Special Needs Dentistry is a unique component of pediatric dentistry that focusses on children with intellectual or physical disability that compromises their cooperation during dental treatment. At most times, children with special needs receive dental treatment under general anesthesia at the hospital.

The pre procedure appointment entails clinical and radiographic assessment, diagnosis, treatment plan discussion and explanation and description of General Anesthesia based protocols.

Parents and patient are then sent to the anesthetist for clinical evaluation and further discussion. Once everything is clear and understood, treatment is scheduled. On the day of treatment child should come fasting to the hospital overnight. Anesthetist initiates and maintains General anesthesia until dental treatment is completed. Child is generally discharged from the hospital within two to three hours after procedure.

Decision to use general anesthesia is based on severity of dental disease and underlying medical condition.