Thursday, February 5, 2015

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:

Restricts nutritional intake necessary for growth and energy needs

Delays or otherwise alters growth and development

Inhibits participation in life activities

Diminishes quality of life

Dental Home Definition

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.