NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities

THE EVOLUTION OF ORAL HEALTHCARE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

We provide care based on a deep commitment to assuring disabled patients, their families, and caregivers that they aren't just cared for, but cared about.

If you or your family member has a physical, cognitive, acquired, or developmental disability, our team provides the expert, compassionate care required to restore and maintain good oral health, along with support for your entire family.

In New York City, an estimated 950,000 people (of 8.5 million) have some form of disability, and of these 950,000 people, 46% have one disability and 54% have two or more disabilities. Finding a dentist with the training and willingness to accept a patient with disabilities can be difficult, leaving many disabled patients and their families struggling to obtain effective dental care. Until now.

The NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities

To address this critical need, the NYU College of Dentistry has built a path-breaking new facility — the NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities — which is designed specifically to serve patients with disabilities throughout the New York metropolitan area who would otherwise be deprived of much-needed dental care.

Our dental care providers have the specialized skillsets needed to provide sensitive, essential care for individuals whose disability or disabilities prevent them from being treated in a conventional dental setting. Every component of the center has been designed to accommodate the physical and support needs of our patients, their families, and/or caregivers. And because it provides dental care across the lifespan, the center offers a dental home for disabled patients on an ongoing basis.

Our oral healthcare team includes a dental director, multidisciplinary faculty, a nurse, a nurse practitioner, a social worker, 3 patient-service representatives, a clinic manager, and a patient care coordinator.

Distinctive features of the center include:

Two fully-equipped sedation suites designed to provide both inhalational and intravenous sedation administered under the supervision of anesthesiologists. This will reduce hospital referrals.
Spacious treatment rooms
Consult rooms, which allow for discussion with an interprofessional healthcare team
A multisensory room designed to reduce patients' agitation and anxiety, help them relax, and engage their senses.
A nurse's station
Two recovery rooms
A family reception area

The NYU Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities occupies the entire 8,000-square-foot 8th floor of the NYU College of Dentistry's Weissman Building.

Scope of services

Quality, affordable, comprehensive patient care is provided for all ages and all dental needs:

Basic Dental Care: Cleanings, routine exams, dental hygiene, sealants, fillings, and fluoride treatment.
Endodontics: Root canal procedures and other endodontic issues.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Surgical extraction of teeth and removal of diseased tissue. Services provided include surgical treatment of injuries and developmental malformations of the mouth, jaws, and related facial structures.
Orthodontics: A wide range of treatment is provided for children, adolescents, and adults who need braces.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dental treatment and disease prevention for children up to 14 years of age.
Implant Dentistry: Procedures for dental implants.
Periodontics: A wide range of treatment is provided for patients with gum disease.
Prosthodontics: Procedures for patients requiring crowns and bridges.

Location

345 E. 24^th Street (at First Avenue)
8^th floor
New York, NY 10010

212.998.9988

Located at the NYU College of Dentistry in the heart of Manhattan's health sciences corridor, the Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities is easily accessible to people from throughout the tristate area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I am having an emergency?

If you are having a medical emergency, please dial 911.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call NYU Dentistry Urgent Care at 212.998.9660.

Which disabilities qualify me to become a patient at the NYU Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities?

Patients who are referred directly from outside agencies that provide services for people with disabilities and those whose disability or medical conditions prevent them from receiving care in a conventional dental setting are eligible to receive care at the Center. Such disabilities or medical conditions include but are not limited to the following:

ASD (autism spectrum disorder)
Moderate-severe intellectual
disability
Cleft/congenital anomalies
Moderate-severe multiple sclerosis
Moderate-severe Down syndrome
Moderate-severe cerebral palsy
Moderate-severe dementia (Alzheimer’s
disease)
Moderate-severe conditions with
multiple system involvement
Moderate-severe Parkinson’s disease
Traumatic brain injury
Moderate-severe seizure disorder
Paralysis
Transplant candidates

How do I become a patient?

Please call 212.998.9988.

How long is the first appointment?

Appointments can range from 1- 3 hours.

What are the center’s hours of operation?

The center is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Who provides my care?

The patient’s level of need, extent of disability, and medical issues determine who will provide care.

If no sedation is needed, and the procedures are for routine dental care, treatment will be provided by senior dental students under close faculty supervision.

If a patient requires sedation, a licensed anesthesiologist will provide sedation and the treatment will be provided by a licensed dentist.

Are patient advocates available on site?

Yes.

What forms of insurance/other payment methods does the center accept?

Insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and Third-Party Financing Information

Government-Sponsored Coverage

The NYU College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) is an Article 28 contracted provider for dental services covered under the State of New York Medicaid Plans. We therefore accept all patients with traditional Medicaid coverage.

In addition, NYU Dentistry provides care under the State of New York Medicaid Managed Care and other programs listed below. This includes Medicaid and Child Health Plus Plans, and also many MLTC, FIDA, PACE, Medicare Advantage, Exchange, HARP and other plans offered through the managed care companies listed below. Please note that we may not accept all types of plans offered by all companies. Additionally, certain plans require the patient to elect NYU Dentistry as their primary dental care provider. To avoid delays in service, please check with your plan before making an appointment. If you would like to confirm whether NYU Dentistry accepts your plan, please call your plan or call NYU Dentistry at 212-998-9800.

Benecare
Dentaquest
Healthplex
Liberty Dental
Scion
United Healthcare

While some Medicare Advantage plans may provide limited dental coverage, traditional Medicare plans do not provide dental benefits. If your treatment at NYU Dentistry qualifies for reimbursement under your medical coverage through your traditional Medicare plan, we will submit claims to Medicare on your behalf.

IF YOU HAVE PRIVATE INSURANCE

NYU Dentistry welcomes patients with private dental insurance. At this
time, we accept only the insurance plans listed below. For all other private insurance, we will assist you with completing claim forms to obtain reimbursement from your insurance company.

Cigna - NYU Dentistry participates in Cigna's DPPO Advantage network
MetLife PPO plans - NYU Dentistry is an out-of-network provider at this time
Guardian PPO plans - NYU Dentistry is an out-of-network provider at this time

THIRD-PARTY FINANCING INFORMATION

If you are not covered by any insurance or you opt to receive treatment at NYU Dentistry on a self-pay basis:

An initial fee of $120 must be paid during registration. Acceptable payment methods include cash, checks (with proper identification), money orders, credit card (Visa, Amex, MasterCard or Discover) and many Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. Credit card payments cannot be accepted over the phone.
Third-party financing options are available for patients requiring a payment plan. Please visit Care Credit or Lending Club to learn more.

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