California Expands Access to Dental Care for People With Autismw
A new California law will equip oral health professionals with specialized training to better serve individuals with developmental disabilities.
California has taken a landmark step toward inclusive oral healthcare with the signing of AB 341, which establishes the Oral Health for People with Disabilities Technical Assistance Center Program. Beginning January 2026, this statewide initiative will provide oral health professionals with education and tools to deliver compassionate, effective care for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
People with autism often face sensory challenges that make dental visits stressful, and many providers lack the training to adapt their techniques. This has contributed to long waitlists, higher rates of untreated dental disease, and frequent reliance on sedation or general anesthesia. AB 341 directly addresses these issues by creating a centralized resource, administered through a public California dental school that has yet to be determined, to train providers in behavioral, preventive, and patient-centered strategies.
The new program aims to expand the number of clinicians prepared to care for patients with disabilities, promote preventive care, and reduce the need for sedation. For dental teams nationwide, California’s model offers a blueprint for bridging the accessibility gap in oral health, ensuring that all patients, regardless of ability, receives the quality care they deserve. Click here to read more.
