Single Use donation puts a smile on BCH

A LOCAL service aimed at improving dental health for people on the Bellarine living with autism and mild intellectual disabilities, has been given a substantial donation.

Bellarine Community Health (BCH) Dental is set to receive a generous donation of diagnostic kits, dental mirrors and filling kits from dental instrument supply company, Single Use.

BCH Dental will use the donation for its Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) dental program, with Single Use recognising challenges for people living with intellectual disabilities and the need for more positive dental interactions.

“It is often quite difficult for people living with autism or intellectual disability to feel comfortable at the dentist and to understand what is happening, so this service is designed to reduce that anxiety and agitation for patients to give them a more positive dental experience,” BCH Dental Services Manager Robyn

Bastiaan said.

“The dentist can be a scary experience for many people, so for young children and people with autism or a disability, especially around the sensory and communications challenges, it can be so traumatic.”

BCH’s personalised dental program follows a special intake process to understand the individual needs of each patient, as well as a showbag with visual aids including the dental mirrors to settle and calm new patients.

“Dental care should be accessible to everyone, without discrimination,” Single Use managing director Barney Johnson said.

“The inclusive dental program is making a difference for patients and their relatives when visiting the dentist, building their confidence, and serving their unique needs.

“Because of what they’ve done and continue to do, we’re proud to stand by and support Bellarine Community Health in their mission.”

Single Use says it is also committed to social responsibility for the planet, adhering to its own SMART Waste Recovery Program, minimising the environmental impact of dental waste.

The SMART Waste Recovery Program reduces carbon emissions by repurposing instrument waste into an energy source.