It has been estimated that 11% of children that are enrolled in Head Start in Nebraska have a disability that qualifies them for special education and related services.¹ Fetal alcohol syndrome, cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome and autism can affect children. Many adults can suffer from crippling diseases such as arthritis, dementia, Parkinson Disease or Alzheimer’s. The graphs below provide a general picture about disabled peoples’ oral health status in Nebraska. According to the results in 2005/06 and 2009/10, these children have higher need for prevention than the rest of the U.S. (91.7% to 89.6%) and these children have higher rates of other dental needs (28.4% to 26.7%) (See graph below).² The data shows an overall need for more emphasis in providing access to preventive and corrective dental care for these people. State dental disease prevention and health promotion programs should be designed to accommodate members of this group.

Sources:

1. Region 10 Education Service Center, Head Start/Early Head Start Disabilities. Retrieved Date: 2/5/2015. Available at: http://www.region10.org/preschool-services/early-h....

2. Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative. Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health. National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. Retrieved Date: 1/21/2015. Available at: http://www.childhealthdata.org/browse/survey?s=2.

Source: National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs Age 1-17 (CHSCN)