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546 Meeting the Oral Health Needs of Patients With Special Needs
Description
In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave welcome Candi Kidd, RDH, BSDH, MEd, to discuss the unique challenges patients with special healthcare needs face when accessing oral healthcare. From medically complex and tube-fed patients to collaborating with caregivers and healthcare teams, Candi shares practical strategies for creating more inclusive, compassionate, and effective dental experiences. This conversation challenges clinicians to rethink accessibility, advocacy, and the future of patient-centered care.
In this episode, we discuss:
Common barriers to oral healthcare for patients with special healthcare needs
Oral health considerations for medically complex and tube-fed patients
Collaborating with caregivers and interdisciplinary healthcare teams
Adapting preventive, therapeutic, and educational approaches
Creating more inclusive and compassionate dental experiences
The role of advocacy in improving access to care
Practical strategies clinicians can implement immediately
Where dental education and healthcare systems can continue to improve
Connect with Candi Kidd:
Email: candicea31@gmail.com
Instagram: @the.sunnysister
Connect with the Hosts:
Jessica Atkinson: jatkinson@endeavorb2b.com
Dave Torres: dtorres@endeavorb2b.com