The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry has made history with the opening of a first-of-its-kind special-care dental clinic in South Texas. This cutting-edge clinic, named the Phil and Karen Hunke Special Care Clinic, is designed to serve individuals of all ages with intellectual, developmental, cognitive, or physical disabilities. Situated within the Center for Oral Health Care and Research, the clinic boasts specially designed treatment rooms, including a “Zen Den” multi-sensory room, to help alleviate anxiety for patients. The clinic is named after philanthropists from the San Antonio area who provided initial funding for the project.
The state-of-the-art facility features seven dental treatment rooms and five rooms equipped with conscious sedation capabilities, allowing for up to 40 patients to be served daily. It also aims to provide training for students and address the significant lack of oral health services for individuals with special needs. The clinic will serve as a vital resource for the community, providing academic and clinical training to students in special-care dentistry across several disciplines and serving as a referral source and information hub for community dentists and social service providers.
In addition to the generous support from donors, the clinic has received federal funding and support from the Oral Health Improvement Program (OHIP) of the Texas Department of State Health Services. The clinic is equipped to accommodate patients with various needs, offering private and accessible treatment areas, sensory-regulating features, and ample space for families or caregivers. Advanced equipment for sedation and treatment is also available, ensuring that comprehensive and personalized care plans can be created based on each patient’s unique circumstances.
The clinic provides a wide range of dental services, including comprehensive exams, preventive care, and customized treatment plans. Medicaid is accepted for eligible patients under the age of 21, and financing options are available for those requiring a payment plan.
Dr. Jennifer Farrell, the inaugural director of the clinic, brings over 30 years of experience in providing care for patients with disabilities. Her expertise and dedication to this field have been recognized with the Lawrence J. Chasko Distinguished Service Award from the Special Care Dentistry Association in 2021.
This groundbreaking clinic not only sets a new standard for inclusive oral health care but also aims to address the historical lack of access and services for individuals with special needs in the South Texas region. Its innovative approach, advanced facilities, and commitment to training the next generation of clinicians make it a significant milestone in the field of special-care dentistry. The launching of this clinic speaks to the ongoing efforts to improve access to quality dental care for all individuals, regardless of their unique needs or circumstances.
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