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The 91ֱ����Ƶ and MaineHealth have announced the implementation of an innovative oral care desensitization program that will improve access to dental care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD).

Following a successful 13-week pilot that concluded in May, the “Bright Smiles and Healthy Futures” program will continue as a sustained initiative with plans for long-term integration and growth.

Developed between UNE’s College of Dental Medicine and (GLCOE), “Bright Smiles and Healthy Futures” helps patients build comfort with oral hygiene routines and dental visits while giving dental students hands-on experience providing inclusive care.

GLCOE's model uses individualized desensitization sessions in a specialized dental suite designed to mirror a clinical environment. Through gradual, step-by-step exposure, patients build tolerance to dental procedures, improving their ability to access routine and preventive care.

Individuals with ASD experience disproportionately high rates of dental disease because sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and limited access to trained providers can make both daily oral hygiene and routine dental visits difficult. The program addresses these barriers through individualized care tailored to each patient's needs.

The pilot program demonstrated strong early success. All participating patients increased their ability to tolerate dental visits by an average of 67 percent.

Cathleen Small, Ph.D., BCBA-D, director of Outpatient Behavioral Services at MaineHealth GLCOE, has led the program since its launch and finds the work inspiring.

"Several participants went on to successfully complete traditional dental appointments following the pilot program, marking an important milestone and demonstrating outcomes that are possible through individualized, patient-centered care,” Small said. “We're excited about our partnership with 91ֱ����ƵCDM, which helps expand access while preparing future dental professionals to provide compassionate, inclusive care. Together, we're building a sustainable model that will improve access to oral healthcare for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.”

In addition to patient care, the program engages families by providing caregivers with coaching, practical strategies, and individualized dental support plans to help ensure successful experiences both at GLCOE and in community dental settings.

The partnership also helps address a critical gap in dental education. 91ֱ����Ƶdental students rotate through the program to observe, participate in, and receive coaching on evidence-based approaches to caring for individuals with autism and developmental differences, preparing them to deliver more inclusive care throughout their careers.

For the 91ֱ����Ƶ College of Dental Medicine (CDM), which is Maine’s and Northern New England’s only dental school, the collaboration provides students with valuable clinical experience while expanding access to care for an underserved population, in line with the school’s mission and UNE’s role as Maine’s leading provider of healthcare professionals.

“I am truly grateful for our partnership with the MaineHealth GLCOE team and for the meaningful interprofessional learning experiences it provides our students,” said Nicole S. Kimmes, D.D.S., dean of the 91ֱ����ƵCollege of Dental Medicine. “By strengthening students’ empathy, confidence, and understanding of individuals with special healthcare needs, this collaboration prepares them to expand access to compassionate, person-centered dental care in the communities they will serve. Together, we can open more doors to care, advance equity, and inspire future dental professionals to serve where they are needed most.”

As the program transitions from a successful pilot to a permanent initiative, GLCOE plans to expand its reach and explore opportunities to serve more patients across Maine and beyond.