Join us for a new Interactive Webinar brought to you by the Dental Hygiene Wolverine Oral Health Education Team!
Quotes from past attendees:
“Overall, this webinar helped me see special patient care from a broader perspective. It showed me that good care is not just about clinical skills, but also about teamwork, communication, and truly focusing on the individual needs of each patient.”
“One part of the webinar that really stood out to me was when we had to do activities pretending we had special needs. Going through that experience helped me understand how hard even simple tasks can feel for some patients.”
Course Objectives:
This course provides an in-depth exploration of dental care for individuals with special needs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver thoughtful, individualized care. With the expertise of five specialized instructors contributing to the session, each participant will receive a packet containing simulated lab exercises, enabling them to gain hands-on experience--from the comfort of home!
Identify and Understand Patients with Special Needs:
Participants will learn to define and recognize special needs patients, who may present with a variety of physical, developmental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional conditions. This foundational knowledge will enable providers to appreciate the distinct challenges these individuals may encounter within a dental care setting.
Develop Empathy and Patient-Centered Care:
A key component of this course is fostering empathy toward patients with special needs. Students will engage in activities designed to heighten their awareness of patients’ experiences and perspectives, thereby improving communication, building trust, and enhancing the overall quality of care through compassionate interactions.
Embrace a Multidisciplinary Approach to Care:
The course emphasizes the importance of collaboration across multiple healthcare disciplines, such as dentistry, dental hygiene, occupational therapy, social work, pharmacy, and nutrition. Students will gain familiarity with team-based strategies for delivering holistic care that addresses the full spectrum of medical, social, and emotional needs specific to this population.
By engaging with these objectives, participants will be prepared to provide high-quality, tailored dental care that is both compassionate and comprehensive, ultimately helping to improve health outcomes for patients with special needs.