Dental Care for People with Special Needs

One of the Canadian Dental Association’s (CDA) top priorities is to advocate for accessible oral health care for all of Canada’s populations, including vulnerable groups who require special oral health care.

Oral health is an important part of healthy daily living. People who live with cognitive and developmental disabilities are often prone to developing dental cavities and gum disease, which can negatively impact their overall health and ability to complete normal daily activities.

The CDA has a list of evidence-based tools and resources to help dentists, the dental team, parents, and caregivers provide oral health care for people living with autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. These resources help care providers adapt their daily skills when routine oral health care provision is not always possible.