Inclusive Care Clinic (ICC) – Now Open

Dental Care Designed to Treat Patients with Disabilities and/or Special Healthcare Needs Heading link

Patient in wheelchair receiving treatment from ICC team

Our faculty, students and staff compassionately provide oral health care to treat patients with disabilities and/or special healthcare needs while ensuring their safety and comfort.

The Inclusive Care Clinic (ICC) serves patients 15 years or older who may encounter barriers receiving dental care due to accommodations needed for mobility and/or cognitive/sensory needs. The ICC addresses these barriers by providing a space equipped with the necessary components including a sensory room, wheelchair lift, private treatment rooms, noise-cancelling headphones, personal entertainment tablets and weighted blankets.

Inclusive Dentistry Heading link

patient in wheelchair smiling at registration desk with front desk staff

Developmental disabilities affect the mind, the body and the skills people use in everyday life. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often need extra help to achieve and maintain good oral health. These individuals are particularly at-risk for oral health issues such as severe tooth decay and periodontal disease. Poor communication skills, lack of manual dexterity, fear, uncontrolled movements, and other physical, emotional or behavioral factors can make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene.

ICC student dental providers are prepared to provide oral health care for patients with disabilities and complex health issues.

Given the unique physical and social needs of an individual with a disability, providing dental care requires additional preparation and training. Our faculty, residents and student dentists at UIC College of Dentistry receive specialized training, including visits to area health centers and agencies that specialize in serving these needs.

What are the patient criteria for the ICC? Heading link

The ICC serves patients 15 years and older who will receive an initial evaluation to determine if the dental needs can be met by student providers. Patients who meet the criteria for care in the Inclusive Care Clinic may present with one or more of the following:

Physical disabilities
Intellectual disabilities
Developmental disabilities
Behavioral conditions: ADHD, ADD, Autism spectrum disorders
Cognitive limitations
Patients with minimal ability to cooperate
Dementia and/or Alzheimer
Parkinson Disease
Other conditions not listed

What special accommodations are available for patients? Heading link

Empty examination room with wheelchair lift

Multi-sensory room: To reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Wheelchair lift: Allows patients to receive treatment in their wheelchairs.
Private treatment rooms: To provide privacy and comfort.
Noise-cancelling headphones, personal entertainment tablets and weighted blankets

What services does the ICC offer? Heading link

Comprehensive dental treatment
Preventative dental treatment
Integrated dental treatment (multidisciplinary)
Teledentistry (video call) visit for pre-screenings, emergency and follow-up appointments (COMING SOON)

I decided to accept the role as director of the ICC because it is vital to me to provide the best care possible and meet patients where they need to be met. I am passionate and have experience in treating patients with a variety of special healthcare needs and I know what is important to look out for. It is my hope that the ICC can provide a much needed resource for those patients who feel they don’t get what they need elsewhere.

Leda Mugayar DDS, MS | Director, Inclusive Care Clinic