CGS § 17a-249. Oral Health and Dental Services Unit. Duties.

(a) There shall be, within the Health and Clinical Services Division of the Department of Developmental Services, an Oral Health and Dental Services Unit. The unit shall: (1) Support persons with intellectual disability by assisting them with reaching and maintaining optimal oral health; (2) provide such persons access to oral and dental health care; (3) educate such persons, their families and support staff regarding oral disease prevention and early detection; (4) disseminate oral health and dental information to such persons, families and support staff; and (5) participate in oral health-related research and education.

(b) The Oral Health and Dental Services Unit may provide dental care services to persons with intellectual disability at designated dental offices in any service region of the Department of Developmental Services. Such services shall be specialized and individualized to meet the needs of such persons. Dental services provided pursuant to this subsection shall be provided under the scope of practice of a dentist licensed pursuant to chapter 379 or dental hygienist licensed pursuant to chapter 379a.

(c) The Commissioner of Developmental Services may contract with a dentist licensed pursuant to chapter 379 or a dentist granted a provisional license pursuant to the provisions of section 20-120 for the purpose of carrying out the duties of the Oral Health and Dental Services Unit pursuant to the provisions of this section.