The risk of dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia has multiple contributing factors. The literature has addressed the general anesthetic risk of dental general anesthesia and sedation in the operating room and the office settings, but more studies are needed to address the special needs population in particular. There is still a great need for more studies to assess the risk versus benefit for special need population as well as to stratify such risk in order to assist care providers in decision making as well as in sharing such risk concerns with patients, caretakers, and guardians. One recommended approach is to conduct a national retrospective study of patients treated under general anesthesia in the past 10 years in all the various settings and assess the associated risks and complications related to their physical status and the underlying physical and mental disabilities. The product of such a study could be a stratification of risk versus benefit as well as some guidelines for decision making as far as which kind of procedures should be conducted under general anesthesia while weighing the level of risk for the particular patient. Although access to care is not a direct risk factor, it can certainly deter timely treatment and intervention for patients with special needs.

A B S T R A C TMany people with special needs (PSN) have difficulty having good oral health or accessing oral health services because of a disability or medical condition. The number of people with these conditions living in community settings and needing oral health services is increasing dramatically due to advances in medical care, deinstitutionalization, and changing societal values. Many of these individuals require additional supports beyond local anesthesia in order to receive dental treatment services. The purpose of this consensus statement is to focus on the decision-making process for choosing a method of treatment or a combination of methods for facilitating dental treatment for these individuals. These guidelines are intended to assist oral health professionals and other interested parties in planning and carrying out oral health treatment for PSN. Considerations for planning treatment and considerations for each of several alternative modalities are listed. Also discussed are considerations for the use of combinations of modalities and considerations for the repeated or frequent use of these modalities. Finally, the need to advocate for adequate education and reimbursement for the full range of support alternatives is addressed. The Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) is dedicated to improving oral health and well being of PSN. The SCDA hopes that these guidelines can help oral health professionals and other interested individuals and groups to work together to ensure that PSN can achieve a "lifetime of oral health."

Möbius syndrome is a rare congenital disorder with the primary diagnostic criteria of congenital facial and abducent nerve palsy. Orofacial anomalies and limb malformations may be associated with the disorder. Involvement of other cranial nerves also is common. Occasionally, the V, X, XI, and XII cranial nerves are involved, resulting in difficulty of chewing, swallowing, and coughing, which often leads to respiratory complications. Mental retardation and autism have been reported in some cases. An 18-year-old Hispanic male came to the General Practice Residency clinic at the University of Illinois at Chicago for dental treatment. The patient had a history of Möbius syndrome, mental retardation, and behavioral problems. Because of acute situational anxiety and violent behavior, we arranged for the patient to have general anesthesia while we provided complete oral rehabilitation. This article discusses the treatment of a patient, including special considerations taken during anesthesia and dental management. A review of the special challenges concerning patients with such a condition are reviewed.