|
 The
federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau has defined
children with special health care needs as those “who
have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical,
developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition
and who require health and related services of a type
or amount beyond that required by children generally.”[1]
Fifteen percent (1.9 million) of U.S.
children ages 5 and under have a chronic condition
or disability.[2]
Some conditions that may require special oral health
care include Down syndrome, epileptic or seizure disorders,
cleft lip or cleft palate and other craniofacial defects,
cerebral palsy, learning and developmental disabilities,
vision and hearing impairments, genetic and hereditary
disorders with orofacial defects, and HIV infection.
By learning how to identify and prevent oral conditions
that can occur, health professionals may be better
able to manage the overall health of infants and young
children with special health care needs. |
