Oct 18, 2010

Agency Expands Dental Care during Disability Awareness month

TALLAHASSEE, FL— Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has

partnered with a Miami dentist to provide much needed dental care to

people with developmental disabilities in South Florida.

The Bay Harbor Complete Dentistry clinic’s grand opening will

take place on October 25, with a ribbon-cutting and news conference

at 11 a.m. A clinic open house will follow. The dental clinic is

located at 1090 Kane Concourse (96th Street), Suite 204, in Bay

Harbor Islands. Individuals with developmental disabilities who will

use the clinic and their family members will be in attendance.

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Children and adults with developmental disabilities in Dade and

Monroe counties who have been unable to find dental care will be able

to use the clinic. APD eligible people, including those on the

waiting list for waiver services, may receive cleanings, screenings,

X-rays, and other specialized services at reduced cost or with

financial assistance.

APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine said, “This is the agency’s second

community clinic in the state to help people with developmental

disabilities get the services they need. Dental care is a basic

need, and APD is committed to looking for partnership opportunities,

like this one with Dr. Tuman, to help those we serve. I am sure

hundreds of people in South Florida will be happier and healthier

because of this new initiative.”

The clinic owner and one of the dentists who will be providing

these needed services, Dr. Jonathan Tuman, said, “This project of

providing healthcare to individuals with developmental disabilities

within the special needs community has been a dream of mine for many

years. I am thrilled and honored to be part of this history making

event.”

To make an appointment at the dental clinic, contact the APD

Area 11 office in Miami at 305-349-1478.