Going to the dentist can be a challenge for some patients. But for those with disabilities, it can be an overwhelming experience. 

At Farmingdale State College’s Dental Hygiene Care Center, a new unit, the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit, offers patients with disabilities, both adults and children, an innovative way to receive dental care, while helping students learn about how to deal with this vulnerable population.

The unit is a small sensory-controlled room filled with sensory toys, sensory textures, and light color hues meant to desensitize the patients in preparation for their dental treatment.

Faculty members said they noticed that special needs patients who came to the college's dental clinic were easily agitated by the setting.

"We have discovered over the years that certain children with sensory issues could not be treated in the main clinic where the lights are very bright and the sounds are very loud and with many people walking around," said Susan Vogell, Chair of the Dental Hygiene Department at Farmingdale State College.

The room, which can be altered depending on the age of the patient, is designed to soothe the them in preparation for the treatment and earn their trust so they will return.

Only one patient at a time can be taken in the room with the supervision of a parent or faculty member. One of the toys is a small gel tile floor mat, which invites curiosity and helps ease the patients into to their surroundings. The large lite-brite toy hanging on the wall fosters the patient's creative and tactile expression. And the small sensory compression canoe provides the gentle squeeze needed for the patients to remain grounded.

The room is dimly lit and has calming colors, such as blue and green. When the patient is ready, a portable dental equipment suitcase is taken out and if the patient is still uncomfortable, the TV in the room is turned on to distract them.

"Our partnership with the college to develop the sensory unit demonstrates how by working together we can remove barriers to care and ensure all individuals regardless of ability, can access essential health screening and treatment," said Steven Sierzant, Corporate Social Responsibility Chair of Henry Schein Inc.’s Able & Disabled Allies Partnering Together (ADAPT) Employee Resource Group and a graduate of the college.

The unit will also help college students learn about how to deal with special needs patients. 

"Not only will the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit provide this community need but at the same time our dental hygiene students will be better prepared in armed with the knowledge and tools and confidence needed to care for this vulnerable population," said Vogel.

Through support from the administration and donations to the Farmingdale College Foundation made by Henry Schein Cares, Henry Schein, Inc.’s global corporate citizenship program, the unit will be ready for patients in the fall.