What Does it Mean to Have Special Health Care Needs?

Children with special health care needs are those children who have, or are at risk for, chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that generally required by children.

The Impact of Oral Health and the Individual with Special Health Care Needs

Common oral health problems can affect all individuals. However, these problems can present particular challenges to individuals with special health care needs. Certain conditions may make it more difficult to keep the oral cavity clean and healthy. Tooth decay is the number one unmet need of children with special health care needs.

Families should be supported in taking an active role in establishing and maintaining good oral health for their child. Below are some suggested resources:

Resources

• Oral Health for Families with Special Health Care Needs (pdf): This resource guide was developed by the DPH's Division of Oral Health and MUSC College of Dental Medicine through funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The booklet is designed to give parents and caregivers tips on keeping their child's or teen's mouth healthy, taking into account the challenges that exist for those with special needs. In addition to parents, the booklet is also a good resource for schools, homeschool associations, parent and community outreach programs, and dental and medical offices.
• An Oral Health Professional's Guide to Serving Young Children with Special Health Care Needs: A series of five self-contained online modules is designed to provide oral health professionals with information to help ensure that young children with special health care needs have access to health promotion and disease prevention services that address their unique oral health needs in a comprehensive, family-centered, and community-based manner. This curriculum was developed by a multidisciplinary team of experts with funding from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration.
• Children with Special Health Care Needs: An Introduction to Practical Oral Care for People with Developmental Disabilities: A National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Institute series of publications, Practical Oral Care for People with Developmental Disabilities, equips dental professionals in the community with the basic information they need to deliver quality oral health care to people with special needs.
• Planning Guide for Dental Professionals Serving Children with Special Health Care Needs (pdf): Developed by the University of Southern California University Affiliated Program, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, this manual promotes a framework within which oral health professionals can communicate and work with families to ensure that appropriate, quality oral health care is provided both at home and in the dental office.

Additional Information

• MCH Children & Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs
• CYSHCN Program
• Care Line
• Camp Burnt Gin
• Hands on Health
• Family Connection
• Find a Dentist

Carlos Salinas Award

The South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) and the South Carolina Oral Health Coalition (SCOHACC) have established an award to honor a dentist for excellence in providing care to and advocacy for individuals with special health care needs. This award which began in 2007 is co-sponsored by Specialized Care Company, and nominations are accepted through the Division of Oral Health beginning in March of each year. The recipient is recognized at Dr. Salinas' seminar in conjunction with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston and at the annual SCOHACC Oral Health Forum. The recipient also receives an engraved award from the SCDA and SCOHACC; and their name is placed on a perpetual plaque displayed at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine.

Requirements:

• The nominee must be a dentist licensed to practice dentistry in the State of South Carolina.
• Nominations can be submitted by anyone in the community other than the provider receiving the nomination. (Author must include name and contact information).
• A formal letter written by the person submitting the nomination; stating why the nominee should be selected.
• The letter should cite at least three specific examples that demonstrate how the nominee has provided exceptional care for patients with special needs.
• Deadline for nomination letter receipt (or postmark) is the last Friday of June. Electronic submissions are preferred.

Past Recipients: 2008 Dr. Kenneth Lowry, 2009 Dr. Richard Cross, 2010 Dr. Richard Bryant, 2011 Dr. John Sowell, 2012 Dr. Mary Bradley Tepper.

For more information, please contact: 
SC Department of Public Health 
Division of Oral Health 
Mills-Jarrett Complex- Box 101106
Columbia, SC 29201 
(803) 898-0194