Module 1 provides definitions of “children with special health care needs” (CSHCN), recommendations for preferred terminology, and information about this population’s general health and oral health. The module concludes with a discussion of some potential barriers to, and some opportunities for, delivery and financing of oral health care for CSHCN.
Note: Throughout these modules, “parents” refers to a child’s parents or primary caregiver.
Note: Throughout these modules, unless otherwise indicated, “children” refers to children and adolescents.
Learning Objectives
- Define the term “children with special health care needs.”
- Discuss the concept of “people first” language.
- Give two examples of medical conditions that may impact the oral health of CSHCN and two examples of systemic or developmental problems or conditions that may make children especially vulnerable to the effects of oral diseases.
- Describe two potential barriers to, and two opportunities for, delivery and financing of oral health care to CSHCN.