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Special Smiles has many important partnerships with residential facilities, programs and agencies serving people who have intellectual, developmental, psychological, and physical disabilities.
Like Special Smiles, Don Guanella serves people affected by IDD. Are there other ways in which Special Smiles and Don Guanella are aligned? We are aligned in our approach to serving the IDD population with professional, compassionate care while promoting individuality, belonging, and respect.
Why does your staff bring Don Guanella residents to Special Smiles for dental care? We bring our guys to Special Smiles because they mirror the kind of care we give and they are well structured to run smoothly so that it is a positive experience every time.
What challenges are involved in bringing your clients to Special Smiles, and how does the Special Smiles staff help to overcome those challenges? There are always challenges with the population we serve, due to a wide range of diagnoses, both medical and behavioral. Special Smiles helps us by having a structured process ahead of each visit to ensure patient safety, and by having strong communication between our nursing staff and their staff. Everything is handled so that we can just walk in for the appointment and get the dental care completed.
How often do you bring your clients to Special Smiles? We do routine visits annually for a comprehensive exam and cleaning.
Do Special Smiles dentists sometimes visit your facility to provide services?Yes, Special Smiles came in to do a dental hygiene class for caregivers at one of the homes. It went very well, so we will be inviting them back.
What do you like best about your job?I have been here almost 17 years because there is always a family vibe. Everyone is respectful, even when there are hiccups, we get through it together, so it’s not stressful. Plus the men are great. We love our men.
What do you like best about Special Smiles? I’m a structure person so I am always loving that they have organized checklists to make sure everything is in place for the men’s safety and wellbeing. It is a great ongoing relationship.
