The MaineHealth Glickman Lauder Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders (GLCOE) have implemented "Bright Smiles and Healthy Futures", an innovative oral care desensitization program that improves 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 program will continue as a sustained initiative with plans for long-term integration and growth, according to a MaineHealth news release. 

Developed in partnership with the University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM), the program 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, as sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and limited access to trained providers often make both daily oral hygiene and routine dental visits more difficult," said the news release. "The program addresses these barriers through individualized care tailored to each patient's needs." 

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

Cathleen Small, PhD, 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," said Small. "We're excited about our partnership with UNE CDM, 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. UNE dental 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 University of New England College of Dental Medicine, 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 UNE College 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.

About MaineHealth

MaineHealth is a not-for-profit, integrated health system whose vision is, “Working together so our communities are the healthiest in America,” and is committed to a mission of providing high-quality affordable care, educating tomorrow's caregivers and researching better ways to provide care. MaineHealth includes a Level 1 trauma medical center, eight additional licensed hospitals, comprehensive pediatric care services, an extensive behavioral health care network, diagnostic services as well as home health, hospice and senior care services. With more than 2,000 employed providers and approximately 23,000 care team members, MaineHealth provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. MaineHealth hospitals include MaineHealth Behavioral Health at Spring Harbor in Westbrook, MaineHealth Franklin Hospital in Farmington, MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital in Damariscotta, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center in Portland, Biddeford and Sanford, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., MaineHealth Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital in Rockport, MaineHealth Stephens Hospital in Norway and MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast. MaineHealth also includes the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s, MaineHealth Behavioral Health in Westbrook, MaineHealth Home Health and Hospice in Saco, the MaineHealth Institute for Research in Scarborough, the MaineHealth Medical Group and MaineHealth NorDx in Scarborough. MaineHealth affiliates include MaineGeneral Health in Augusta and Waterville. It is also a significant stakeholder in the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland and a joint venture partner in the New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland. 

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, physician assistant program, and pharmacy school, in addition to a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts. Visit www.une.edu.