Dentistry for Egyptians with Special Needs

Abstract

There are approximately 12 million residents with disabilities in Egypt. Despite national legislation to assure individuals with disabilities, neededservices are difficult to secure since social views exclude them from functioning as member of a community. The general social outlook to patients with disabilities ranges from barriers which restrict the inclusion and normalization in society to general limitation in the availability dental services. Specifically, in terms of oral health care, there is limited preparation of dental students in Egypt (particularly, exposure in predoctoral training programs) to provide care for this population. Examples of dental education accreditation standards in other counties are used as models for the improvement of dentals students in Egypt to provide services for these individuals. Further emphasis is needed to prepare dentists (including those in current practice) and healthcare professionals to provide, healthcare for patients with special health care needs. This article explores the gaps from social stigma to predoctoral training in Egypt in an effort to improve oral care and general healthcare for patients with special need.