Finding a Dentist that is BEST for You

For most people, a trip to the dentist is a routine affair. For individuals with disabilities, it can feel like navigating an obstacle course. Boundless saw there was a need for dental services tailored to those they serve and opened a dental clinic at their Worthington location. From the sensory-friendly environment to the attentive staff, the result is everyone is more comfortable.

Shannon Whetzel-Horn describes her daughter Brooklyn’s pediatric dental care as a seamless endeavor. However, at 21-years-old, Brooklyn required major dental care. Whetzel-Horn stated that while Brooklyn’s cerebral palsy diagnosis does not define her, it does come with unique challenges, including access to efficient and individualistic dental care after Brooklyn has reached the “service cliff.” 

Dr. Ashiyan Rahman is the Boundless Health dental director and dentist, overseeing all operations in our dental clinic. Dr. Rahman explains the "service cliff," which is what occurs when patients transition into adulthood. Oftentimes that age group faces a significant decline in care, resources and overall access to healthcare in general (including dental). If patients require additional services that Boundless doesn’t provide, Dr. Rahman has personally reached out to other dental providers ensuring her patients are getting the care that they need. 

Dominque Corton, a dental assistant at the Boundless Dental Clinic, shared her experience working with Boundless patients. After checking in, she is usually the first person that patients and families see. Corton greets every patient with an upbeat attitude. She understands that the dentist is not always a pleasant experience and wants the patients to feel comfortable with her and in the clinic. When Wetzel-Horne and Brooklyn entered the Boundless Dental Clinic for the first time, Brooklyn was her typically smiley self. Corton matched Brooklyn’s energy, bringing her back and having her sit in one of the dental chairs.

“Boundless is like a fresh breath of air,” Corton stated about working at Boundless. 

Corton worked in a typical dental office but said she would never go back to a standard dental office because of the opportunities that Boundless provided her.

Dental care looks different for all patients that Boundless serves, and we adjust accordingly based on what is best for them. For Brooklyn, a papoose, which is a flat, padded surface with adjustable straps that secure her wrists, ankles and head, helps ensure she remains calm and secure during her dental visits, allowing the dental team to provide the necessary care while prioritizing her comfort and safety. While Whetzel-Horn was hesitant to have Brooklyn use this device, the dental team provided her with the confidence and reassurance that she needed. Brooklyn cooperated with the transition from the chair to the papoose. 

“It was such an amazing experience. Brooklyn felt it, and that's why she cooperated more than she ever has,” Whetzel-Horn explained. She was surprised by the outcomes and only has positive feedback. 

Dr. Rahman accredited her involvement with nonprofit dental care to her humble background. She often saw people struggling to find access to care, particularly individuals of high need. When she became a dentist, she wanted to reach those who had been underserved.

 Whetzel-Horn is passionate about the importance of legislation. 

“There's a large, very large community of people that are not being addressed when it comes to oral care, but also physical care in some aspects too,” Whetzel-Horn explained.

Dr. Rahman agreed with Whetzel-Horn that legislation is important and makes a difference.

“What we learned is that a lot of people, unless they're personally impacted by it, don't really know that this is a need, or there is a need for certain services, or there's a lack anywhere in this in general,” explained Dr. Rahman. 

She emphasized the need to highlight individual stories and experiences to draw attention to the challenges in dental care. Raising awareness about the fact that not everyone has the same dental care experiences can help promote legislation aimed at ensuring that all people receive the care that best suits their needs.

Brooklyn (pictured above) is always smiling and showing off her pearly whites. She is also very happy to have the Boundless dental team in charge of her care. 

If you are looking for a dentist for yourself or a loved one with I/DD, please contact us at 1-800-409-2729.