Oral Health Care for Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Livestream Webinar
Target Audience
Dentists, Dental Hygienist, Dental Assistants, Physicians, Nurses, Social Workers, Counselors, Caregivers, Community Health Workers
Program Description
Providing quality oral health care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) requires specialized knowledge, sensitivity, and adaptive approaches. This continuing education course will equip dental professionals with the tools and strategies needed to deliver compassionate, effective care for this underserved population. The program will review common oral health challenges faced by individuals with IDD, discuss behavioral and communication techniques to support patient cooperation, and explore clinical modifications to enhance care delivery in various settings. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to create a supportive, accessible dental environment for patients with IDD and their caregivers.
Registration Fee
$45.00
Agenda
8:45 a.m. Log in to webinar
9 a.m. Webinar begins
11 a.m. Adjourn
Speaker
Betsy L. White, RDH, BS, FSCDH, is a dental hygienist and Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Access Dental Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to oral health care for individuals with special care needs. She has devoted her career to special care dentistry and has extensive experience providing and developing dental services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, older adults, and other underserved populations. Betsy is a Fellow of Special Care Dental Hygiene and is a recognized speaker and advocate for improving oral health care for patients with complex needs.
Objectives
- Identify common oral health conditions and risks prevalent among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
- Describe behavioral and communication strategies to promote patient comfort, trust, and cooperation during dental visits.
- Discuss clinical modifications and treatment planning considerations when providing care to patients with IDD.
- Recognize the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and caregiver engagement in supporting the oral health needs of individuals with IDD.
- Apply best practices to create an inclusive, patient-centered dental environment for individuals with varying levels of ability.
Credit
Credit Hours: 2.0 Participants must attend 100% of program time to receive credit.
For more information on North Carolina Dental CE requirements visit the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE) at: http://www.ncdentalboard.org
The North Carolina Area Health Education Centers are an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at ADA.org/CERP.
The North Carolina Area Health Education Centers designates this activity for up to 2.0 hours of continuing education credits.
Disclaimer - Dental Institutions providing dental education have an obligation to disseminate new knowledge related to dental practice. In doing so, some information or presentations may include controversial materials or commercial references. The Southern Regional AHEC office acknowledges that there is potential risk to participants using limited knowledge when incorporating new techniques and procedures into their practices, especially when the continuing education program has not provided them with supervised clinical experience in the techniques or procedures to ensure that they have attained competence. Sponsorship of continuing education courses by the Southern Regional AHEC office does not imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, product or procedure by this institution.
Disclosure - In accordance with the ADA CERP Standard V., everyone involved in planning or presenting this educational activity will be required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests and this information will be made available to participants at the start of the activity. As a continuing education provider, the Southern Regional AHEC office is responsible for ensuring the content, quality and scientific integrity of all continuing dental education activities for which credit is provided. The Southern Regional AHEC office is also responsible for taking steps to protect against and/or disclose any conflict of interest of the faculty/instructors presenting those courses.
Substitutes/Refunds/Transfers
• Cancellations must be in writing (email or mail).
• Registrants cancelling between two weeks and five full business days prior to the first day of the event are refunded at 70% of the registration fee subject to a minimum $25 cancellation fee.
• No refunds or credits will be given for cancellations received less than five full business days prior to the event.
• No refunds or credit will be given for no-shows.
• No vouchers will be issued in lieu of a refund.
• Transfers/substitute(s) welcome (notify in advance of the program).
Attendance at this activity grants permission for Southern Regional AHEC to use any photographs, audio, video, or other images from this activity for promotional or educational purposes. Please notify an AHEC staff member if you have concerns.
ADA Services
Americans with Disabilities Act Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the ADA coordinator at least five days prior to the event at (910) 678-7240 or Christi.Boahn@sr-ahec.org.
Contact Us
Althea Bell, BS, Director, IPE Continuing Professional Development / (910) 678-0112 / althea.bell@sr-ahec.org