Dentists for Patients with Special Needs
Finding Smiles: rhode Island Families Struggle to Find Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
Providence, RI – finding quality dental care can be a challenge for any family, but for those with children who have special needs, the struggle can be even more daunting.
recently,a Rhode Island family shared their story of searching for a dentist who could provide care for their son,nolan,who has behavioral health issues. Their experience highlighted a critical gap in accessible dental services for children with disabilities in the state.
“We took over the Saint Joseph’s Pediatric Dental Center adn we do surgery on children that have behavioral health issues,” said Joe desantis, CEO of Tri-County Community Action Agency, which operates the center.
However, DeSantis acknowledged that not all children with special needs require surgical intervention. Many need extensive dental care that goes beyond the scope of oral surgery.Dr. Frank paletta, President of the Rhode Island Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, echoed this sentiment. “We provide oral surgery and not complete comprehensive dental care, which is what these patients need,” he explained. “They are better served at Samuel or Saint Joe’s clinic where they have the resources. On occasion when they’re in need of only oral surgery, we may be able to help on a case-by-case basis. Not all patients can be treated in an outpatient facility. These are the challenges we face in treating these children and adults with disabilities.”
Viewer Resources Offer Hope
In response to Nolan’s story, viewers reached out with valuable resources and personal experiences.
One viewer suggested Bishop Hendricken High School’s Options Program, which provides educational and support services for students with intellectual disabilities. The program’s website,https://hendricken.com/options-program/, offers detailed details about their services.
Another viewer recommended Franciscan Children’s Hospital in Brighton, MA, which performs dental work on special needs adults while they are sedated. They also highlighted Tufts Dental Clinic at Wrentham State Hospital, which provides routine care and cleanings for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For families seeking pediatric dental care, a viewer recommended Pediatric Dental Healthcare in Plainville, MA, which previously operated in North Attleboro and has experience treating children with special needs.
a viewer suggested carver Smiles in Carver, MA, as a dentist who provides excellent care for individuals with disabilities.
A Call for Increased Access
While these resources offer hope, the stories shared by Nolan’s family and othre viewers underscore the urgent need for increased access to comprehensive dental care for children with special needs in Rhode Island.
Advocates and families are calling for more dentists to receive specialized training in treating patients with disabilities and for increased funding to support these services.
Finding Smiles: Limited options for Rhode Island Families Seeking Dental Care for Children with special Needs
Providence, RI – Securing quality dental care can be a challenge for any family, but for those with children who have special needs, the task can seem nearly insurmountable. A recent NewsDirectory3 story detailing a Rhode Island family’s struggle to find a dentist for their son,Nolan,who has behavioral health issues,brought this critical issue to light.
joe DeSantis, CEO of Tri-County Community Action Agency, which operates the Saint Joseph’s Pediatric Dental center, acknowledged the challenge. “We took over the Saint Joseph’s Pediatric Dental Center adn we do surgery on children that have behavioral health issues,” stated DeSantis. However, he emphasizes that not every child with special needs requires surgical intervention. “Many need extensive dental care that goes beyond the scope of oral surgery,” he explained.
Dr. Frank Paletta, President of the Rhode island Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, echoed this sentiment. “We provide oral surgery and not complete comprehensive dental care, which is what these patients need,” he explained. “They are better served at Samuel or Saint Joe’s clinic where they have the resources. On occasion when they’re in need of only oral surgery, we may be able to help on a case-by-case basis. Not all patients can be treated in an outpatient facility.These are the challenges we face in treating these children and adults with disabilities.”
Viewer Resources Offer Glimmer of Hope
In response to Nolan’s story, NewsDirectory3 viewers shared valuable resources and personal experiences.
Bishop Hendricken High School’s Options program: Provides educational and support services for students with intellectual disabilities. https://hendricken.com/options-program/
Franciscan children’s Hospital: Performs dental work on special needs adults while they are sedated (Brighton, MA).
Tufts Dental Clinic: provides routine care and cleanings for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Wrentham State Hospital).
Pediatric Dental Healthcare: Experienced in treating children with special needs (Plainville, MA).
* Carver Smiles: Offers excellent care for individuals with disabilities (Carver, MA).
Call to Action: Expanding Access to Care
While these resources provide some relief, they highlight the urgent need for increased access to comprehensive dental care for children with special needs in Rhode Island.Advocates and families are calling for more dentists to receive specialized training in treating individuals with disabilities and for increased funding to support these essential services.