Chapter 7

Children with Disabilities

First published: 24 January 2014
Citations: 2

Summary

Prevalence of disabilities varies between different countries and cultures, but it is realistic to assume that up to twenty percent of all children and adolescents may be affected by a disability or a chronic health condition. Cognitive reasoning, behavioral repertoires, and communicative skills vary in children with disabilities. This chapter discusses special child patients with disabilities or chronic health conditions and provides examples to assist with their management in the dental office. The disabilities are categorized as physical impairments, intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments and neuropsychiatric disorders. The chapter also focuses on how the dental team can work together with the child and family to create positive dental appointments and good oral health. As with all child dental patients, caring for the special child involves the pediatric dentistry treatment triangle—the child, the parent or legal guardian, and the dental team. The chapter provides details about each corner of the triangle.

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