Programs that provide primary oral health care for patients of all ages. General dentists are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management and overall coordination of specialized services related to the patient's oral health needs. Services generally include an oral health history, preventive dental cleanings, dental radiographs, oral cancer screening, an examination of the teeth to detect tooth decay or other problems, a periodontal examination to detect gum disease, dental restorations (e.g., fillings, crowns and implants), cosmetic dentistry, and other procedures such as fluoride treatment.

Programs that specialize in providing oral health care for infants, children and adolescents.

Programs that specialize in providing oral health care for individuals with medical conditions or disabilities who may require more than routine dental care to achieve and maintain good oral health. People who require special care may have genetic or systemic disorders that affect their oral health; may be undergoing medical treatments that cause oral problems; or may have mental or physical disabilities that complicate oral hygiene or treatment. The dental team may need to transfer a patient with cerebral palsy from the wheelchair to the dental chair, use some sign language to communicate with deaf patients, adapt oral hygiene devices so a patient can use them, develop a treatment strategy for a patient who has received an organ transplant, determine the best anesthetic alternative for a patient who has heart disease, or develop an oral health plan for a patient who must undergo treatment for cancer. Special care dentistry encompasses preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services.

Individuals who are age 13 to 17.

Individuals who are age three to 12.

A severe, chronic disability that is attributable to a cognitive, neurological or physical impairment or a combination of cognitive, neurological and physical impairments; that is manifested during the developmental period (prior to age 22); that is likely to continue indefinitely; and that results in substantial functional limitations in three or more areas of major life activity including self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency.

A developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior, and includes symptoms that impair the individual's ability to function properly in school, work and other areas of life. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is said to be a "developmental disorder" because symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life. Autism is also known as a "spectrum" disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience. People with ASD have difficulty with social communication and interaction (e.g. lack of eye contact, voice tones that sound sing-song or robotic, facial expressions or gestures that don't match what is being said), restricted interests (e.g., intense interest in numbers, details, facts), restrictive/repetitive behavior (e.g., repeating words or phrases, getting upset at changes in routine or sensory input such as light or noise). People with ASD may also experience sleep problems or irritability, but also have many strengths including the ability to learn things in detail and remember information for long periods of time; being strong visual and auditory learners; and excelling in math, science, music or art. But although ASD can be a lifelong disorder and while children who have ASD have difficulty in talking, playing with other children, and relating to others, including their own family, treatment and services can improve their symptoms and ability to function.

The natural or adoptive mothers and fathers of individuals who have physical, sensory, developmental, cognitive, mental or emotional limitations, whose own patterns of personal, social and familial coping have been significantly affected by their responsibility for and concern about the person.