1 - Definitions

Question 1

What is the dental home?

Answer 1

1. The ongoing relationship between the dentist and the pt.
   - -Inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated and family-centered way.
   - -Establishment of the dental home begins no later than 12 months of age and includes referral to dental specialists when appropriate.

Question 2

What is dental neglect?

Answer 2

Willful failure of parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain and infection.

Question 3

What is dental disability?

Answer 3

An individual should be considered to have a dental disability if pain, infection, or lack of stable and functional dentition:

1. Restricts nutritional intake necessary for growth and energy needs.
2. Delays or otherwise alters growth and development.
3. Inhibits participation in life activities.
4. Diminishes quality of life.

Question 4

What is medically necessary care?

Answer 4

1. The reasonable and essential diagnostic, preventive and treatment services (including supplies, appliances and devices) and follow-up care as determined by health care providers in treating any condition, disease, injury or congenital or developmental malformation.
2. Includes all supportive health care services that, in the judgment of the attending dentist, are necessary for the provision of optimal quality therapeutic and preventive oral care.
   - -These services include, but are not limited to, sedation, general anesthesia, and utilization of surgical facilities.

Question 5

What is special health care needs?

Answer 5

1. Includes any physical developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs.
2. Health care for individuals with special needs requires specialized knowledge acquired by additional training, as well as increased awareness and attention, adaptation and accomodative measures beyond what are considered routine.