Global Developmental Delay and Its Considerations in Paediatric Dental Care—A Case Report

Abstract

Global developmental delay (GDD) is an inability to attain developmental milestones within the anticipated age range. It comprises a delay in two or more of the developmental domains: gross and fine motor; speech and language; cognition; personal and social development; and activities of daily living. With a wide aetiology, GDD can have a major impact on growth and development; it may manifest itself in many diverse medical and dental complications, which necessitate the care from several multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Of relevance to the paediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and orthodontics disciplines, this case report provides an example of a paediatric dental patient with GDD that was both severe and significant. The author outlines the findings, clinical and behavioural management, and future considerations.

Keywords

• global developmental delay
• medical and dental complications
• dental care
• oral health
• behavioural management
• growth and development