Although special care dentistry (SCD) is a fairly recent specialty, the principles and practice of SCD have been developed since the 1980s. Shared care of these patients with general dental practitioners remains vital to ensure that comprehensive care is provided. This article aims to discuss some of the patient groups commonly seen in SCD clinics and give an insight into the varied complex medical and social aspects of care which are managed as part of providing appropriate, safe and holistic care.
Clinical Relevance: Many patients who currently fall under the remit of special care dentistry could be treated safely in general dental practice. This article acts as an introduction to special care dentistry for general dental practitioners.
Article
Special Care Dentistry (SCD) is primarily concerned with providing care and improving the oral health of individuals or groups who have a physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, medical, emotional or social impairment or disability or, more often, a combination of these factors.1
The majority of specialist care is provided in a secondary care community-based setting. However, the shared care of patients with general dental practitioners remains vital to ensure comprehensive care.
Although SCD is a fairly recent specialty, the principles and practice of SCD have been developed since the 1980s when the British Society of Disability and Oral Health was established with the following objectives:
The impact of oral conditions on an individual's quality of life can be profound.2 Poor oral health may add an additional burden, whereas good oral health has holistic benefits in that it can improve general health, dignity, self-esteem, social integration and quality of life.3
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