16 September 2025

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Tufts Dental Facilities is now Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics

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For half a century, Tufts Dental Facilities (TDF) has provided outstanding oral health care to patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Massachusetts. As we mark our 50th anniversary, TDF is adopting a new name—Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics (TSCDC)—to support the growth and visibility of this successful program. In January 2026, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) will host the first annual TSCDC Symposium.

“TSCDC is a unique collaboration between TUSDM, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, our patients, and their families,” says Dr. Thanos Zavras, Chair of the Department of Public Health and Community Service. Today, TSCDC serves approximately 7,000 patients at seven clinics across the state, where care teams of dentists, hygienists, social workers, and other specialists work together to provide personalized care, close to home. 

Communication and flexibility are the cornerstones of Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics’ care, explains Dr. Darren Drag, director of TSCDC and assistant professor of Public Health and Community Service. “We start with in-depth discussions with parents or caregivers, so that we can individualize the approach for each person.” In addition to personalized care in the clinic, telehealth and home visits support positive treatment experiences and follow-up care. 

For clinicians, and dental students like Jessica Jordan D25, every patient interaction is a chance to learn and connect. Jessica’s TUSDM training included a rotation at the Special Care Dental Clinic in Wrentham. That experience will help her serve patients of all abilities, including those with disabilities and specific medical conditions. “This is such an underserved population,” Dr. Jordan says, “and it’s really valuable to have these kinds of specialized clinics.” 

Kris McGourthy describes TSCDC as “the perfect fit” for individuals like her children, Michael and Amber, who have a progressive neurological disorder and are long-time TSCDC patients. Now young adults both work directly with TSCDC clinicians to make informed care choices for themselves. McGourthy says that the combination of expertise, respectful communication, and positivity at TSCDC have made this program a great benefit to their family.

In January 2026, TSCDC and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine will host the first annual TSCDC Symposium. In addition to marking the program’s 50th anniversary, the symposium will include training opportunities for clinicians and dental students, events for patients, families, and program partners, and opportunities to plan a bright future for TSCDC. 

Fifty years ago, TSCDC was born through the advocacy of parents and families who recognized the need for excellent oral health care for everyone, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We are proud to continue that work, bringing excellent care to patients and families in Massachusetts, and beyond. 

Source: https://dental.tufts.edu/