DTA FOUNDATION 2021 GRANT RECIPIENT: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY

Integrating a system wide oral health program (involving all employees) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in group homes: A 2021 DTA Foundation Grant Project

The DTA Foundation continued its usual funding of oral health pilot projects in 2021 after its 2020 pivot to COVID related projects. University of Maryland School of Dentistry was one of five grant recipients from last year’s funding cycle. See below pieces of their 2021 DTA Foundation grant application for more details on their project, Integrating a system wide oral health program (involving all employees) for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in group homes.

This project intends to institute a system-wide program which will ensure personal and professional oral care is appropriately addressed for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in group homes. Through partnership with UMSOD, this program will involve direct service personnel, supervisors and administration in the oral care of people with IDD in group homes. Funding will be used to employ a .30 FTE dental hygienist (new position); 90 power toothbrushes (for all clients and staff); development of documentation and educational materials, video-recording and editing.

By involving all levels of employees within the organization and once established, the dental hygienist will not be needed, as the program will have checks and balances to ensure on-going success and can be replicated, it limits the past focus on the role of caregiver, A system-wide commitment to oral health and training program will be extended to others with IDD in the organization.