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Health professionals can also help parents
ensure that their child experiences optimal oral health
by assisting them in finding a dentist that has experience
in treating infants and young children with special
health care needs.
- All infants and young children with special health
care needs should be referred to a dentist 6 months
after the first tooth erupts or by age 12 months
(whichever comes first) for establishment of a dental
home[14]
- Infants and young children with special health
care needs may need to visit a dentist every 2 to
3 months or more often, depending on risk factors.
- Dentists may have specific scheduling requirements
for infants and young children with special health
care needs to ensure that visits take place when
the dentist, the staff, and the infant or child
are best prepared for them.
- Dental treatments may require additional time
to accommodate the infant’s or child’s
medical diagnosis, medications, behavior, and complexity
of care.
- Infants and young children with special health
care needs should be under the care of oral health
professionals and office staff who have experience
in working with this population.
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