Few Dentists for Persons with Disabilities

Developmentally disabled individuals face major challenges in accessing oral health care and suffer disproportionately from oral-related health issues, such as malnutrition, speech problems, and potentially fatal oral infections.

The lack of access to oral healthcare also impacts these individuals systemically, exacerbating existing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

Special Needs and Poor Networks Makes Dental Health Mission Impossible in Florida

By Daisy B., Duval County

“I don’t put her under because it brings on seizures. They were so uncomfortable anytime she coughed or needed suctioning. I went to another doctor that did clean her teeth, but they seemed very uncomfortable with her. This was one of the only dental offices that accept Medicaid and special needs patients. I stopped taking my daughter there because it was a waste of time.”

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