Dental care for the handicapped

The family physician/pediatrician who sees the newborn handicapped infant is the health-care professional who can best influence the parent concerning the general health-care needs of the child. The realization that dental disease is preventable and need not further compromise the child's health is of major importance. Too often dental care is not considered important until an emergency arises, and then panic follows. This paper will delineate some of the basic principles involved in providing dental treatment for the disabled and the importance of an early referral so that a sound preventive program can be instituted. This approach will minimize the need for emergency visits and will help to establish a solid rapport with the parents/guardian and the handicapped child.