The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry: Definitions, Oral Health Policies, Recommendations, Endorsements, Resources

2026-27 'Official But Unformatted'
Now Available

Introduction

Definitions

Oral Health Policies

Recommendations: Clinical Practice Guidelines

Recommendations: Best Practices

Endorsements

Resources

Latest News

News Room

Get Involved

Member Resource

Parent Resource

News Room

AAPD 2026

Meetings Calendar

little teeth, BIG Smiles & Newly Erupted

New from RPC

RPC Webinars

Safety in Dentistry

Oral Health Policies & Recommendations (The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry)

Journals

Practice Management

Latest Advocacy News

Grassroots Advocacy

AAPD PAC

The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry: Definitions, Oral Health Policies, Recommendations, Endorsements, Resources

Share

Table of Contents

TOC

Introduction

Overview

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Strategic Plan

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Research Agenda

Definitions

Definition of Special Health Care Needs

Definition of Dental Home

Definition of Medically-Necessary Care

Definition of Dental Neglect

Oral Health Policies

Policy on the Role of Pediatric Dentists as Both Primary and Specialty Dental Care Providers

Policy on Provider Well-being

Policy on the Ethical Responsibilities in the Oral Health Care Management of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Individuals with Special Health Care Needs

Policy on a Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Policy on Patient Safety

Policy on Pediatric Dental Office and Personnel Security

Policy on Infection Control

Policy on the Dental Home

Policy on Child Identification Programs

Policy on Social Determinants of Children's Oral Health and Health Disparities

Policy on Care for Vulnerable Populations in a Pediatric Dental Setting

Policy on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Policy on Workforce Issues and Delivery of Oral Health Care Services in a Dental Home

Policy on Medically-Necessary Care

Policy on Teledentistry

Policy on Emergency Oral Care

Policy on Recognition and Management of Child Abuse and Neglect in a Dental Setting

Policy on the Management of Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate and Other Craniofacial Anomalies

Policy on Management of the Frenulum in Pediatric Patients

Policy on Pacifiers

Policy on Oral Health Care Programs for Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Individuals with Special Health Care Needs

Policy on Oral Health in Child Care Centers

Policy on Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Consequences and Preventive Strategies

Policy on Early Childhood Caries (ECC): Unique Challenges and Management Considerations

Policy on the Role of Dental Prophylaxis in Pediatric Dentistry

Policy on Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Policy on Use of Fluoride

Policy on the Use of Silver Diammine Fluoride for Pediatric Dental Patients

Policy on Interim Therapeutic Restorations (ITR)

Policy on Nutrition and Dietary Counseling in the Pediatric Dental Setting

Policy on Snacks and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Sold in Schools

Policy on School-Entrance Oral Health Examinations

Policy on School Absences for Dental Appointments

Policy Prevention of Sports-Related Orofacial Injuries

Policy on the Use of Dental Bleaching for Child and Adolescent Patients

Policy on the Use of Lasers for Pediatric Dental Patients

Policy on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Policy on Human Papilloma Virus Vaccinations

Policy on Oral Piercing and Oral Jewelry/Accessories

Policy on Tobacco Use

Policy on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Policy on Substance Use by Adolescent Patients

Policy on Acute Pain Management in Pediatric Dentistry

Policy on Minimizing Occupational Health Hazards Associated with Nitrous Oxide

Policy for Selecting Anesthesia Providers for the Delivery of Office-Based Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

Policy on Hospitalization and Operating Room Access for Oral Care of Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Individuals with Special Health Care Needs

Policy on Hospital Staff Membership

Policy on Transitioning from a Pediatric to an Adult Dental Home for Individuals with Special Health Care Needs