title: Policy and proposals that will help improve access to oral care services for individuals with special health care needs.
abstract: Historically, access to oral care for individuals with disabilities has been a challenge. This commentary provides an overview of this issue and discusses a recent policy and several proposals that will help improve outcomes and access to oral care for individuals who require special care dentistry services.
authors.affiliation: Oral Health Section, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, 1306 Clarendon Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410, USA. kevin.buchholtz@dhhs.nc.gov
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Buchholtz
authors.forename: Rebecca S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003729:Dental Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009657:North Carolina; D012112:Residential Facilities
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical