The New England Center for Children (NECC), a global leader in autism education and research, has partnered with Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) to deliver dental exams and preventive care for students with autism at NECC’s on-site dental clinic.
The Smigel Supersmile Dental Clinic represents a groundbreaking step in NECC’s mission to improve the lives of children with autism. Through this collaboration, pediatric dental residents from GSDM gain hands-on experience working under the supervision of the school’s faculty while providing essential dental services to over 100 children with autism living in NECC’s residential group homes. The clinic also supports desensitization techniques developed by researchers at NECC, which are now published in the ACE® curriculum used with more than 10,000 learners worldwide.
“Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine is a perfect partner for us,” said NECC CEO Dr. Jessica Sassi, BCBA-D, LABA. “Providing high-quality dental care on our campus reduces stress for our students with autism, while dental residents from GSDM gain invaluable experience working with this unique population.”
“We are honored to provide dental services to children with autism,” said Dr. Michelle Henshaw, professor of health policy & health services research and associate dean for global population health at GSDM. “Improving the overall health of our diverse population remains a key component of our school’s mission. Opening the eyes of future healthcare professionals to health disparities in our nation and around the world is a vital part of a complete education in dental medicine.”
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and dentists recognize that children with autism often experience oral health inequities due to behavioral challenges that make traditional dental visits difficult or impossible. Before the establishment of NECC’s in-house dental clinic, dental appointments required substantial resources and travel for students and staff.
“The NECC dental clinic is a tremendous benefit to our son, whose behavioral and communication issues have prevented him from receiving proper dental care for years,” shared Louis, the father of NECC student Asa. “Asa places great trust in his teachers, and being able to walk to a familiar setting makes the experience much more positive. NECC’s desensitization program and the on-site clinic are game changers for our son’s dental and overall health.”
About the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston University GSDM is a premier academic dental institution promoting excellence in education, research, oral healthcare, and community service to improve the overall health of the global population. Founded in 1963, the school offers a wide range of predoctoral and postdoctoral clinical education and graduate research programs to more than 830 students. It has over 9,300 alumni who live and practice around the world.
About NECC
NECC is an award-winning autism education center and research institute, founded in 1975 by L. Vincent Strully, Jr. Committed to creating a more inclusive world, our community of teachers, researchers, and clinicians provides comprehensive services, including day and residential programs, partner classrooms in public schools, consulting services, and the ACE ABA Software System.
Based in Southborough, MA, NECC also operates the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Special Education in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as well as clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar. Learn more at www.necc.org.
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