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New Workshops Enhance Dental Care Access for Individuals with Disabilities in El Paso

El Paso Matters•Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:37 PM•Special to El Paso Matters

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The Hunt School of Dental Medicine, in collaboration with the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, has initiated a series of workshops aimed at improving dental care access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Borderplex. These free, hands-on sessions, which accommodate up to 50 participants each, equip caregivers and health professionals with strategies to promote oral health. The workshops include desensitization kits to familiarize children with dental tools, reducing anxiety associated with dental visits. This initiative is part of a pilot program funded by a grant from the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, which also features a free cleaning event conducted by dental students. Community partners include several local health and support organizations.

Key Details: • Workshops are free and designed for caregivers, families, and health professionals. • Participants receive desensitization kits to ease dental anxiety. • The initiative is supported by a grant from the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation. • Community partners include UMC El Paso, Autism Society of El Paso, and others.

healthcare community education disabilities dental-care

People & Organizations

Texas Tech Health El PasoUniversity Medical Center of El PasoEmergence Health NetworkWilma Luquis-AponteMaria Isabel De RubieraHunt School of Dental MedicineBorderplexDental Trade Alliance FoundationAutism Society of El PasoGiGi’s Playhouse El PasoThe Arc of El PasoPaso del Norte Children’s Development CenterChild Guidance Center

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