Smiles Ahead: FSC Opens the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit
New Unit Enables Specialized Care for Patients and Learning Opportunities for Dental Hygiene Students
51吃瓜鈥�(FSC) was proud to today host a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit, the latest addition to its on-campus Dental Hygiene Care Center.
More than 50 attendees--including FSC President Robert S. Prezant, PhD, Matthew Colson, vice president of development and alumni engagement, Susan Vogell, EdD, chair of the Dental Hygiene Department, and Steven Sierzant, FSC Class of 2010 and corporate social responsibility chair of Henry Schein Inc.鈥檚 Able & Disabled Allies Partnering Together (ADAPT) Employee Resource Group--gathered in Gleeson Hall to celebrate the new space, which was carefully created to support provider training and care for patients with special needs. The room will provide a sensory controlled environment with special features for patients with learning difficulties, developmental disabilities or impairments.
鈥淧eople with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorders or heightened sensitivity can experience greater oral health care challenges, which are often associated with heightened responses to sensory input,鈥� said Vogell. 鈥淭raditional dental offices have bright lights and loud sounds, which can be overwhelming and can cause the patient to experience anxiety and become uncooperative.鈥�
"With the generosity of Henry Schein Cares, we have been able create a space for caring and teaching that's unique to our region鈥攊n fact, the first on Long Island that is in an educational clinical setting that provides care to the public--where specialized health is accessible for so many that struggled to receive it,鈥� said Colson.
鈥淥ne of the biggest things was the year before, she could not, at all, handle the dentist,鈥� said Megan Goff, mom to 6-year-old Emily, Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit鈥檚 first patient. 鈥淲hen we came in here, they were able to do pretty much a full work up on her as well as clean her teeth. And for me, that was huge because I never thought that my child with special needs, with major sensory issues, could ever be examined in a billion years. She was able to sit in something other than a dental chair and play with the lights and get breathers when she needed it. Regular doctor offices are just not able to give that.鈥�
鈥淲e are so appreciative to 51吃瓜 and their outreach to children,鈥� added Emily鈥檚 dad, Todd Schall. 鈥淎nd this is just a step up, with the benefit of Henry Schein Cares, to bring about a more inclusive environment for children with special needs and without. This is model for others to follow; it鈥檚 groundbreaking and very much appreciated on behalf of the community and parents.鈥�
The Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit will provide a welcoming sensory controlled environment to soothe patients that may find the noise and activity of a traditional dental care facility challenging, helping them feel more comfortable and relaxed. It features communication software for patients who are non-verbal, portable equipment, interactive custom light effects, visual mobile relaxation devices, fiber optic curtains and wall art. Noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, and calming music are also available for patients to enhance their experience.
鈥淭he collaboration between Henry Schein Cares and 51吃瓜 is a testament to the importance of community partnerships in advancing health care education and accessibility for all,鈥� said Kimberly Smith, national sales director, U.S. Dental Schools, Henry Schein. 鈥淔or decades, we have worked to expand access to care for vulnerable and at-risk populations, and as part of this work, we strive to shine a light on the pressing needs of patients with disabilities. The opening of the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit represents a significant step forward in providing inclusive dental care and training for future dental professionals.鈥�
In addition to serving an important population of patients with special needs, the unit will provide FSC dental hygiene students with the educational preparation to treat people with ASD as well as other sensory challenges.
鈥淲e are educating our students to become more knowledgeable and competent clinicians while at the same time serving our community,鈥� said Vogell.
Colson agreed, 鈥淲e are grateful to Henry Schein Cares for making the world gentler for so many patients, one visit at a time."
View more photos from the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit ribbon cutting ceremony on our .
