Going to the dentist isn't something most of us enjoy, but for people with disabilities -- it can be deeply traumatising. That's why a passionate young South Australian dentist is on a mission to create a truly inclusive oral care clinic with autism-friendly services.
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00:00Dr Trudy Lin is on a mission, one she hopes will lead to meaningful industry-wide change.
00:09Our mission can be encapsulated in one word, inclusion.
00:13The former Young South Australian of the Year has dedicated her career to patients with
00:18disabilities.
00:19Okay, here we go.
00:20She's now opening a unique clinic in Adelaide's north-eastern suburbs where a full suite of
00:25dental services are available with the option of anaesthetic.
00:29In-home visits are also on offer thanks to a state government-funded mobile dental kit.
00:35We strongly believe that access to oral health care is a human right and it's something that
00:41people with autism and people with disability have missed out on until this stage.
00:45And so we're really happy to be part of the solution.
00:48For her patients, it's a game changer.
00:51If it wasn't for Trudy, we wouldn't be a happy family right now.
00:55After recent surgery on his wisdom teeth, Helen's son Jacob has a reason to smile again.
01:01The 20-year-old, who is non-verbal, had endured months of excruciating pain which led to extreme
01:08behavioural changes and even seizures.
01:11Despite several traumatic hospital visits, doctors couldn't diagnose the problem.
01:16I knew there was something really, really wrong with him.
01:20I needed to trust my gut instinct.
01:23Helen didn't give up and eventually found Dr Lin.
01:27Her inclusive approach put Jacob at ease, allowing her to examine his mouth on their first visit.
01:34Straight away she said, I know what the issue is.
01:38That moment I just think I burst into tears.
01:41After months of hardship, the problem was fixed in a matter of days.
01:46Just seeing him today, just bubbling in and smiling with joy, he actually initiated, he
01:51walked up and gave her a hug.
01:53He doesn't do that just with anyone.
01:54The extra mile to put a smile on everyone's face.