Dental needs assessment and access to care for adolescents

Abstract

For many, the adolescent years can be a difficult emotional period and a time when dental and medical needs may be neglected. Oral health needs are critical factors in the maturation of the adolescent,whether they involve the relief of pain, improved nutrition, an in-crease in self-esteem with orthodontic treatment, or "just" saving the dentition from the ravages of the early stages of periodontal disease. This article reviews demographic characteristics of adolescents in the United States with regard to oral health status, use of dental services, barriers to dental care, and children who have special health needs.