Advancing Public Oral Health: Collaborative Approaches Between Dentists, Hygienists, and Dental Assistants in Managing Special Needs Patients

Abstract

Oral health is essential to overall well-being, especially for patients with special needs who often face unique challenges in accessing and receiving dental care. This review explores the critical role of collaboration among dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants in addressing these challenges through a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach. Dental teams can improve quality of care and patient outcomes by leveraging the unique expertise of each team member, incorporating advanced technologies, and utilizing adaptive strategies. The review also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary training, standardized protocols, effective communication, and innovative tools such as telemedicine and AI-based systems. Closing these gaps is essential to creating inclusive and accessible dental care systems for patients with special needs. This paper emphasizes the need for a concerted effort from dental teams, health care organizations, and policymakers to ensure equitable and high-quality oral health care for people with special needs.