Special needs dentistry: the next ten years.

There is no doubt that in special needs dentistry, Australasia is one of the major global players. There is now an accepted scope of practice, accredited training programs and specialists registered with their local dental boards. These early achievements reflect the tremendous input provided by the primary stakeholders, such as the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. But the honeymoon is now over. Where will Special Needs Dentistry be in ten years? This paper discusses the journey so far and where the discipline will be heading.