Community-based dental services for patients with special needs.

ABSTRACT

Deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities has increased the demand for dental services for these patients by community practitioners. There are numerous difficulties associated with the delivery of care to this population with special needs. Nevertheless, a county-by-county review for New York State indicates that in most instances, if all dentists are willing to help, there would be a relatively small number of these patients per dental practitioner.