This grant enabled the Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science in the UF College of Dentistry to expand its capacity to provide high-quality, accessible dental care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a community-based setting.
UF Medical Guild’s Impactful Support
The Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science in the UF College of Dentistry is proud to recognize the UF Medical Guild for their generous 2024- 2025 grant which enabled the purchase of specialized dental instruments and supplies that directly enhanced care for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This support has strengthened our resources in providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care to some of the most vulnerable patients. With these new instruments, our mobile clinic is better equipped to meet the unique needs of individuals who require thoughtful, tailored approaches to treatment.
We are deeply grateful to the UF Medical Guild for their dedication to advancing inclusive health care and for helping us deliver on our mission of service to all members of our community.
About our UFCD Mobile Dental Outreach Clinic
Accessing dental care is a particularly difficult challenge for persons with an intellectual or developmental disability, particularly adults. The dental environment can be intimidating for adults with disabilities, and many families face challenges in finding dental care that provides for their needs in a welcoming environment.
Many of these families are referred to go to a clinic Operating Room to go under General Anesthesia for even basic preventative and restorative dental treatment. This comes with a large expense, a higher risk of health complications due to anesthesia related to their existing health conditions, and a long wait list.
The Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science in the UF College of Dentistry and the ARC of Alachua County have partnered to provide a mobile dental clinic for adults in the community, primarily using the ARC’s facility, but other community organization facilities as well. The CareQuest Foundation provided funding for infrastructure to establish this program. Oral health screenings and prevention-focused dental care for adults with special health care needs in north central Florida are provided. This program enhances access to oral health care for persons with intellectual, developmental, or acquired disabilities through collaboration with patients, caregivers, and community partners.
With the support and guidance of the Center for Oral Health Outcomes: Research, Training and Service (COHORTS)—a team devoted to advancing interdisciplinary research and developing effective solutions to improve oral health for all—we have sustained collaborative partnerships and upheld a deep commitment to research, training, and service. Together, we continue to promote equitable access to high-quality oral health care across our communities.
