The new generation of disability-competent dentists

The American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD) has embraced this challenge with a bold effort to teach, mentor and support young dentists for the future while advocating for changes in a system of care that rewards isolated and infrequent crisis dental care The old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is appropriate. Despite the deficiency in access to dental care for adults with special needs, awareness of this issue is growing through formation of student chapters of AADMD (American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry) in dental schools throughout the nation. The purpose of AADMD student chapters is to raise awareness of the obstacles faced by patients with special needs, educate students regarding successful quality dental care, and to engage students to promote national policies that will improve the needed access to healthcare. Policy changes promoting access to care would not only reduce costs by focusing on preventative care to avoid expensive and traumatizing emergency treatment, but also give patients more consistent quality treatment, and family members the peace of mind that their relative is receiving appropriate evidence-based care.