title: Special care dentistry for general dental practice.
abstract: Although special care dentistry (SCD) is a fairly recent specialty, the principles and practice of SCD have been developed since the 1980s. Shared care of these patients with general dental practitioners remains vital to ensure that comprehensive care is provided. This article aims to discuss some of the patient groups commonly seen in SCD clinics and give an insight into the varied complex medical and social aspects of care which are managed as part of providing appropriate, safe and holistic care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many patients who currently fall under the remit of special care dentistry could be treated safely in general dental practice. This article acts as an introduction to special care dentistry for general dental practitioners.
authors: Glasgow Dental Hospital and School.
authors: Vicki
authors: V
authors: Greig
authors: Petrina
authors: P
authors: Sweeney
mesh_terms: D003190:Comprehensive Dental Care; D016321:Dental Care for Aged; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D005792:General Practice, Dental; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities; D010348:Patient Care Team; D006113:United Kingdom