title: Developmental disabilities and understanding the needs of patients with mental retardation and Down syndrome.
abstract: This article provides the dentist with a background on developmental disabilities, services, and issues related to statutory and regulatory requirements, with a focus on mental retardation and Down syndrome. Down syndrome has mental retardation as a component, yet requires additional emphasis because of its prevalence and associated craniofacial manifestations. Also discussed are treatment considerations.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center, Division of Dentistry, 445 S. Cedar Ave., Fresno, CA 93702, USA. ssurabiandds@communitymedical.org
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Surabian
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002140:California; D002648:Child; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control