That personalized care approach represents the underlying philosophy of the newly opened Care Center for Persons with Disabilities at Penn Dental Medicine . Designed with an eye toward meeting the needs of people with physical and intellectual disabilities , the Care Center will also allow dental students to learn how to meet the needs of their patients and even provide opportunities for innovation in how that care is delivered .
The 3,500-square-foot Personalized Care Suite ( PCS ) is the physical home to the new Center for Persons with Disabilities , offering preventive and interceptive oral health care for patients of all ages living with a disability . A foremost priority for the PCS is accessibility – entranceways and corridors are wide and its 12 operatories can accommodate wheelchairs or other supportive devices . In addition , four operatories include wheelchair lifts , which can support and recline patients in their chairs , while one extra-large room is designed for treating a patient on a gurney or even on the floor . In addition , a “ quiet ” room has lower lights and soundproofing for patients with sensitivities to bright lights and loud noises .
All Penn Dental Medicine students will gain direct experience treating patients in the PCS and will be trained to handle the unique needs of people with sensory impairments , behavioral problems , psychosocial issues , and other conditions requiring sensitive and comprehensive handling .
“ Along with training our students , a key goal of the center will be to educate practicing clinicians , teachers , nurses , and caregivers on how preventive practices and teamwork can improve the quality of life for both the disabled and their families ,” Dean Wolff said . “ We plan to develop and report on best practices for serving this population .”
The center will also be a hub for research with the Colgate Innovation Laboratory embedded within the facility . Through the Innovation Laboratory , Colgate experts will work side by side with Penn Dental Medicine faculty , students , and researchers throughout the University of Pennsylvania to assess needs and develop and refine new dental products that facilitate optimal dental care for patients with disabilities .
Penn Dental Medicine celebrated the launch of the new center with a free , 10-part continuing education series on oral health for persons with disabilities . The series remains available to view through the School ’ s Continuing Education Online Classroom at www . dental . upenn . edu / disabilitiescare .
For more information or to refer a patient call ( 215 ) 898-8180 .
MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 31