Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Clinic Earns Certified Autism Center™ Status, A First for Healthcare in Dubai - Dubai Health
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Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Clinic has achieved the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), becoming the first healthcare facility in Dubai to do so. The CAC designation recognizes facilities and organizations committed to providing inclusive and accessible services to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals by equipping their patient-facing workforce with specialized autism and sensory awareness training and certification.
As part of this achievement, 80% of the clinic's patient-facing staff have completed the training, adding the facility to the growing number of CACs in Dubai. This milestone supports Dubai's mission to become the first Certified Autism Destination™ (CAD) in the Eastern Hemisphere—a city-wide initiative led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). This designation recognizes communities that have gone above and beyond to ensure autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals feel welcome and supported through certified lodging, recreation, and healthcare facilities.
Dr. Anas AlSalami, Program Director of Pediatric Dentistry at Dubai Health Dental Hospital, said, “We are honored that the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at Dubai Health Dental Hospital is the first healthcare facility in Dubai to achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation by IBCCES. This milestone upholds our ‘Patient First’ promise and reinforces our dedication to serving every member of our community with empathy and excellence. By equipping our team with specialized knowledge and skills, we aim to ensure every child receives the best possible oral care tailored to their needs. I am truly grateful to the Dubai Health leadership and our dedicated teams for their unwavering support and teamwork, which made this achievement possible.”
With autistic individuals being more prone to hospitalization due to co-occurring medical conditions, sensory sensitivities, and challenges in communication, families often struggle to find healthcare facilities equipped to meet their unique needs. Visits to hospitals can be especially stressful due to untrained staff, overstimulating environments, and a lack of accommodations for sensory sensitivities. To address this growing concern, IBCCES provides specialized training and certification programs for healthcare facilities, ensuring medical professionals are prepared to deliver compassionate, inclusive, and effective care tailored to autistic and sensory-sensitive individuals.
The Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Clinic offers specialized services designed to meet the unique needs of autistic patients, ensuring a comfortable and supportive experience. These clinics feature sensory-friendly environments with calming lighting, soothing music, and designated quiet areas to help minimize sensory overload. Their dental professionals are extensively trained in working with children on the autism spectrum, using gentle techniques and clear, straightforward communication to ease anxiety. Individualized treatment plans are tailored to each child’s needs, incorporating gradual desensitization to dental procedures and extended appointment durations with regular breaks. To enhance comfort and engagement, we employ visual aids, social stories, and effective behavior management strategies. These comprehensive services reflect our commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care while addressing the distinctive needs of autistic patients.
“We are proud to recognize Dubai Health Dental Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Clinic as the first healthcare facility to achieve the Certified Autism Center™ designation in the city of Dubai,” says Myron Pincomb, CEO and board chairman of IBCCES. “Their dedication to inclusivity and accessibility aligns perfectly with the city-wide initiative to make Dubai a more welcoming place to visit, work, and live. We couldn’t be more honored to support this mission. We hope this accomplishment inspires more healthcare facilities to follow their lead.”
IBCCES has been an industry leader for over 20 years in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, health care, and corporate professionals around the globe. The organization provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts and the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support, and renewal requirements to ensure there is continued learning and a lasting impact.
IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, as a free online resource for families that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
Dubai Health is thrilled to announce that more than 10% of faculty members at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences have been recognized and placed on the World’s Top 2% of Scientists list by Stanford University in the subfields of Dentistry, Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine, Genetics & Heredity, and Gastroenterology & Hepatology. This list represents the top 2 percent of the most-cited researchers worldwide.
Moreover, MBRU takes immense pride in highlighting that Professor Momen Atieh, the Chair - Oral Diagnostics and Surgical Sciences at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine, has earned the top national position in Dentistry in the United Arab Emirates.
- Cardiovascular System & Hematology: Professor Nandu Goswami
- Dentistry: Professor Momen Atieh, Professor Keyvan Moharamzadeh, the late Professor Dimitrius Tziafas,
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology: Professor Samuel Ho, Professor Thomas Adrian
- General & Internal Medicine: Professor Lakshmanan Jeyaseelan
- Genetics and Hereditary: Dr. Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Dr. Mohammed Uddin
- Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine: Professor Stefan Du Plessis
These faculty members have demonstrated unparalleled dedication to research, education, and clinical practice, contributing significantly to the global advancement of medical knowledge. Their recognition in the Stanford University scientist rankings is a testament to the caliber of talent fostered at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.
About World’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings by Stanford University
The World’s Top 2% Scientist Rankings by Stanford University is a prestigious index that recognizes the top scientists across various disciplines worldwide. Researchers are classified into 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields based on Science-Metrix's established classification, drawing from Scopus data provided by Elsevier through ICSR Lab.
On the occasion of Zayed Humanitarian Day, Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, today inaugurated 'The Clinic of Hope' at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. The charitable multi-specialty pediatric clinic is dedicated to providing essential healthcare services to children who lack access to adequate medical care.
Driven by Dubai Health’s ‘Patient First’ promise, the Clinic is committed to ensuring that every child receives the high-quality healthcare they deserve, regardless of their socio-economic background. With a steadfast focus on compassion and excellence, a team of dedicated pediatric healthcare professionals stands ready to serve those in need.
His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health said: “We are both proud and humbled to inaugurate ‘The Clinic of Hope’ on Zayed Humanitarian Day, as we reflect on the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary leadership and compassion have left an indelible mark on the world. At Dubai Health, we reaffirm our dedication to carrying forward his legacy by providing care to all and by extending our support to those in need. The launch of this new clinic aligns with our mission to impact lives through a ‘Patient First’ promise, ensuring that accessible and quality healthcare is provided across the continuum of care.”
Dr. Mohamed Alawadhi, Deputy CEO of Al Jalila Children’s Hospital and Latifa Hospital said: “The inauguration of ‘The Clinic of Hope’ represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to serving the healthcare needs of all children in our community. We believe that every child deserves access to essential healthcare services, and ‘The Clinic of Hope’ will play a vital role in ensuring that this vision becomes a reality. Through collaborative efforts with partners and stakeholders, we will create a healthier and more inclusive community for all children in Dubai.”
The inauguration event received support from the Community Development Authority and Awqaf Dubai, which played a pivotal role in identifying vulnerable children within the community. This collaboration further strengthened Dubai Health's collective efforts to reach those in need. During the event, the Clinic provided a range of essential health services, including medical examinations, diagnoses, as well as nutritional and dental education tailored specifically for children. To enrich the experience of young patients, the Emirates Literature Foundation organized several reading activities.
Established to enhance the standard of care and advance health for humanity, Dubai Health is the first integrated academic health system in Dubai. It encompasses six hospitals, 26 ambulatory health centers, 20 medical fitness centers, the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Al Jalila Foundation. With a focus on integrating care, learning, discovery, and philanthropy, 11,000 employees collaborate across multidisciplinary teams to prioritize patient care.
Dubai Health, the first integrated academic health system in Dubai, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between both organizations, focusing on an integrated information system, as well as medical, academic and research initiatives. The partnership specifically aims to develop an advanced model of care for patients with substance abuse disorders.
The agreement creates the framework for cooperation in a wide range of areas including patient transfer for additional medical requirements, logistical support, information exchange, training, and development. In addition, Erada will collaborate with the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences to develop educational programs related to substance abuse treatment, residency, and research.
His Excellency Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Health, stated: “The strategic partnership with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab in Dubai is part of Dubai Health’s constant efforts to further develop the healthcare system in Dubai. It reflects our commitment to enhancing medical care and rehabilitation services, guided by our four missions: Care, Learning, Discovery and Giving. Through these missions, we aim to deliver world-class healthcare services and implement international best practices, positioning Dubai as a leading global model for advancing health for humanity.”
“Apart from offering effective treatment and rehabilitation services, the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab in Dubai actively contributes to framing policies, strategies, and plans. It also plays a vital role in raising awareness about preventive measures, significantly contributing to the overall development of Dubai’s healthcare system. Through this strategic partnership, we aim to leverage the centre’s expertise and high-quality services to enhance the capabilities of our healthcare system, in line with our Patient First promise.”
His Excellency Abdulrazaq Amiri, CEO of the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab in Dubai, emphasized the Centre’s commitment to reinforcing cooperation with Dubai’s government departments to promote exchange of experiences and enhance the quality of services for both citizens and residents, particularly in the field of addiction treatment and rehabilitation. Amiri praised Dubai Health for its role as a leading health institution in the emirate, noting that its goals and vision are in line with those of the Erada Centre.
Amiri commended Dubai Health for its support in meeting the Centre’s needs for medical services that complement its addiction treatments. These include dental care, emergency case management referred by the Centre, as well as medical, pharmaceutical and laboratory services.
Furthermore, Dubai Health supports the Erada Centre’s initiatives to establish a comprehensive framework to enhance the effectiveness of treating patients with substance abuse disorder in Dubai and the rest of the country.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening the collaboration between Dubai Health and the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehab, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing healthcare services and rehabilitation in Dubai.
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