Issues in Access to Oral Health Care for Special Care Patients

Access to oral health care for persons with special health care needs is quite limited. Psychologic, economic, and physical barriers exist that prevent these patients, who may have complex medical histories and physical or psychologic disabilities, from accessing appropriate continuing dental care. There are ways to surmount each of these barriers, typically with both positive and negative aspects that must be considered. Education of the health care professionals, the patients, government officials, third-party payers, and colleagues in all aspects of health care, is needed. The ultimate answer is education of and cooperation by all concerned, including the patients and caretakers.