EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Emergence Health Network (EHN) celebrated Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month by providing free dental screenings to those individuals.
The event was held on Wednesday, March 19, at the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic located at 222 Rick Francis St.
The event was in partnership with the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic to provide free dental care for EHN’s IDD clients.
“Often, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face significant challenges in receiving dental care because of factors like communication barriers and behavioral issues. Some individuals with IDD may also be particularly sensitive to sounds, sights, and smells in the dental environment, leading to anxiety and resistance,” Diana Lara, EHN chief of IDD services said.
“Barriers might also include limited access to dental professionals who have adequate training and experience in treating individuals with IDD. That’s why this partnership is important on many levels. It allows the dental students the opportunity to receive proper training in this area and the individuals with IDD get the care they deserve,” Lara said.
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