Able Smile Community launches India's first inclusive oral care platform
The Able Smile Community, India's first inclusive oral care platform, has launched to address the unique oral healthcare challenges faced by individuals with special needs, supported by dental professionals at the DA Pandu Memorial RV Dental College in Bengaluru. The community brings together caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals to share practical solutions and expert guidance for patients who require specialized care, including children with autism and individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Maintaining routine oral health can be highly challenging for elderly individuals with limited mobility, children with sensory sensitivities, and people living with neurological conditions. Due to these difficulties, caregivers often face an intense daily burden. The Able Smile Community aims to bridge this gap by fostering open conversations and building a supportive ecosystem.
Luvena Rangel, Community Manager of the Able Smile Community, stated that oral care is a frequently unnoticed and de-prioritized challenge for many families. She explained that the community was created to provide a safe space where people can openly discuss their experiences, learn from one another, and access credible guidance.
Dr. Revan Joshi, from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at the DA Pandu Memorial RV Dental College in Bengaluru, highlighted the clinical importance of the initiative. He noted that many complex oral health challenges are manageable with informed guidance and early intervention. According to Dr. Joshi, platforms like this connect caregivers with tailored solutions rather than generic advice, which improves clinical outcomes and significantly reduces the day-to-day burden on families.
The platform has received support from caregivers and advocacy groups across the country. Mrs. Vijayashree Ranganathan, a parent from Mumbai whose son has autism, shared that establishing a proper brushing routine took significant trial and error due to limited resources. She expressed that the community will help families discover practical solutions by learning from each other's experiences.
Bhavana Issar, Founder and CEO of Caregiver Saathi, also emphasized that the emotional and practical aspects of caregiving, including daily oral hygiene, are frequently overlooked. She welcomed the platform as a valuable resource for caregivers seeking reliable guidance.
