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The Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office in Phoenix, Ariz. has been designated as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), making it the first dental office in the United States to earn this credential. To achieve CAC status, at least 80% of patient-facing staff completed specialized training on how to effectively understand, communicate with, and support autistic individuals during patient visits.
What is Autism?
According to the National Institue of Mental Health, Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is described as a “developmental disorder” because symptoms generally appear in the first 2 years of life.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a guide created by the American Psychiatric Association that health care providers use to diagnose mental disorders, people with ASD often have:
- Difficulty with communication and interaction with other people
- Restricted interests and repetitive behaviors
- Symptoms that affect their ability to function in school, work, and other areas of life
Autism is known as a “spectrum” disorder because there is wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms people experience.
People of all genders, races, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds can be diagnosed with ASD. Although ASD can be a lifelong disorder, treatments and services can improve a person’s symptoms and daily functioning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children receive screening for autism. Caregivers should talk to their child’s health care provider about ASD screening or evaluation.
The Impact of CAC Certification
“We’re proud and humbled to be the first dental practice in the country to receive this certification,” said Beatriz Adame, Operations Manager, PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs. “It’s a historic moment, but the greatest impact will be on our patients and the many more we’ll be able to serve thanks to this certification. It signals that we offer the clinical expertise and resources needed to make each dental visit safe, comfortable, and successful for our patients.”
The Dentists for Special Needs office offers family-friendly dental care tailored to patients of all ages with disabilities. Services include specially trained clinicians and staff, dedicated appointments to reduce patient anxiety, and a sensory room designed to accommodate patients with sensory sensitivities.
“We’re thrilled to add another level of care for the autism community at the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs office,” said Michael Le, Executive Director, PDS Foundation. “We know that there is a significant lack of access to trained staff and facilities that can properly care for autistic patients. This certification is a big step in addressing that gap and providing greater access to care for those who need it. Better oral health leads to better overall health, and this certification will help us reach more patients who might otherwise struggle to find the care they need.”
“We’re thrilled to add another level of care for the autism community at the PDS Foundation Dentists for Special Needs office,” said Michael Le, Executive Director, PDS Foundation. “We know that there is a significant lack of access to trained staff and facilities that can properly care for autistic patients. This certification is a big step in addressing that gap and providing greater access to care for those who need it. Better oral health leads to better overall health, and this certification will help us reach more patients who might otherwise struggle to find the care they need.”Since 2001, IBCCES has been the leader in training and certifying professionals in autism, neurodiversity, and cognitive disorders across healthcare, education, and corporate sectors worldwide. IBCCES programs for healthcare professionals ensure staff are knowledgeable and equipped with the tools needed to serve this growing but underserved community. The organization is the only credentialing board offering these programs, which include continuous training, long-term support, and insights from both experts and autistic self-advocates.
Becoming a Certified Autism Center
To become a Certified Autism Center (CAC), dental practices or individual healthcare providers typically need to follow these general steps:
- Training and Education: Staff members must complete specialized training on autism and sensory sensitivities. This training focuses on understanding the challenges faced by individuals with autism, effective communication strategies, and how to create a supportive, welcoming environment. The training is usually provided by an accredited organization like the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES).
- Facility Accommodations: The dental practice must assess and adapt its facilities to be more sensory-friendly. This may include adjusting lighting, reducing noise levels, and providing quiet areas for patients who need them.
- Application Process: Submit an application to an accrediting body, such as IBCCES, demonstrating completion of the required training and facility modifications.
- Evaluation and Certification: The accrediting body reviews the application and may perform an evaluation or inspection of the practice to ensure compliance with the standards. Once the requirements are met, the practice or individual receives the CAC designation.
- Ongoing Education and Renewal: To maintain the certification, practices usually need to engage in ongoing education and recertification processes, ensuring staff remain updated on the latest practices for supporting individuals with autism.
“Autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals often do not have access to dental care with staff that have the training to assist and accommodate their needs,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We are proud to certify the PDS Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office as a Certified Autism Center™. We hope their example will set the precedent for all other practices to follow suit.”
“Autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals often do not have access to dental care with staff that have the training to assist and accommodate their needs,” says Myron Pincomb, IBCCES board chairman. “We are proud to certify the PDS Foundation’s Dentists for Special Needs office as a Certified Autism Center™. We hope their example will set the precedent for all other practices to follow suit.”
The Pacific Dental Services® Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to improve overall health through opportunities to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. The PDS Foundation provides tools and resources to help build a lasting and sustainable impact on the communities it serves as well as on the volunteers who freely give their time.
