Preliminary Results of an Interdisciplinary Behavioral Program to Improve Access to Preventative Dental Care for Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Researchers ran a short behavioral program for 32 adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. All needed dental care but usually had to be sedated.

First, staff set up a fake dental office in a day-hab room. Adults practiced sitting in the chair, opening wide, and wearing the bib. They earned praise and small prizes for each step.

After the practice sessions, 15 of the 32 adults (47 %) sat through a real exam at the clinic without any sedation. The rest were still in training.

The clinic saved money and time. Families said they felt less stress.

Green‐Short et al. (2025) used the same BST steps to teach bowling form to three adults with IDD. Both studies show BST works for new skills, but C et al. moved past form and reached a real-life goal.

Prigge et al. (2013) cut kids’ dental problem behavior with scheduled breaks, not practice. Their kids were typical and young. C et al. show adults with IDD need rehearsal, not just breaks.

Pitchford et al. (2019) found 72 % of adults with Down syndrome already have gum disease. The new study gives a way to get them into the chair before the disease gets worse.

You can copy the fake-office plan in one weekend. Borrow a portable chair, a light, and some tools from a friendly dentist. Run 10-minute rehearsals, then schedule the real visit. Nearly half your clients may skip sedation, saving cost and risk. Start with the least scary step and build; the paper shows the chain that worked.