neglect
Dental caries, periodontal diseases, and other oral conditions,if left untreated, can lead to pain, infection, and loss of function.These undesirable outcomes can adversely affect learning,communication, nutrition, and other activities necessary fornormal growth and development.Dental neglect is willful failure of parent or guardian to seekand follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a levelof oral heath essential for adequate function and freedom frompain and infection.

Dental Disability
Dental caries, periodontal disease, dentoalveolar trauma, and
other oral conditions left untreated can limit substantially a
child’s development and an individual’s participation in life
activities. An Individual should be considered to have a dental
disability if pain, infection, or lack of stable and functional
dentition:
1. restricts nutritional intake adequate for growth and energy
needs;
2. delays or otherwise alters growth and development;
3. inhibits participation in life activities; or
4. diminishes quality of life.