Dental office access for patients with disabling conditions.

SUMMARY Today's professional health care centers are becoming more accessible to patients with handicapping conditions each year. The increase in numbers of these persons in society, along with their desire to be treated locally, will result in a much higher influx of persons with disabling conditions seeking professional services. Dental professionals should be aware and make appropriate responses to the needs of these special patients. State codes for facilities access vary widely, but are clearly becoming more defined as federal legislation and federal regulations continue to support the rights of persons with disabling conditions to access work, study, leisure, and services. The dental profession has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in handicapped access in both the private and public professional sectors without direct governmental mandates. The American Dental Association and constituent state associations can further accomplish this by setting accessibility guidelines for the dental environment. Dr. Bill is executive director. Northeastern Center. Inc. Kendallville, IN, and is a consultant in the field of handicapped accessibility planning. Dr. Weddell is associate professor, pediatric dentistry; director, dental services. James Whitcomb Riley Children's Hospital; and is in private practice, pediatric dentistry, Indianapolis. Address requests for reprints to Dr. Bill, 815 Elmwood Circle, Noblesville, IN 40660.