Current Status of Dental Care for Patients with Disabilities in Tokushima Prefecture and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Twenty years have passed since our division (clinic of the challenged) was organized in our institution. During this period, we have been engaged in dental care for patients with disability, contributing to this area of special needs dentistry in Tokushima Prefecture. Although the situation has consequently improved, the service remains insufficient to treat all such patients in the prefecture. This review discusses the current statuses of individuals with disabilities in and outside Japan and dental care for them in Tokushima Prefecture, with future perspectives on the latter.