Mind Body Teeth’s Commitment to Accessible Dentistry on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
- Dr Avanti Karve
- Dec 1
- 5 min read
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a global observance that celebrates the rights, dignity, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It is also a call to action to foster inclusive societies, ensure equal access to healthcare, and advance social progress.
Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress
Building a disability-inclusive society is essential for creating a world where every person can participate fully, contribute meaningfully, and thrive without barriers. True social progress is only possible when communities, workplaces, and public systems are designed to include everyone, regardless of ability. This means ensuring accessible environments, promoting equal opportunities, challenging stigma, and empowering people with disabilities to have a strong voice in decisions that impact their lives. By prioritising inclusion, we move toward a society that is fairer, more compassionate, and better equipped to support long-term wellbeing for all.
At Mind Body Teeth, we align closely with this mission by providing accessible, compassionate, and expert dental care tailored to individuals with a wide range of needs. Our goal is to make every patient feel comfortable, supported, and confident, no matter their physical, intellectual, or psychological challenges.
A Brief History of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The IDPD was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities and to promote social integration, equal opportunities, and human rights.
Since its inception, IDPD has become a global platform for governments, civil society, and private organisations to share knowledge, develop practical solutions, and promote inclusive policies. Observed in over 100 countries, the day highlights the contributions of persons with disabilities while encouraging societies to remove barriers to full participation in community life.
Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies
The central theme of the IDPD focuses on creating inclusive environments that advance social progress for all. This means:
Ensuring equal access to healthcare, education, and employment
Designing spaces and services that are accessible and accommodating
Promoting awareness about the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities
At Mind Body Teeth, this theme resonates in our day-to-day practice. We focus on inclusive dental care that removes physical, sensory, and psychological barriers for our patients.
The Mind Body Teeth Difference
Led by Dr Avanti Karve, a highly experienced special needs dentist, Mind Body Teeth provides a wide range of services for patients with additional needs. Dr Karve’s 20+ years of practice and doctorate in Special Needs Dentistry equip her with the expertise to provide evidence-based, patient-centered care for every individual.
Our clinic emphasizes:
Accessibility: Fully mobility-friendly facilities and equipment
Compassion: Trauma-informed, patient-centered approach
Tailored Treatment: Individualized care plans for each patient
Whether it’s routine dental care or complex procedures, our team ensures every patient feels safe, respected, and supported.
Comprehensive Dental Services
Comprehensive Dental Services
We provide accessible dental treatment for patients with conditions such as:
Cerebral palsy
Spinal injuries
Muscular dystrophy
Our clinic is equipped with mobility-friendly chairs, carts, and wheelchair-accessible spaces, ensuring comfort and safety for all patients.
2. Care for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities
We provide patient-centred care using:
Familiarisation visits
Visual aids and sensory-friendly spaces
Adapted communication techniques
This builds trust and confidence, ensuring safe access to essential dental care.
Dental anxiety is common and requires a gentle, supportive approach. Mind Body Teeth provides:
Trauma-informed care
Desensitisation programs
Nitrous oxide, IV sedation, and general anaesthesia options
These approaches make dental visits more manageable and stress-free for anxious patients.
Mind Body Teeth extends care beyond the clinic with on-site screenings at group homes, day programs, and aged care facilities. Services include:
Oral examinations and risk assessments
Personalised care plans
Carer training and education for maintaining daily oral hygiene
Treatment Options
We offer a full spectrum of dental treatments, including:
Professional cleanings and fluoride applications
Dental fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, and bridges
Custom mouthguards and occlusal splints
Sedation options and treatment under general anaesthesia
Behavioural and desensitisation programs
Management of dry mouth, mucositis, and medically complex conditions
Why Mind Body Teeth Champions Disability Inclusion
By embracing the principles of the IDPD, Mind Body Teeth ensures that every patient has access to high-quality, inclusive dental care:
Accessible clinic design and equipment
Trauma-informed and patient-centred care
Collaboration with healthcare providers for holistic treatment
Tailored services for children, adults, seniors, and medically complex patients
Our commitment contributes to fostering inclusive communities where everyone can enjoy better oral health and a higher quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do you specialise in special needs dentistry?
Yes. Special needs dentistry is our core focus, led by Dr Avanti Karve, who holds a doctorate and has over 20 years’ experience.
2. Can you accommodate wheelchair users?
Absolutely. Our clinic is fully mobility-friendly, with adaptable equipment and open spaces designed for wheelchairs and beds.
3. Do you provide dental care for patients with severe anxiety?
Yes. We offer trauma-informed care, desensitisation, happy gas, IV sedation, and treatment under general anaesthesia.
4. Do you offer in-home or offsite dental screenings?
Yes. We visit group homes, day programs, and aged care facilities to provide screenings and care plans.
5. What conditions do you treat?
We treat patients with physical, intellectual, developmental, behavioural, medical, and psychological conditions.
6. Can caregivers or support workers attend appointments?
Definitely. We encourage carers to attend to support communication and comfort.
7. Do you accept patients with complex medical conditions?
Yes. We regularly coordinate care with GP teams, specialists, hospitals, and support organisations.
8. What sedation options do you offer?
We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and hospital-based general anaesthesia.
9. Do you offer emergency dental care?
Yes. We provide urgent care for pain, infection, broken teeth, and dental trauma.
10. How do you manage patients who struggle with communication?
Our team uses adapted communication such as visual aids, simplified instructions, and sensory-friendly techniques.
11. Are your dental plans tailored to each individual?
Yes. Every patient receives a personalised care plan based on their abilities, needs, medical history, and preferences.
12. Do you train carers on oral hygiene routines?
Yes. Our team provides hands-on carer training during visits or through at-home screening programs.
Join Us in Promoting Inclusive Dental Care
Mind Body Teeth encourages caregivers, families, and communities to prioritise accessible and compassionate dental care. Whether through a clinic visit, in-home screening, or specialised treatment, our team is dedicated to ensuring that dental care is available, comfortable, and inclusive for all patients.
By supporting disability inclusion in healthcare, we help advance social progress, equality, and wellbeing for everyone.
📞 Contact Mind Body Teeth: 1300339143🌐 Website: www.mindbodyteeth.com.au
Everyone deserves a healthy smile — let us make that possible.
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