Abstract

It’s that time again to reflect on the year that was and set goals for the year to come. As I look back on 2018, I realize how honored I am to be an oral health care provider, and grateful for the opportunity to spend my time doing what I love to do. Part of my time in practice is spent treating individuals with specialized healthcare needs. I am reminded that this patient population have many challenges to overcome, and struggle with activities of daily living. In 2000, the first U.S. Surgeon General’s report on oral health indicated that patients who were medically compromised were at a greater risk for oral diseases. Population trends suggest that people are living longer and there is an increase of chronic disease. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the CDC, approximately one out of every five adults in the United States is living with a disability. Furthermore, The World Health Organization estimates that one billion people in the world are living with a disability.