Launch of Special Needs Dental Clinic

The Dental Health Services Special Needs Dental Clinic was officially opened today, setting a new benchmark for inclusive and accessible oral care.

Opened by Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey and Health Minister Meredith Hammat, it is the first purpose-built clinic in WA designed specifically to support and provide dental care for patients who may experience difficulties accessing mainstream dental services, due to developmental, intellectual, or physical disabilities.

Health Minister Meredith Hammat said this purpose-built initiative reflects the voices of people with lived experience and highlights what can be achieved when design, compassion and clinical excellence come together.

Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey said the clinic will provide quality dental care to people with special needs, and it was great to see members of our community now benefiting from this carefully designed project.

Dental Health Services Director Gino Cirillo said the vision was to design and build a clinic that closely integrated into the existing environment and made it feel less like a traditional dental clinic.

"The internal clinic design features softer lighting, noise reduction elements, a low sensory room and accessible bathrooms, all helping to increase patient comfort and decrease anxiety,' he said.

“The landscaping has been designed for patients to sit and engage with nature, and at times special needs patients may undergo a consultation in the landscaped area if they are not willing to enter the clinic.”

Patients can also be assessed from their vehicle if they are unable or unwilling to go into the clinic.

Gino said some people may face physical barriers when visiting a standard dental surgery or even sitting in a dental chair to receive treatment. Others may experience severe communication and behavioural challenges, swallowing difficulties, and an inability to understand or follow instructions.

The building has been designed in consultation with consumers, carers, clinicians, and accessibility experts to ensure it would meet the complex needs of both patients and their support networks.

The building is a fully accessible single-storey build, centrally located and close to public transport.

"Dental Health Services is very proud of this clinic and, more importantly, we are delighted that our special needs patients have an outstanding community clinic to receive dental care," Gino said.

To find out more: WA's new Special Needs Dental Clinic officially opened | Western Australian Government