Patient-Centered Dental Home

"The dental home is the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way. Establishment of a dental home should begin no later than 12 months of age and include referral to dental specialists when appropriate.”

In summary, a Dental Home should be both compassionate and culturally competent, providing:

• Comprehensive oral health care, including acute and preventive care.
• Comprehensive assessment of oral diseases and conditions.
• Individualized preventive dental health programs.
• Plans for acute dental trauma.
• Guidance about growth and development issues.
• Information about care for the child’s teeth and gingivae.
• Dietary counseling as appropriate.
• Referrals to dental specialists when care cannot be directly provided by the dental home.
• Education regarding future referrals to adult dental providers.

Source: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)