Articles
Who Signs the Consent Form? Guardianship, Supported Decision-Making, and Dental Treatment
Key Takeaways The person who accompanies a patient to a dental appointment is not necessarily the person who has legal authority to consent to treatment. Guardians, healthcare agents, or others with appropriate legal authority may make healthcare decisions in certain...
How Can Families, Group-Home Staff, and Care Teams Work Together to Prevent Dental Emergencies?
Key Takeaways Routine, preventative dental care can help identify small problems before they become painful or urgent. Clear communication between families, group-home staff, and dental providers helps reduce gaps in care. Every resident should have an individualized...
Not Every Barrier to Dental Care Is Visible
Some disabilities are easy for others to recognize. A wheelchair, a walker, a visible medical device, or a caregiver at someone’s side can signal that a person may need extra support. But many barriers to dental care are not visible. A patient may walk into a dental...