For many patients with special needs, visiting the dentist is not just uncomfortable—it can feel impossible. At The University of New Mexico’s Special Care Dental Clinic, barriers to care for this population are being dismantled through expert training, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to inclusivity.
I personally have worked with constituents needing these types of services and have found challenges finding accessible and available oral health care options for them. This Special Care Dental Clinic will open the door to a safe and comfortable place to ensure proper oral health care to this community.
-Gina DeBlassie, Secretary, New Mexico Department of Health
The clinic’s opening has been made possible through strong institutional and state support.
“Thanks to the efforts of our State Legislature and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, this dental clinic, so vital in meeting the needs of special populations to maintain their oral health, is a reality,” said Gina DeBlassie, secretary of the New Mexico Department of Health. “I personally have worked with constituents needing these types of services and have found challenges finding accessible and available oral health care options for them. This Special Care Dental Clinic will open the door to a safe and comfortable place to ensure proper oral health care to this community.”
Health care is about more than just treating conditions—it is about treating people with dignity, respect, and the expertise they require. That is what this clinic represents.
-Mike Richards, MD, MPA, Executive Vice President, UNM Health Sciences, and CEO, UNM Health
The clinic provides comprehensive dental care to patients who cannot be treated in typical dental offices due to physical or intellectual disabilities.
“Health care is about more than just treating conditions—it is about treating people with dignity, respect, and the expertise they require,” said Mike Richards, MD, MPA, Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences & CEO of UNM Health. “That is what this clinic represents. With this expansion, we are not only increasing access to care but reaffirming our values as a health system committed to equity, excellence, and innovation.”
Blake Gutierrez, DDS, adjusts stabilization equipment used to help patients with cerebral palsy and similar conditions. The straps help keep patients stable and safe during treatment. Photo: Tamara Lopez
Blake Gutierrez, DDS, residency program director at UNM Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), helps oversee the resident training at the clinic.
“Our patients often travel from across New Mexico and even from out of state,” Gutierrez said. “Many have faced significant challenges finding dental providers who can safely accommodate their needs. We want to change that.”
The clinic, located in Novitsky Hall on UNM’s campus, includes specialized features to ensure patient comfort and safety. Gutierrez noted the uniqueness of the facility.
“It’s little things that really make a big difference, from calming paint colors and dimmed lighting to noise buffering,” he said. “These adaptations significantly reduce sensory stimulation and create a comfortable environment.”
Additionally, the facility is equipped with adaptive dental chairs, stabilizers for patients who experience involuntary movements, and specialized lifts for safely moving patients from wheelchairs to treatment chairs. The clinic also offers pharmacological sedation and general anesthesia when necessary.
Collaboration with caregivers and families is crucial to the clinic’s approach, involving detailed coordination of pre-visit preparations, transportation logistics, and follow-up care.
“A lot goes into a visit other than just the patient showing up,” Gutierrez said. “It’s important everyone is on the same page before, during, and after appointments.”
Participants, including The University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes (in red), attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the UNM Special Care Dental Clinic on April 1, 2025. Photo: Jett Loe
Training at the Special Care Dental Clinic is a key part of the UNM dental residency program.
“Our goal is to train a generation of dentists who are comfortable and competent in treating patients with special needs,” Gutierrez said. “Instead of having only a few specialists in this area, we want hundreds of dentists prepared to provide this essential care.”
With its patient-centered approach, specialized equipment, and focus on education, the UNM Special Care Dental Clinic is poised to transform dental care for patients with special needs across the region—one smile at a time.
Click here for a video about the UNM Special Care Dental Clinic:
Banner Photo: Participants, including The University of New Mexico President Garnett S. Stokes (in red), attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the UNM Special Care Dental Clinic on April 1, 2025. Photo: Jett Loe
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