The Pacific Dental Services (PDS) Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office in Phoenix, Arizona, has made history by becoming the first dental practice in the United States to receive the Certified Autism Center (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This certification indicated that at least 80% of the office’s patient-facing staff had undergone specialized training to better understand and support patients with autism during dental visits.
The CAC status aims to enhance the accessibility and comfort of dental services among patients with autism and sensory sensitivities. The certification provides a structured approach to staff training and facility accommodations, ensuring that visits are more supportive and patient centered.
The Dentists for Special Needs office focuses on family-friendly dental care tailored to patients of all ages with disabilities. Among its offerings are specially trained clinicians, dedicated appointments to alleviate patient anxiety, and a sensory room designed for those with sensory sensitivities.
“We’re proud and humbled to be the first dental practice in the country to receive this certification,” said Beatriz Adame, Operations Manager at the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs. “It’s a historic moment, but the greatest impact will be on our patients and the many more we’ll be able to serve thanks to this certification. It signals that we offer the clinical expertise and resources needed to make each dental visit safe, comfortable, and successful for our patients,” she noted.
Michael Le, Executive Director of the PDS Foundation, echoed these sentiments, stating, “This certification is a big step in addressing that gap and providing greater access to care for those who need it. Better oral health leads to better overall health, and this certification will help us reach more patients who might otherwise struggle to find the care they need,” he emphasized.
Since its inception in 2001, IBCCES has specialized in training professionals across various sectors, including health care, education, and corporate environments on autism, neurodiversity, and cognitive disorders. The organization emphasizes continuous training and long-term support to empower staff to provide appropriate care for underserved communities.
IBCCES board chairman Myron Pincomb remarked, “Autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals often lack access to adequately trained dental care. We are proud to certify the PDS Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office and hope it sets a standard for others to follow,” he highlighted.
To assist families seeking certified care, IBCCES has launched CertifiedAutismCenter.com, a free online resource listing locations that meet the rigorous standards for the CAC designation.
The Pacific Dental Services Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving health through community service, with a focus on special needs dentistry, scholarships for dental assistants, and international service trips. Its website is pdsfoundation.org.