NC and Bethesda host dental clinics for children with autism

Children with autism are getting extra support for having a successful dental appointment while college students are cutting their teeth with real clients, thanks to a continued community collaboration between Niagara College and Bethesda’s Children and Youth Services. NC and Bethesda are hosting dedicated dental hygiene clinics for children with autism spectrum disorder at NC’s Welland Campus. About 20 children were welcomed to NC’s Dental Clinic on March 20, and about 20 clients are expected when the clinics continue on April 3. The clinics offer dental hygiene services at a reduced cost to the children – who are clients of Bethesda – conducted by NC Dental Hygiene students, with support from students from the College’s Autism and Behavioural Science (ABS) program.  The clinics continue a collaboration between NC’s dental and ABS programs, and Bethesda which began in 2018.

More than 50 senior Dental Hygiene students are involved with the initiative this Winter term. Taking on the role of clinicians, students participate in assessments, oral hygiene coaching, and work in pairs to conduct a range of dental services including oral examinations, cleaning, polishing, individual oral hygiene instruction, radiographs, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

The experience helps Dental Hygiene students fulfill clinical skills and core competency requirements in their program and much more. About 20 ABS students are participating in this term’s dental clinics with Bethesda to observe and offer support when needed. The experience they gain will count as part of their required placement hours. An Applied Behaviour Analysis Clinician from Bethesda is also present during the appointments for client support. The dental hygiene clinics on March 20 and April 3 were offered to children between the ages of five and 17 registered to the Ontario Autism Program, who are clients of Bethesda’s Children’s Behaviour Services. Pre-registration was required as spaces were limited.

Bethesda is a non-profit organization that aims to support children and youth and adults with special needs in its communities. For info on Children and Youth Services, visit bethesdaservices.com/en/youth/home.