DENTAL CARE OF THE SPECIAL PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Abstract

Dental speciality is a highly specialised & expensive treatment all over the world. Internationally dental services are limited as per the need of the community. Common masses are either being neglected or have limited access to the oral health care services. Special people have more prevalence of the Dental problems and are the more deserving people within the society to have oral health care. Special people need special facilities or services to have dental care. According to the Pakistan 2017 censuses, persons with disabilities constitute 0.48 per cent of the country’s total population. People with physical disabilities may have problems getting into the dental surgery or even into the dental chair. People with learning disabilities may become overanxious at the thought of going to the dentist or may need extra reassurance. People suffering from severe medical problems may need extra precautions or care.

Unfortunately in our society access to the oral health care for the general public and particularly for the special people is limited. It is a harsh reality that persons with Disabilities are the most abandoned, marginalised group in Pakistan, who are facing the multitude of social, economic, physical and health care barriers in the society. Provision of preventive care about the diet of the Special people and oral hygiene index will improve the living standard of these people considerably

Therefore, a dental institution can play a pivotal role in the delivery of oral health care to the special people. As dental professionals, we should encourage the dental teaching institutions to incorporate dental care of the special people in their undergraduate as well as postgraduate curriculums. Dental Institutions should be encouraged to provide special facilities to the most underprivileged people within the society.