| Summary: | Medical disorders can affect dental health directly or indirectly. As psychiatric disorders are one of the most frequent diseases in dental patients, such patients form a special needs group, which require modifications and adjustments to the standard treatment protocols. Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental disorder, which involves behavioural and cognitive changes, disturbances in perceptions, and impairment of certain conscious functions. In its active phase, the symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and abnormal motor function. If a schizophrenic patient presents to a dental office, psychiatric consultation may be necessary. Usually, it is suggested that any elective dental treatment should be deferred until the patient’s symptoms are under control or in a state of inactivity. Side effects of the medications may affect the patient in an adverse way; thus, a careful monitoring by a psychiatrist is essential and forms a part of the recommended treatment approach. This paper will address a literature review of various concepts and recommendations for defining a suitable dental treatment plan for the patients with schizophrenia.
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