The dentist’s office is evolving into a more inclusive environment, particularly for children with disabilities. This shift is driven by improved training for dental practitioners. The National Council on Disability highlights that these patients face significant challenges in accessing care, partly due to a lack of trained professionals. Children with autism, for example, may experience sensory overload during routine procedures, while those using wheelchairs or having specific medical conditions may encounter accessibility and safety concerns.
In 2019, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) established standards requiring U.S. dental schools to include training in managing patients with disabilities and complex medical needs as part of their graduation criteria.
Saint Louis University’s (SLU) Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program has been at the forefront of this initiative since its inception in 2017. Dan Stoeckel, DDS, director of the pediatric dentistry graduate program at SLU’s Center for Advanced Dental Education (CADE), stated that “the variety of patients we see at SLU prepares our residents to be confident and skilled at working with all patients.” Stoeckel also oversees pediatric dentistry at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
SLU’s program is fully accredited by CODA and remains the only pediatric dentistry residency program available in eastern Missouri or southern Illinois. Residents work with children and adolescents who have disabilities and complex medical needs both at CADE and within the operating rooms and emergency department at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Avanija Reddy, DMD, associate program director at SLU’s CADE, noted that “upon completing the program, our residents are equipped with the clinical experience to tackle the oral health and psychosocial needs of vulnerable populations.” This includes those with blood disorders or cancer as well as individuals diagnosed with autism or Down syndrome. According to Reddy, “dental students and dentists specializing in pediatric dentistry seek this experience.”
Training for SLU residents encompasses non-pharmacological behavior management techniques like modeling, nitrous oxide use, conscious sedation at their clinic facility, as well as performing dental care under general anesthesia when necessary at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Their education also covers advanced diagnostic methods, surgical procedures related to oral health issues such as pathology or trauma management alongside pharmacology specific to child development needs.
