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Special Health Care Needs

155 - Assessing Dental Care Capacity for Patients With Special Healthcare Needs in California

Friday, May 22, 2026
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM PST
Has Audio

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Aubrey Fleming, DDS, MPH (she/her/hers)

    Resident
    University of California - San Francisco-3yr
    University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, California, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • AV

    Anchita Venkatesh, DMD

    Alameda Health System
    Union City, California, United States

    • Research Mentor(s)

  • AV

    Anchita Venkatesh, DMD

    Alameda Health System
    Union City, California, United States

    • Program Director(s)

  • Jungsoo Kim, DDS, MS

    Assistant Clinical Professor & Assistant Residency Program Director
    University of California San Francisco
    San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract:

Purpose: The aim of this study was to conduct a statewide oral health needs assessment for children and adults with special healthcare needs (SHCN) in California by evaluating population service coverage and identifying existing dental and community-based resources.

Methods: A multi-component needs assessment was performed. Structured outreach to regional California Children’s Services (CCS) offices was conducted to characterize the number of individuals with SHCN served statewide and understand existing medical and support service infrastructure. Second, a resource mapping process identified dental clinics, hospital-based programs, and community organizations providing SHCN services across California. An electronic survey was developed to assess dental provider training, clinical practices, and perceived barriers to SHCN care.

Results: CCS outreach revealed substantial regional variability in SHCN service delivery models, eligibility criteria, and care coordination processes. Many CCS regions reported limited availability of dental referral pathways for patients requiring specialized behavior guidance or anesthesia services. Resource mapping identified a concentration of SHCN-capable dental programs in urbanized areas, with few identified resources in rural and northern counties. Organizations providing caregiver support and navigation services were also inconsistently distributed, contributing to fragmented access to care. Collectively, findings demonstrate geographic and system-level gaps in service availability for families of individuals with SHCN.

Conclusions: This statewide needs assessment identifies disparities in regional infrastructure and referral networks for SHCN oral health services in California. Results highlight the need for coordinated resource directories, strengthened interagency referral systems, and expanded workforce training to improve equitable access and continuity of dental care for individuals with SHCN.

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