ADEA eLearn
Patient-Centered Dentistry in Practice: Treating Patients with Special Health Care Needs
Includes a Live Web Event on 01/15/2026 at 7:00 PM (EST)
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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly one in five Americans lives with a disability. Delivering oral health care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired disabilities and other special health care needs often requires thoughtful modifications to both treatment options and the way care is delivered. As the demand for access to quality care continues to grow, it is essential that both emerging dental professionals and seasoned practitioners strengthen their ability to provide high-quality, patient-centered care for this population. By fostering these competencies, providers can build a legacy of quality, access and compassion in oral health. This session will be an interactive experience, featuring live polls and audience questions that help guide the conversation and focus on what participants are most eager to learn from our expert speaker.
This webinar, which is the second installment of “The Pulse of Progress: Legacy Builders in Oral Health” Speaker Series, will focus on advancing care for these dental patients who require special consideration.
The Pulse of Progress: Legacy Builders in Oral Health Speaker Series is designed to amplify the significant yet underrecognized contributions, challenges and successes of voices that have been historically eclipsed within the oral health field. This series responds to those realities by creating space for thoughtful dialogue, connection and shared learning. Through meaningful conversations and expert insights, this series aims to dismantle these barriers, highlight pathways, foster a sense of community and inspire future leaders in the oral profession.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize common intellectual, developmental and acquired disabilities that may impact dental care needs.
- Examine key legal and ethical considerations when treating patients with special health care needs.
- Apply evidence-based strategies and practical modifications to enhance dental treatment and delivery for patients requiring special care.
Original Release Date: Jan. 15, 2026
Expiration Date: Jan. 15, 2029
Questions? Contact learn@adea.org
Disclaimer
The purpose of this presentation is to educate and inform. This is not a substitute for professional care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests at this presentation express their own experience, opinions and conclusions. Guest statements do not express the viewpoint of ADEA. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ADEA endorsement. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at CCEPR.ada.org.
CE Information
The American Dental Education Association is an ADA CERP-recognized Provider.
An evaluation form is available to participants after the conclusion of the live webinar. To earn continuing education (CE) credit for participation in the webinar, the online evaluation must be completed in full by Jan. 25, 2028. After completing the evaluation, webinar participants can print and save the CE Verification Form.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
The American Dental Education Association designates this activity for 1.0 continuing education credit.
All speakers agree that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.
Sophia Alam, M.P.H.
Program Manager for Faculty Engagement and Success
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
Sophia Alam is the Program Manager for Faculty Engagement and Success at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). In this role, Sophia supports ADEA initiatives that enhance belonging and uphold an inclusive, equitable culture in academic dentistry.
Sophia holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health from Baylor University and a B.I.S. in Healthcare Management from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is passionate about advancing health equity, strengthening professional pipelines, and creating learning environments where people and organizations can thrive.
Speaker agrees that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.
Mai-ly Duong, D.M.D., M.P.H., M.A.Ed.
Associate Professor and Director of Special Care Dentistry
A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Dr. Duong received her Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) from A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH). She serves as a full-time Associate Professor and Director of Special Care Dentistry in The Center for Advanced Oral Health at ATSU-ASDOH. She works to support students, residents, and faculty treating individuals with special needs and complex medical conditions. She also works as a part-time associate dentist at Sundance Dental Care.
She completed a certificate in Advanced Education in General Dentistry from NYU Langone Medical Center in 2013. This program evolved her clinical skills to include CADCAM, sedation dentistry and advanced periodontal/oral surgery.
She completed a Master of Education (M.A.Ed.) with a dental emphasis from the University of the Pacific in 2016. Her many accomplishments and contributions to the dental profession haves earned her recognition as a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), Fellowship in the Special Care Dentistry Association (FSCD), Fellowship in the American College of Dentists (FACD), Fellowship in the International College of Dentists (FICD), and Fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy (PFA).
Speaker agrees that neither they nor members of their immediate family have any financial relationships with commercial entities that may be relevant to their presentation.
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