Photo credits (from left to right): AbsolutVision, Ricardo IV Tamayo, Charles
Source: Unsplash
Accessible Clinics and Equity (ACE) in Dentistry is a project that reflects the vision of an interdisciplinary team of researchers, dental professionals, educators, and community partners.This 4-year project has several aims anchored in three concepts that represent the core values of the research team; Social Dentistry, Patient-Centered Care, and Universal Access.
What is ACE-Dent?
Accessible Clinics and Equity in Dentistry ACE-Dent is a project that brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers, dental professionals, educators, and community activists.
WHAT IS OUR AIM?
Our aims are to 1) develop models of accessible dental clinics, and 2) produce training modules for dental professionals.
WHAT IS OUR RESEARCH PROCESS?
Our research includes: 1) exploring the scientific literature on accessibility; 2) observing clinics that have developed inclusives approaches for patients with disabilities; 3) proposing and validating new models of accessible dental services; and 4) developing educational programs for current and future dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and secretaries).
THE ACE-DENT VISION
Guided by the values of equity and solidarity, we envision a dental care system that is inclusive and accessible for all.
We also believe that dentistry should be person-, community-, and socially-centred.
The specific objectives of this study are:
- Describe, within accessible dental clinics, the skills and practices of dental staff ( i.e. dentists, dental hygienists, assistants and dental secretaries) with people with limited mobility.
- Identify and describe the physical characteristics of these clinics, including their architecture, furniture, dental equipment and assistive devices that help meet needs of people with limited mobility.
- Develop and validate models of accessible clinics including alternative models of provision of dental care (ex.mobile equipment). models will include a human dimension (skills of professionals) and a non-human (physical spaces, etc.)
- Develop professional training modules, including undergraduate and continuing education models for Canadian dental schools.
“The secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”
Dr. Francis W. Peabody (1925)