Originally published in 2019.
Republished in 2022 following global agreement validation.
The 2022 version reflects methodological standardisation within the IAPD Consensus & Foundational Articles framework and formal evaluation of international agreement. No substantive changes were made to the clinical recommendations.
Children with special health care needs (SHCN) include those with physical, developmental, behavioural, or emotional conditions that require additional health care services beyond those required by typically developing children. These children may face increased challenges in maintaining oral health and accessing dental care.
Paediatric dental professionals play an important role in ensuring that children with special health care needs receive appropriate preventive and therapeutic dental care in a safe and supportive environment.
Core principles include:
Appropriate dental care for children with special health care needs contributes significantly to improved quality of life and overall health.
Children with special health care needs should receive comprehensive oral health assessments that take into account their medical conditions, medications, and functional abilities.
Preventive strategies, including oral hygiene instruction and fluoride use, are essential components of oral health care for children with special health care needs.
Dental professionals should adapt treatment approaches to accommodate the child’s specific medical, behavioural, and developmental needs.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
Individualised treatment planning should consider the child’s overall health status, cooperation level, and ability to maintain oral hygiene.
Collaboration with caregivers and other healthcare professionals is important to ensure coordinated and safe care.
In some cases, advanced behaviour guidance techniques, sedation, or treatment under general anaesthesia may be necessary to provide appropriate dental care.
Efforts should be made to improve access to dental care for children with special health care needs.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
🎙 IAPD Podcast Series
Relevant discussions within the IAPD Podcast Series explore approaches to providing oral health care for children with complex medical or developmental needs.
6️⃣ Planning the Transition: From Paediatric to Adult Dental Care
Presenter: Dr Young J. Kim
7️⃣ Enhancing Collaboration: Communication Between Paediatric & Adult Dental Teams
Presenter: Dr Dimitrios Emmanouil
8️⃣ Integrating IAPD Recommendations: Optimising Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
Presenter: Dr Andreas Agouropoulos
🎥 IAPD Webinar
Relevant webinars may address clinical considerations and care strategies for children with special health care needs.
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on Children with Special Health Care Needs.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
