Advancing Oral Health Care

In 2005, with the generous support of FISA Foundation, ACHIEVA established its Disability Health Policy Forum. The first issue selected is access to oral health care for people with developmental disabilities.

Did you know?

• People with developmental disabilities have significantly higher rates of poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontitis than members of the general population.

• Although the incidence of tooth decay varies among people with disabilities, overall the rate is significantly higher than that of the general population.

• Evidence increasingly links the presence of chronic oral infections to serious systemic diseases such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

• As a consequence of their poorer oral health, people with developmental disabilities are therefore at significantly higher risk for these more serious health problems.

• Neglecting oral health can lead to higher overall health care costs that could potentially be prevented – not to mention the human toll in difficulties with chewing, swallowing and speaking; inhibited social interactions; adverse effects on employment; and/ or living with discomfort.

If you are having difficulty finding appropriate oral health care, please let us know by emailing mhartley@achieva.info or by calling 412-995-5000 ext. 569.

For more information about the Disability Health Policy Forum, please contact Mary Hartley at mhartley@achieva.info.

Click here to see the complete Advancing Oral Health Care executive summary.

Click here to see the complete Advancing Oral Health Care report.

Click here to visit Special Olympics' Special Smiles Caregivers Guide.

Click here for information from the National Institute of Health for families and dental professionals supporting different disabilities.

Provided counsel to the United States Department of Justice and advocated for the Americans with Disabilities Act to address discriminatory practices and lack of accommodations for people with disabilities.