title: Conceptual frameworks for understanding system capacity in the care of people with special health care needs.
abstract: This paper seeks to (1) identify strengths and weaknesses of the US health care system regarding oral care for persons with special needs; (2) provide a framework for understanding system capacity; and (3) describe the context within which dental care is provided in the United State. It explores a series of concepts that help explain the current lack of access for those with special needs and synthesizes options for improvement.
authors.affiliation: Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. ble22@columbia.edu
authors.forename: Burton L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Edelstein
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution; D005378:Financial Support; D015438:Health Behavior; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008484:Medicaid / Q000191:economics; D009042:Motivation; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations