Jenai and Carolyn Grace shadowed at Sparks Dental Clinic to see patients who have autism, Down’s Syndrome, and cerebral palsy. They utilized these shadowing times to collect information on patients needs, clinic procedures and more in order to then better prepare current dental students on how to give proper dental care to this patient population. In addition, they used a common tool for communicating with individuals with autism–a storyboard, this one focused on going to the dentist–to create a video that can be used for patients and caregivers to give patients more comfort about what to expect.

As a result of their program:

• Current dental students will receive additional instruction prior to their Sparks Clinic rotation beginning in Fall 2022, thereby raising their awareness of treating patients with intellectual disabilities
• Current patients and caregivers have an additional tool to feel  more comfortable prior to coming to their appointment

“We encourage everyone to use your passion to make an impact. The passion we have for serving this very special population will help us make an impact going forward.”