Compared to members of the general public, individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) have significantly poorer outcomes regarding their oral health. Patients with SMI are often marginalized and stigmatized in their communities and have decreased access to dental services. Risk and Safety Issues in Dentistry XVII: (1) explores the important link between mental health and oral health, (2) identifies strategies for coordinating care among other healthcare professionals, and (3) outlines system-level interventions when responding to an emergency involving a dental patient with SMI.
