Oral health management in pediatric patients with "special needs". Integrated hospital care model involving dentistry and pediatrics for the management of pediatric patients with hemato-oncologic diseases.

Dental care for pediatric patients with special needs represents a significant clinical and organizational challenge that requires an integrated, multidisciplinary, and personalized approach. This paper presents a structured model of collaboration between Dentistry and Pediatric Hematology-Oncology developed at the San Gerardo dei Tintori Hospital in Monza since 1999, aimed at providing comprehensive management for children affected by hematologic-oncologic diseases. The integration of these two disciplines led to the creation of a diagnostic-therapeutic-assistance pathway (hereinafter referred to as D.P.C., dentist-pediatrician-collaboration), which ensures timely and coordinated interventions for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral complications related to oncological therapies. Dental care is delivered across four main areas - diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative - contributing significantly to the improvement of quality of life throughout the treatment journey. The Monza experience offers a replicable model of personalized and integrated medicine, capable of anticipating needs, minimizing risks, and promoting the well-being of pediatric patients with special needs. No etichal approval was necessary for this study as it is just the description of the protocols of collaboration between dentists and pediatrician improved during the years.