Deinstitutionalization of children with mental retardation: what of dental services?

During the past thirty years there has been marked deinstitutionalization from large state facilities for youngsters and adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. In the past, dental (and general medical) services were provided in the institutions by an in-house staff. Increased numbers of former residents now live in small community units. These local residents must now rely on community dental practitioners for needed preventive and restorative services. The current status of these services (or lack there of) is reviewed, together with relevant concerns.