About this Research Topic

Background

Oral health problems of people with special health care needs is a global health issue. Special health care needs is defined to include any limiting conditions or physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, developmental impairment or that requires special health care and/or medical management. Evidence has highlighted the existing health inequalities between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disability. People with disability are particularly vulnerable to poor oral health and have complex oral health care needs. Specialized knowledge, increased awareness and adaptation are required when managing and providing oral care for disabled people.

Concerning this issue, updated information on the prevalence of oral diseases and its risk factors in these populations is crucial to develop effective oral health programs. Studies on primary, secondary prevention and interventions using the evidence-based approach strategies, explicitly targeting this susceptible population are required. Oral health policy and multidisciplinary collaborative research involving community engagement is essential to tackle this problem.

This research topic welcomes original laboratory and clinical research, review and case report related to oral health and policy, in particular for people with special health care needs. Studies on epidemiology, risk factors of oral diseases, evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies addressing different cultures and social contexts are welcome. Articles on the updated oral health policy and reports on the evaluation of community service in particular special care programs are within the scope of this topic.

This topic will provide readers with up-to-date knowledge of oral health and policy for people with special health care needs in different aspects, including epidemiology, management and oral health-related policy. These will be beneficial for dental practitioners, researchers, and dental educators at both individual and community levels.

Potential topics related to people with special health care needs include but are not limited to:

● Epidemiology and risk assessment of oral diseases
● Caries prevention and management
● Periodontal diseases and improving oral hygiene
● Improving access and quality of dental care
● Updated oral health policies, guidelines and dental management related to patients with disability
● Reports on dental community projects or special programs for this population

Keywords: medically compromised patients, disability, oral disease, oral health policy, oral health, aging

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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