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Making a gift to the National Network for Oral Health Access is one of the easiest ways to positively impact our work, enhance our services, and help our community strengthen and increase access to oral health services. NNOHA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
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NNOHA is the largest group of safety-net oral health practitioners in the country, and our members all share a commitment to increasing access to quality oral health care for underserved populations. NNOHA is committed to providing the highest quality resources and support designed to meet the unique needs of our members and their programs.
Malieka Johnson, DDS.
Adults with special needs, such as intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and complex medical conditions, often face more barriers to access to dental than others. Traditional barriers to access include location, transportation, insurance, costs, personal support, and fears. Non-traditional barriers include a shortage of the number of providers, lack of provider experience and comfort, and wavering institutional support. This session will highlight a model utilized at a health center and private practice. Practicing in both sectors has allowed them to see where opportunities to increase awareness of this issue lie and to provide insight into where and how access can be improved for the adult special needs community.