Transitioning of special needs paediatric patients to adult special needs dental services

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Special needs dentistry is in its infancy compared to other dental specialties. Continuity of care through transition from paediatric to adult dental care providers is unknown. This study seeks to determine the nature of transition practices adopted by paediatric and special needs (SN) specialists practising throughout Australia.METHODS: A survey was sent to all paediatric and SN specialist dentists in Australia to determine the nature of current transition practices for paediatric SN patients in Australia. Two subsequent mail-outs were sent to non-responders.RESULTS: Forty-nine specialist dentists registered across Australia completed the survey, of which 35 (71%) were paediatri..