Dubai: Jasour-News Desk
Dubai Autism Center has announced the opening of the first specialized dental clinic in the country dedicated to providing oral healthcare services for individuals with autism, in collaboration with Curaden, the Swiss company known for its Curaprox brand specializing in oral care products. The clinic, located within the center’s facilities, aims to offer healthcare services specifically designed to meet the exceptional needs of individuals with special needs from the autism spectrum.
Mohammed Al Emadi, General Manager of Dubai Autism Center, said, “By opening the first autism-friendly dental clinic, Dubai Autism Center reaffirms its commitment to providing high-quality services to all members of the community, including individuals with special needs from the autism spectrum. This initiative is part of the efforts to make Dubai a more inclusive city, in line with our wise government’s vision to transform Dubai into a special needs-friendly city.”
Al Emadi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Curaden for their dedicated efforts to enhance the experience of individuals with autism in the UAE, noting that this initiative will be an invaluable resource in addressing a significant need within our community, distinguished by its innovative design and modern technologies supervised by a team specially trained to handle the needs of this group.
Joyce Chammoun, Business Development Manager at Dubai Autism Center, said, “This initiative is part of Dubai Autism Center’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for individuals with special needs from the autism spectrum in the community. The clinic is the first autism-friendly dental clinic catering specifically to the needs of this community, characterized by its innovative design that creates a calm and comfortable environment, using modern techniques to reduce anxiety and stress in patients.”
Chammoun explained that the clinic’s team consists of dentists and assistants trained at Dubai Autism Center to work with individuals with special needs, who are patient and understanding, using effective and simple communication methods. The clinic offers a variety of services, including routine examinations, cavity treatment, teeth cleaning, and more, using the latest techniques to calm nerves and reduce anxiety in individuals with autism, such as soft lighting and soothing colors, as well as noise-canceling headphones. The clinic is equipped with modern medical tools and devices, ensuring the best possible care for all patients with autism.
Paul Tammer, General Manager of Curaden Middle East, said, “We are delighted with our partnership with Dubai Autism Center to achieve our vision of making oral healthcare inclusive and accessible to all. The Curaden Dental Care Room is a strong step towards creating an environment where individuals with autism feel comfortable and supported to develop trust and a relationship with dental healthcare.”
Rami Faris, Regional Marketing Manager at Curaden, emphasized the importance of this initiative within the company’s vision, saying, “At Curaden, we strive to build a healthier and happier community by changing how self-oral care is perceived. The Curaden Dental Care Room embodies this goal, providing a space where individuals with autism feel safe and are encouraged to adopt healthy oral hygiene practices.”
Angela Kuto, Regional Education Manager at Curaden, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Curaden Dental Care Room goes beyond teaching basic skills; it empowers individuals with autism to develop lifelong healthy oral care habits. This collaboration with Dubai Autism Center is a testament to our commitment to making healthcare accessible to all as part of our social responsibility in the UAE.”
Dubai Autism Center was established as a non-profit organization in 2001 under Decree No. (21) of 2001, with one of its main objectives being to contribute to making the emirate a leading center globally for providing specialized special education programs and therapeutic rehabilitation services for individuals diagnosed with autism. The center’s financial resources come from grants, donations, and any charitable endowment dedicated to the center.
Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common developmental disorders, typically appearing in the first three years of a child’s life and accompanying the individual throughout their lifetime. Autism affects an individual’s communication and social abilities, leading to isolation from those around them. The rapid growth of this disorder is noteworthy, with most studies estimating its prevalence based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report issued in 2021, indicating one case for every 36 children. The prevalence rate is observed to be similar in most countries around the world.
