Tele-Health for Autism

Researching and developing new clinical and treatment modalities and methodologies is a key, and unique aspect to the UCSF Open Smiles collaboration between our UCSF Dental Public Health (DPH) and Pediatric Dentistry programs. Our telehealth clinic is on the cutting-edge of oral healthcare technology include:

  • A hybrid in-person and virtual oral health program for children with special healthcare needs such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Our DPH and PD dentists participate in monthly hybrid in-person and telehealth clinical sessions to enable children with ASD and other NDDs to improve their home oral hygiene and behavior at the dental office. 
  • Dentists will gain experience in creating effective pre-visit imagery and patient specific interventions for desensitization.
  • Providers will gain experience in interprofessional care by integrating behavioral therapists in the dental setting.

Our trainings in these areas are led by Dr. Jean Calvo, DDS, MPH, from our UCSF Pediatric Dentistry faculty and Tara Glavin-Javaid, Board Certified Behavioral Analyst, a leading researcher in ASD and NDDs from our UCSF Clinic.