Celebrating Inclusive Dentistry

At DeCare, we believe everyone deserves access to healthcare that meets their needs. That is why we are proud to sponsor the June Nunn Award of the Irish Society for Disability and Oral Health, which recognises initiatives that improve oral healthcare for people with disabilities. 

This year’s winning project, Lámh in Dentistry, was developed by the Dental Nursing Team at Dublin Dental University Hospital, Eleanor Green, Elaine Byrne, Louise Madden, Margaret Farrell, Christine Delaney and Carmel Carol, in collaboration with the Lámh Development Office. It introduces Lámh, Ireland’s recognised manual signing system, into dental settings to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities and communication needs. 

Supporting Accessible Communication 

While Lámh is widely used in disability services, its use in dentistry has been limited. This project helps address that gap by creating dental-specific signs, visual resources and training supports for dental teams. 

The team developed an accessible poster featuring fourteen hand signs for use in dental practices and clinics nationwide. A dedicated Lámh Training Day has also been introduced to help dental professionals build confidence in communicating with patients who may face barriers in healthcare settings. 

Making Dentistry More Inclusive 

By improving communication, the initiative can help reduce anxiety, support understanding and create a more welcoming experience for patients with disabilities. It is a practical, low-cost and scalable approach with strong potential for wider use across Irish dental services. 

Why DeCare Supports This Work 

The June Nunn Award aligns with DeCare’s commitment to improving health outcomes, reducing barriers to care and promoting inclusion. The Lámh in Dentistry project is a strong example of healthcare professionals working together to make dental care more accessible and person-centred. 

DeCare congratulates the project team on their achievement and looks forward to seeing the impact of this initiative as it is adopted more widely across Ireland.