In my role as a dental hygienist, providing care for patients, it was always so rewarding to see my patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities become comfortable in the dental office. Some would come in nervous at first, but with patience and accommodations designed to meet each individuals unique needs I was able to provide them with their oral health treatments. Seeing their smiles after we were done and knowing that my patient received the care they needed to keep their teeth and gums healthy was the best!

While we had many successes in our office caring for individuals with ID/DD, many people with disabilities face barriers to accessing oral health care. We know that oral health affects overall health and that having a healthy mouth leads to confidence, good nutrition and a mouth free of pain. Today, in my role as the state’s public health dental hygienist, it is my goal to bring awareness to the oral health needs of the ID/DD community in Nevada, and to engage the community to help overcome the barriers of access to care.

Most people with disabilities can be treated successfully in a dental setting with modifications and supports. The Nevada Oral Health Program along with the Division of Healthcare Financing and Policy will be a part of providing continuing education courses to providers across the state that will provide resources to providers on integrating behavior management into the dental office setting.

Learning appropriate skills and techniques to meet the unique oral health needs of people with developmental disabilities will help providers and patients be successful in receiving oral health care.

-Jannette