Dental Access for Floridians with IDD and Other Special Needs
Dental Access for Floridians with IDD and Other Special Needs
Dental Access for Floridians with IDD and Other Special Needs
· The truth is that Florida’s oral health system is not currently meeting the needs of Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other special needs – especially for adults.
· Floridians with IDD and special needs often encounter significant barriers to care, including:
o Limited providers availability
o High out of pocket costs
o Sedation/anesthesia not available for adults
o Dental office accessibility
· While the Florida Dental Access Guide compiles some helpful resources, we know that what currently exists isn’t enough.
We hope that you’ll partner with us in changing that!
Resources
- If you would like to find a dentist who specializes in special needs dental care, the Special Care Dentistry Association has a database to search in your area.
- MedlinePlus: Developmental Disabilities and Oral Health The National Library of Medicine’s collection of links to government, professional and non-profit/voluntary organizations with information on developmental disabilities and oral health.
- Florida Medicaid Covered Dental Services for Individuals with Disabilities and Special Needs
- Sedation and anesthesia services are often used to provide oral health care for individuals with IDD or special needs. Read our Sedation FAQ to learn more about what it means and what to expect.
What We’re Doing and How You Can Help:
The Florida Oral Health Alliance (FOHA), the Florida Oral Health Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), and Florida Voices for Health (FVH) are currently working to:
- Partner with Florida’s dental schools and insurance plans
- Educate lawmakers through storytelling and personal meetings
- Advance legislation improving access to dental care for Floridians with IDD or special needs (ex: increasing hospital reimbursement for adult IDD patients)
- Grow our coalition of caregivers, providers, community organizations, and more.
FOHA and the PAC host monthly meetings to coordinate strategic partnerships, legislative outreach, and community events.
Check Out Our Advocacy Toolkit
Do you think we should add a Florida resource that is not included here?
Please use our feedback form to submit your suggestions.