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Best Practices for Treating Patients with Developmental Disabilities
Event Details
Individuals with developmental disabilities often experience significant oral health disparities and barriers to accessing dental care. Dental professionals must be prepared to address unique communication, behavioral, sensory, and clinical considerations while providing safe, effective, and person-centered treatment.
This webinar will examine evidence-based best practices for caring for individuals with developmental disabilities in the dental setting. Participants will explore strategies for communication, behavior guidance, treatment planning, collaboration, and accommodations that promote positive dental experiences and improved oral health outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on creating inclusive clinical environments, reducing barriers to care, and supporting patients and caregivers throughout the continuum of dental treatment.
Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
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Identify common oral health challenges, behavioral considerations, and barriers to dental care experienced by patients with developmental disabilities.
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Recognize evidence based communication and behavior guidance strategies that support successful dental visits for patients with developmental disabilities.
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Compare clinical accommodations and treatment planning considerations used to improve oral health outcomes for patients with developmental disabilities.
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Discuss person centered approaches that promote patient comfort, caregiver collaboration, and access to oral healthcare services.
Additional Information
Author Bio
Elmer E. Gonzalez, MBA, PhD. CDA, RDH
Dr. Elmer Gonzalez is a dental educator, researcher, and advocate for improving oral healthcare access for individuals with disabilities and other underserved populations. Prior to his career in dental hygiene and higher education, he served as a caregiver for individuals with developmental disabilities for eight years, providing firsthand insight into the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and their families.
From 2008 to 2016, Dr. Gonzalez practiced as a dental hygienist at the University of New Mexico, where he provided oral healthcare services to patients with developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs. This clinical experience shaped his commitment to advancing evidence based, patient centered approaches to care for vulnerable populations. He completed specialized training through the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program and holds the Special Needs Dental Certification in New Mexico.
Dr. Gonzalez currently serves as Department Chair for Dental Programs and Interim Division Dean for Business and Public Services at New Mexico State University. His professional interests include special care dentistry, health equity, healthcare workforce development, community engagement, and improving access to oral healthcare for individuals with disabilities. As an educator and presenter, he draws upon his experiences as a caregiver, clinician, and higher education leader to promote best practices that enhance oral health outcomes and improve the patient experience for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Disclosures
Commercial Disclosure
This free Dental Learning presentation is made possible through the continued support of Sunstar Gum. Elmer E. Gonzalez, MBA, PhD. CDA, RDH is a consultant and/or speaker for the following companies and/or organizations: Dental Learning, Sunstar Gum. Elmer E. Gonzalez, MBA, PhD. CDA, RDH may receive an honorarium as compensation from the CE Supporter of this presentation and/or from Dental Learning for the time involved in preparing and delivering this online presentation.
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