Dental Care grant to help Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

The Department of Mental Health (DMH), Division of Developmental Disabilities received a $25,000 grant from the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation of Arlington, VA. The project called Increasing Awareness of the Importance of Oral Health among Missouri Caregivers, will potentially improve access to dental care for individuals who receive services through DMH as well as promote the importance of oral health to a person’s overall health.

“Every day dental care can be difficult for individuals with developmental disabilities, and this population often has a high prevalence of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss,” said Valerie Huhn, Director of the DMH Division of Developmental Disabilities. “We hope this grant will help caregivers understand the importance of providing that needed assistance.”

The 18-month project will consist of producing short messages through podcasts and webinars to share the various information about oral health. Short videos will demonstrate techniques for caregivers assisting someone else. These videos will show real life experiences and the results of poor or no oral hygiene, as well as results of regular oral hygiene. The goal is to share the messages with the general public, long-term care providers, member of the dental community, developmental disabilities advocacy groups, and caregivers and families supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

About Dental Trade Alliance Foundation (DTAF)

The DTA Foundation’s mission is to broaden awareness of oral health's impact on overall health and increase access to oral health care. Its vision is to be the premier foundation in oral healthcare uniting the dental industry to create and attract innovative solutions, leverage and expand resources to fund unique and promising initiatives that achieve measurable impact and facilitate real change. Find out more about the DTA Foundation at www.dtafoundation.org