7826: Pediatric Dentistry Rotation at Tacachale Dental Clinic   Dr. Paul Burtner

As explained in module 7452, approximately 52 million Americans have a disability; 25 million have a severe disability. Due to changes in society's attitude toward these individuals, most of them reside in the community and seek dental services from private practitioners. It is our responsibility to introduce our students to the treatment of people with disabilities.

Tacachale is a long-term care facility for people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. It is operated by the Florida Department of Children and Families.  Approximately 540 people reside at Tacachale. They receive medical and dental services on-site.

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry provides dental services at Tacachale on a contractual basis. Each dental student at the University of Florida College of Dentistry participates in a week-long clinical rotation as part of module 7826. During the rotation, students visit the dental clinic at Tacachale and observe UF faculty members as they provide dental care to people with disabilities.