The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine has been awarded $3.7 million to create a clinic to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Specialty Care Clinic will include eight operative units, a wheelchair tilt, a wheelchair accessible panoramic x-ray machine and sensory friendly rooms, according to an April 17 news release from the university.
Elizabeth Kapral, DDS, clinical professor in the department of oral diagnostic sciences, will oversee the clinic. Just over half of adults with a disability had a dental visit in the past year, compared to 70% of adults without a disability, according to Dr. Kapral.
Funding is from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The office also recently provided more than $5 million to NYU Dentistry to expand its specialty clinic.
The new center is expected to open in 2027, the release said.
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