SPECIAL OLYMPICS (SO) BHARAT has announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) and the Indian Academy of Sports Dentistry (IASD). The three organisations have signed a ten-year memorandum of understanding, jointly committing to advocacy and awareness initiatives aimed at improving oral health and sports safety for persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
The collaboration will focus on advocating for the right to quality oral healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities, while raising awareness among dental professionals and the public about equal rights and inclusive care for this community.
The IDA, representing over 90,000 members through 600 branches for the past 76 years, is the voice of India’s dental profession. Dedicated to advancing oral healthcare, the IDA works to improve public oral health through innovation in education, training, research and advocacy, continually enhancing professional skills and knowledge.
The IASD, an IDA initiative, integrates oral health with sports medicine. It offers programmes such as the Orientation Course and Fellowship in Sports Dentistry, training Team Dentists and promoting Sports Dental Centres.
As part of the partnership, the three bodies will work to empower dental professionals with the skills needed to deliver specialised oral healthcare to individuals with intellectual disabilities. They will also support research, innovation and the dissemination of scientific knowledge in this field, as well as conduct Krida Danta Suraksha initiatives and provide sports dentistry support to Special Olympics Bharat.
“We truly believe that IDA has recognised a matter of great urgency and with their help we will be able to help plenty of athletes and their coaches. We have always believed in promoting sporting welfare of our athletes and this is an important step in the same direction,” SO Bharat president Dr. Mallika Nadda said speaking on the partnership.
“IDA is committed to advancing oral healthcare and professional standards in the country, with a vision to achieve ‘optimal national oral health for all individuals. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower dental professionals to recognise and manage the challenges faced by people with IDD in obtaining oral health care, develop their skills and knowledge to provide quality oral health care to this sector of society. We aim to help our Special Olympics Bharat athletes and their coaches in achieving optimum oral health and sports safety,” IDA honorary secretary general Dr. Ashok Dhoble added.
“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in breaking down the oral health barriers faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through the combined expertise of IDA and IASD, we will equip dental professionals with the skills and confidence to deliver truly inclusive care. Our shared goal is not only to improve the oral health of Special Olympics Bharat athletes, but also to enhance their sports readiness, empowering coaches and support teams to safeguard athlete well-being both on and off the field,” IASD academic director Dr. Reena Kumar commented.
