The HHS Department announced $51 million in awards to 28 HRSA-funded health centers to expand dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
The Quality Improvement Fund awards — up to $2 million per recipient — will help health centers build on evidence-based models and test innovative approaches to dental care for patients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other intellectual disabilities. These approaches include expanded preventive services, workforce development and care coordination, according to a Sept. 23 news release.
Award recipients will participate in collaborative learning activities designed to identify approaches that can be replicated across other health centers and communities.