Expanding Access to Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

By Lisamarie E. Pesante, Development Officer, Briason Associates

Accessing quality dental care can be challenging for many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly when they require additional accommodations, specialized providers, or sedation. Fortunately, dental programs throughout New York and Connecticut are working to make oral healthcare more accessible, supportive, and inclusive.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with staff at Touro Dental Clinic about exciting updates at its Hawthorne location and the services available to individuals and families seeking specialized dental care.

About Touro College of Dental Medicine

Touro College of Dental Medicine is part of the Touro University system and is located on the campus of New York Medical College in Hawthorne, New York. The clinic is situated in Westchester County, approximately 30 minutes north of New York City.

The dental school opened in 2016 and was the first new dental school established in New York State in more than 50 years.

Affordable Dental Care for the Community

Touro Dental Health provides dental services to members of the public at reduced fees. Treatment is performed by dental students under the direct supervision of licensed faculty dentists.

Services available through the clinic include:

• Routine dental cleanings and examinations

• Fillings

• Crowns and bridges

• Root canals

• Dental implants

• Orthodontic treatment

• Oral surgery

• Pediatric dentistry

This model allows patients to receive comprehensive dental care while dental students gain valuable clinical experience under professional supervision.

A Focus on Patients With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Touro has made dental care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a major area of focus.

Its Special Needs Dentistry program is designed to improve access to dental care for adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, and other specialized healthcare needs.

Touro also partners with the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities to help train dentists to provide appropriate and compassionate care to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Connecting Caregivers and Dental Professionals

Touro developed Smiles United, a program that connects caregivers and group-home providers with dental professionals.

The program also provides oral-health education and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This connection can be especially valuable for families and support teams who may have difficulty locating dental professionals with the necessary training and experience.

Upcoming Expansion Into Connecticut

Touro Dental Clinic is anticipating a late-fall rollout to begin serving individuals in Connecticut.

This planned expansion could create additional opportunities for Connecticut residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access specialized dental services closer to home.

Additional Specialized Dental Resources

Families seeking specialized dental care in the New York and Connecticut area may also consider the following resources:

NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities

The center provides comprehensive dental care for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and complex medical conditions.

Westchester Institute for Human Development

This regional resource supports individuals with developmental disabilities and may be able to help patients and families connect with appropriate dental providers.

Yale New Haven Hospital Dental Services

Hospital-based dental services may be available for patients who require specialized treatment, sedation, or additional medical support.

Dr. Alan M. Winik, DDS

Located at Westchester Medical Center, Dr. Winik provides specialized dental treatment for patients with significant medical or developmental needs.

When Sedation or Anesthesia May Be Needed

Some adults with developmental disabilities may benefit from additional accommodations during dental treatment. Depending on the individual’s needs, treatment options may include:

• Behavioral desensitization and gradual acclimation

• Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas

• IV sedation

• General anesthesia in a hospital setting for extensive procedures

Touro emphasizes that sedation should be considered after other accommodations have been evaluated. Its dental professionals can also help determine when sedation or anesthesia may be the safest and most appropriate option for a patient.

Looking Ahead

Programs such as Touro’s Special Needs Dentistry and Smiles United demonstrate the importance of creating inclusive oral-health services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

By educating dental professionals, collaborating with caregivers and support providers, and expanding access to specialized treatment, Touro is helping more individuals receive the dental care they need in a respectful and supportive environment.