**5. Conclusion**

Oral health is fundamental to wellbeing and this is particularly the case for people with learning disabilities for whom dental treatment may prove challenging. Good oral health begins from birth with a healthy diet, good mouth hygiene and access to fluoride products which strengthen teeth against decay. It may require the active support of parents and carers in assisting with tooth brushing. Regular dental checkups, at least once per year, are advised to monitor oral health and identify disease at an early stage when it may more easily be treated. There should be access to dental services with specialised support for those with more profound learning disabilities of for whom dental care presents a challenge. In the UK the specialty of special care dentistry provides such care normally on referral from dental practitioners. It is important that dedicated oral health services are established to serve the needs of patients with disabilities or conditions which mean that they require 'special care'.
