From September 19-21, 2025, the Shida Kartli regional organization of the Georgian Dental Association (GSA) held a series of Continuing Medical Education courses at the Hotel “Solo Grand” in Boshuri. A major highlight of the event was the successful piloting of a new training program titled “Special Care Dentistry: A Patient-Centered Approach and Clinical Protocols.”
This new program was developed as part of the international Erasmus+ project, titled “Enhancement of special oral healthcare practice and lifelong learning among dental practitioners in Georgia (HEAL)” in collaboration with Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and European University. It aims to enhance the qualifications of Georgian dentists in providing dental services to individuals with special needs, which remains one of the most significant challenges in the field.
The comprehensive curriculum of the pilot program covered a wide range of critical topics. The training delved into the specifics of managing the oral health of patients with various neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities (such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism), as well as physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments. A significant focus was placed on behavioral strategies and adaptive communication techniques, including the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).
The second part of the training was dedicated to clinical management, prevention, and ethical considerations. Key themes included inclusive communication with patients and their guardians, specialized oral hygiene protocols, pain and sedation management techniques, and adapting the dental environment. The course also covered crucial legal and ethical aspects based on Georgian legislation and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). A vital component of the program addressed the dentist’s role in identifying signs of violence and abuse and understanding the appropriate response mechanisms.
Alongside the new program’s pilot, attendees also participated in the GSA’s accredited courses: “Doctor and Patient Safety – Infection Prevention and Control and First Aid in the Dental Clinic,” conducted in partnership with the “First Aid Center,” and “Human Rights in Dental Practice.”
The training sessions were conducted by Irakli Khechikashvili, a trainer from the First Aid Center, and Zurab Alkhanishvili, a representative of the GSA. Following the successful pilot, the accredited course on Special Care Dentistry will soon be made available to all interested dental professionals.