News
CUDSH collaboration with Special Olympics Ireland
Cork University Dental School and Hospital collaborates with Special Olympics Ireland for their Athlete Special Smiles Screening Event.
UCC Dental School and Hospital attended the Special Olympics Athletes Forum in Portlaoise on Saturday 21st September 2024. The aim of the form is to empower athletes to improve their daily lives through a series of workshops, training courses and of course an opportunity to meet others from all over the island of Ireland. Students from our programmes led the Special Smiles Screening Programme which provides comprehensive oral health care information, including offering free dental screening and correct instruction on correct brushing and flossing techniques. The athlete’s forum resumed in 2024 after a number of years absence during the pandemic. Special Smiles screenings have found that a large percentage of Special Olympics athletes are unaware of the condition of their oral health-
46% have periodontal conditions
36% have untreated tooth decay
14% in need of urgent care
15% have dental pain
Cork Dental School and Hospital looks forward to working with Special Olympics Ireland to support their fantastic work in transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through sport.
