Autism Smiles Day at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
On October 25, 2025, Autism Smiles at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine hosted our Autism Smiles Day, an event designed to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prepare for future dental visits and to improve their at-home oral care.
Launched in 2019, the Autism Smiles Program is an annual initiative at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine dedicated to helping children with ASD feel more comfortable in a dental environment. The program focuses on promoting positive, stress-free interactions that reduce anxiety and support long-term success in future dental visits.
In addition, our mission includes providing support to parents and caregivers of children with ASD by offering a sensory toolkit that includes resources and tools that help familiarize and prepare them for dental settings through positive desensitization experiences.
During this year’s event, children and their caregivers participated in individualized one-hour sessions at the dental school. Families first gathered in the waiting room, where they were introduced to the dental setting through interactive games and activities that encouraged familiarity and a sense of comfort. They later transitioned to the clinic, where they explored the sensory toolkit items to improve at-home oral care.
This year’s event was a great success, filled with smiles, learning, and meaningful interactions among families, students, residents, staff, and faculty. More than 20 dental student volunteers received hands-on training to better understand and care for young patients with autism.
We are incredibly proud of our students, residents, faculty, and staff for their dedication to making oral health care accessible to all.