Resources and Support for Individuals with Disabilities, Families, and Caregivers
Explore trusted resources that support oral health, access to care, and overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking dental care, at-home oral health guidance, or community support services, these resources can help you find care and support that meet your needs.
Find Accessible Oral Health Care
Elks Mobile Dental Program
Through this program, the Missouri Elks provides mobile dental services to veterans, children, and adults with disabilities who may face barriers to accessing traditional dental care. Services are provided free of charge throughout Kansas City and the surrounding Missouri area.
Enable Dental
Enable Dental provides on-site dental care in homes, assisted living communities, senior living facilities, and community settings throughout the St. Louis area, making care more accessible for individuals who have difficulty traveling to a dental office.
Dental Lifeline Network – Donated Dental Services
Donated Dental Services connects eligible individuals with volunteer dentists who provide comprehensive dental care at no cost. The program serves people with disabilities, individuals with significant medical conditions, older adults, and others who face financial barriers to care.
Missouri Low-Cost Dental Services Directory
Explore free and low-cost dental care programs throughout Missouri, including community clinics, safety-net providers, and resources that can help individuals access affordable oral health care.
Supporting Better Care
My Dental Passport
My Dental Passport helps individuals communicate their preferences, sensitivities, accommodations, and support needs with dental providers before an appointment, helping create a more comfortable and personalized experience.
Preparing for a Successful Dental Visit
Sharing information about sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, mobility needs, support persons, and other accommodations can help your dental team create a more comfortable experience. Discussing these needs with your provider before your appointment – and with anyone accompanying you – helps ensure everyone understands how to best support you.
Completing and sharing your My Dental Passport before your appointment can further support communication and help your dental team prepare for your visit.
Understanding the people and process of a dental visit can also help reduce stress while at the office. The video below introduces the role of dental hygienists and explains how regular dental visits support overall health.
Oral Health Education and At-Home Care
Family members and caregivers often play an important role in supporting daily oral health routines and helping individuals access dental care. The resources below offer guidance for at-home care, dental visits, and navigating available support services.
National Institute of Health – Developmental Disabilities and Oral Health
Learn how developmental disabilities may affect oral health and explore practical tips for at-home care and successful dental visits.
Supporting Oral Health Care at Home
Supporting Oral Health Care at Home – Special Circumstances with Oral Hygiene
State & Community Support Services
Missouri Disability Portal
Explore resources from the Governor’s Council on Disability, including information on healthcare, transportation, employment, housing, benefits, and community support services.
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services – Special Health Care Needs
This resource center provides statewide health care support services, including service coordination, for children and adults with disabilities or chronic illness. Get started by watching the introduction video below, then click the link to learn more and access resources.
Family Partnership Program
The Special Health Care Needs Family Partnership Program provides information, support, and resources to help individuals and families navigate healthcare systems, access services, and improve quality of life.
Missouri Department of Mental Health – Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Division of Developmental Disabilities helps individuals and families access support services, community resources, employment programs, residential supports, and care coordination that promote independence and quality of life.
Know Your Rights
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Missouri law, patients have the right to informed consent, respectful treatment, and equal access to care. The PDF below provides an easy-to-understand overview of the rights of patients with developmental disabilities and may also be helpful for individuals living with other disabilities or health conditions. Individuals receiving care through MO HealthNet also have specific rights and protections. Click here to learn more.