Mobile Dental Services: On-Site Dental Care for Adults with IDD

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is launching an innovative Mobile Dental Clinic Project to deliver compassionate, high-quality oral healthcare directly to adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in rural Georgia.

For many adults with IDD and their families, accessing routine dental care presents significant logistical and sensory challenges. By bringing a fully equipped clinic directly to community locations, DBHDD is removing barriers to care, eliminating long transport trips, and establishing a consistent, supportive dental home for residents in underserved communities.

This initiative began as a pilot project in the eastern region of Georgia and will scale into a long-term, statewide healthcare model. 

Program Details & Implementation

  • The Pilot Program & Regional Launch

    • Initial Coverage: The pilot program launched in rural counties in eastern Georgia, expanding service outside of Richmond and Columbia Counties into HRSA-designated rural areas—many of which are located more than 50 miles from regional facilities.
    • Funding & Support: Funded through the Georgia Rural Health Transformation Grant, part of Georgia's allocation from the $50 billion federal initiative established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1).
    • State Initiative: To learn more about the broader effort behind this grant, visit the Georgia Rural Enhancement and Transformation of Health (GREAT Health) Program.

  • Built on a Proven Model: Access Dental Care Partnership

    To ensure clinical excellence and operational efficiency, DBHDD partnered with Access Dental Care (ADC) of North Carolina (accessdentalcare.org).

    • Specialized Equipment: ADC has supplied the specialized portable dental equipment utilized by DBHDD, offering a field-tested foundation tailored specifically to the physical and behavioral needs of adult IDD patients.

  • Experienced Clinical Teams & Teledentistry

    The program relies on seasoned dental professionals from East Central Regional Hospital’s (ECRH) Gracewood Dental Clinic, bringing deep clinical experience in treating adults with developmental disabilities. Teams consist of a dentist, hygienist and dental assistants who transport the specialized equipment and perform the dental treatment.

    • Teledentistry Integration: The project will use modern teledentistry technology allowing hygienists and dentists to consult remotely, stream images, and facilitate diagnostic reviews efficiently.

  • How the On-Site Mobile Clinic Operates

    DBHDD collaborates with Community Service Boards (CSBs)—Georgia’s local safety-net providers—as well as service organizations, guardians, and families to coordinate visit schedules.

    • Transport: Equipment travels to participating community facility sites in a customized box truck equipped with a hydraulic lift gate.
    • Setup: The team sets up two complete dental operatories, an on-site sterilization unit, and handheld radiograph systems inside the local facility.
    • Care Delivery: Patients receive preventive and restorative care in a comfortable, familiar space, accompanied by trusted caregivers and support staff.
    • Pack-Up: At the end of the service day, all gear is sanitized, packed, and returned to the regional base.

  • Sustainability & 5-Year Expansion Vision

    • Statewide Scaling: DBHDD aims to add more mobile units and clinical personnel over the 5-year Rural Health Transformation Grant funding period to expand services across all major regions of Georgia.
    • Financial Sustainability: Starting in Year 2, the project will transition into active Medicaid and third-party billing, ensuring a permanent, self-sustaining healthcare infrastructure for Georgia's adult IDD population.

Summary

The DBHDD Mobile Dental Clinic Project represents a major step forward in expanding healthcare equity for Georgia's rural adult IDD community. By combining experienced dental professionals from ECRH’s Gracewood Dental Clinic with the proven mobile model of Access Dental Care, DBHDD is delivering comprehensive oral health care directly to patients who need it most.

What this means for families and providers:

  • Convenience: No long-distance travel to regional centers like Gracewood.
  • Continuity: Regular preventive care maintaining oral health and reducing long-term dental disease.
  • Comfort: High-quality treatment provided in a familiar local setting alongside trusted staff.

Watch for additional updates as DBHDD Mobile Dental Services goes "on the road" to serve rural communities across Georgia.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

DBHDD Moblie Dental Services
East Central Regional Hospital - Gracewood Campus
100 Myrtle Blvd.
Gracewood, GA  30812