Enhancing Oral Health Care for People with Intellectual Disabilities is proudly presented to you by The Arc. Thank you. We hope that you enjoy your course.
This toolkit is designed to support disability organizations and advocates that want to partner with and educate dental health professionals to replicate this initiative in their community.
Arc of Luzerne County in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania developed a successful two-part initiative to expand the number of dental professionals that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) in their community. The two-part initiative includes an Oral Health Awareness Day event for oral health professionals, including Dentists, Dental Specialists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Assistants along with other medical providers and interested human service professionals to learn more about the oral health needs of individuals with ID.
The second part of this initiative is to recruit local dental practices to host an open house for individuals with ID and their families. The open house allows for individuals and their families to familiarize themselves with the dental office, equipment and become acquainted with the dental professionals to help relive the anxiety associated with visiting the dentist. Prior to the open house organizations will work with the dental practice staff to educate them on how to make their practice a disability-friendly environment.
Several supplemental documents are referred to throughout this toolkit. These documents can be personalized to fit your community’s needs and include details specific to your event.
All supporting documents can be downloaded through the included zip folder called "Enhancing Oral Health Toolkit."