Special Needs Rotation
Glavin Regional Center

The Special Needs Rotation is affiliated with the Tufts Dental Facility for Special Needs located at the Glavin Regional Center in Shrewsbury. This site provides residential and community-based preventative and treatment services to developmentally disabled individuals and others who require specialized care.  The dental clinic is small (two chairs), enhancing one-to-one faculty/resident supervision and instruction.

Oral health services are provided to 60 adults who reside at the Glavin Regional Center. Outpatient services are also available to approximately 1000 special needs individuals in the Metrowest region. The Tufts Dental Facility for Special Needs has provided oral health services in the area for over 20 years.

Comprehensive oral health services are available to approximately 10,000 special needs adults and children in Massachusetts. The Tufts Dental Facility for Special Needs at the Glavin Regional Center is one of several Tufts dental sites statewide offering specialized services. Oral healthcare is provided in a patient-centered environment where partnerships with family and other healthcare providers and support services are integral to ensure the provision of quality and comprehensive care. The program is also an important training and education resource for community dentists.

Providing oral health care services to special needs individuals requires skill, empathy, and patience. This rotation will offer dental residents the opportunity to develop specialized skills in a challenging and rewarding environment.