Abstract

Children with special needs have certain disabilities that restrict them in performing daily life activities. There is a general agreement that specially challenged children have increased risk of Gingivitis and Periodontitis than the general population. Such children are at an increased risk for various oral diseases which can adversely affect their quality of life. Health is a term that encompasses multiple dimensions such as physical, social and mental well-being of an individual and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity providing both primary and comprehensive, preventive and therapeutic oral health care to children with SHCN is an integral part of Pediatric Dentistry. Dental team should know and use various treatment modifications and modalities for such children. All patients with special needs must have equal access and high-quality treatment that focuses on patient safety and treatment of dental needs. Therefore, in addition to training and increasing the awareness among dental and medical professionals, there should be more emphasis on establishing dental home and other comprehensive and coordinated services.