How does Dental care for one and all - Accessible & inclusive dentistry for special children fit into an evidence-based treatment pathway?

DentalReach Practice Perspective:

Shared decision-making should present realistic benefits, uncertainties, alternatives, maintenance needs and the consequence of no treatment. This is especially important when the evidence is early or the intervention is irreversible.

DentalReach Academic Editor:

Part 1 of inclusive dentistry series. In this part we will discuss making the dental clinics more accessible for children with special health care needs,. Its strongest use is as a structured starting point. Diagnosis, baseline risk, alternatives, likely benefit, potential harm and the patient’s priorities must still determine the final plan.

DentalReach Critical Appraisal:

A pediatric plan should integrate caries and pulpal status, development, cooperation, restorability, safeguarding, caregiver capacity and prevention. The least invasive option is appropriate only when its expected durability and follow-up are acceptable.