Policy on Transitioning from a Pediatric to an Adult Dental Home for Individuals with Special Health Care Needs
Purpose
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the importance of transitioning patients with special health care needs (SHCN) to an adult dental home as they reach the age of majority. Finding a dental home1 to address their special circumstances while providing all aspects of oral care in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered manner may be a challenge. This policy addresses transition of young adult patients with SHCN and identifies barriers that may challenge delivery of oral health care to this population.