Meeting the needs of special-needs patients

In today's society, the trend is toward massive de-institutionalization of individuals with special needs. With the growth of community-based facilities and healthcare, dentists need to embrace the challenge of meeting the oral health needs of special-needs patients. To do so, and establish a trust relationship with these patients, they will require training, education and, above all, compassion. Through accessibility, the provision of care and positive attitudes, the dental profession can profoundly assist in improving the quality of life of special-needs patients.