Special needs patient being helped into dental chair by relative for his appointment with hygienist. (Photo courtesy of Tufts.)

Persons with developmental disabilities, attributable to mental, emotional, sensory and/or physical impairment are visiting the dental office on a regular basis. They deserve the same level of care that we all expect, but exposure to this population in dental education is often lacking.This course addresses these level of care issues.

Special Care in Dentistry is a curriculum designed to introduce you to some characteristics and dental care needs of persons with special needs. These units are designed to increase your knowledge and awareness of patients with developmental disabilities, and provide you with practical tools for providing high-quality care.