Oral health policies and clinical guidelines.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has developed oral health policies, clinical guidelines, and definitions to serve as a reference for healthcare providers, the public, and others. These documents are developed by the AAPD Council on Clinical Affairs with input from the Council on Scientific Affairs. In addition, the AAPD has endorsed policies and guidelines published by other associations that have some relevance to the oral health care of children. The purpose of this presentation was to review the extent to which the AAPD policies and guidelines includes mention of persons with special health care needs (PSHCN). Recommendations are made for the inclusion of references to PSHCN in additional AAPD polices and guidelines.