Dental care should be accessible to everyone. Dental teams can improve care access by participating in continuing education programs like Accessible Oral Health ECHO 2025: Building Confidence in Dental Teams to Serve People with Disabilities.
Why Training Matters for Dental Professionals
Dental providers frequently report a lack of confidence and training to care for individuals with disabilities in general practice. This can contribute to reduced access to care, lengthy referral processes, and inappropriate use of sedation.
Through accessibility-focused education, providers can:
- Better understand disabilities and their impact on dental care.
- Improve communication with patients and caregivers.
- Make small changes to their dental office to accommodate different needs.
- Learn about behavioral techniques to increase the chance of a successful visit.
- Earn continuing education credits while enhancing patient trust and satisfaction.
By learning these skills, dental professionals can both ensure all patients feel safe, respected, and supported and strengthen their practice.
What Is Project ECHO?
Project ECHO is a recognized educational model which incorporates didactic and case-based learning. Dental teams are invited to participate in five virtual sessions, led by national experts in the field.
When is it?
The sessions will run on consecutive Thursdays from 12pm-1pm CT starting September 4th through October 2nd.
Who should take part?
The education series is designed for all dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office staff.
Is there a cost?
No, it is free for dental teams to participate!
Help Make a Difference
By participating in this training, dental professionals can create a more inclusive practice and improve care for patients with disabilities. Taking the first step toward specialized education ensures that all patients feel welcome, safe, and supported. Sign up here to get information about registration: bit.ly/JoinOralHealth2025ECHO
For more educational resources for dental teams, visit Pathways to Oral Health.
