How to establish dental treatment plans for the patients with severe disabilities

Chang,  Juhea

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 53(11); 2015 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2015;53(11):770-778.
Published online November 30, 2015.

치과적 중증 장애인 환자를 위한 치료 계획 수립

장주혜

서울대학교치과병원 스페셜케어클리닉

How to establish dental treatment plans for the patients with severe disabilities

Juhea Chang

Special Care Clinic, Seoul National University Dental Hospital

Abstract

This article discusses how to conduct treatment planning and decision making in special needs dentistry. Special needs patients often lack cooperative ability during dental treatment and have a deteriorated oral health status. To overcome the limitation in communication with special needs patients and solve their complicated dental problems, dentists need to have extensive preoperative information about the patients and their caregivers. Treatment procedures should be organized in a patient-centered and cost-effective manner. Additionally, clinical outcomes need to be predicted taking into consideration of the patients' condition. The clinical experience of committed dentists is another factor that enhances the benefits of extensive treatment in special needs patients with many limitations. The insightful treatment decision-making of dentists will contribute to improving the oral health of special needs patients despite the various obstacles.

Key Words: Special need;Special care;Treatment planning;Decision making;General anesthesia;