Abstract
Dentists have a profound responsibility to champion special needs patients through patience, trust, accessibility, collaboration, and individualized care—recognizing that thoughtful accommodations and compassion are essential to safe treatment, dignity, and lifelong oral health.
This article discusses social-emotional, practical, and clinical considerations for best serving patients with disabilities. A list of tips specifically for improving the experience of dental visits for pediatric patients with developmental disabilities is included.
Recommended Citation
Maloney, William J.
(2026)
"Dentistry for Individuals with Special Needs,"
Bulletin of the Ninth District Dental Association: Vol. 111:
No.
2, Article 3.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/ninthdistrictnybulletin/vol111/iss2/3