Disability and rehabilitation: do we ever think about needed dental care? A case study: the USA.

PURPOSE

To foster an awareness of the need for oral health care as a component of a programme for rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities.

METHOD

A case study of the USA is used to illustrate the evolving community residential settings for individuals with disabilities and the resulting complexities in the delivery of health services. Examples of oral health conditions frequently present in individuals with disabilities are provided.

RESULTS

National and local reports indicate that barriers exist in the delivery of oral health services for individuals with intellectual/developmental and later life disabilities.

CONCLUSION

Oral health care is a component of rehabilitation, as long as attendant pain erodes energy and aspirations of individuals with disabilities. Dental practitioners face many of the same complex difficulties encountered by other health practitioners in the provision of services for individuals with disabilities. The need is for the practitioners in the many health fields to play an important role in developing an awareness of, and referrals for, necessary oral health care.