Arizona Partners Launched Dementia Training for Dentists
Banner Health and Delta Dental of Arizona have introduced new workshops to help dental providers support dementia patients.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Banner Health and Delta Dental of Arizona have launched a training initiative designed to equip dental professionals with strategies to treat patients with dementia. The program expands the existing Banner Dementia ECHO model to improve dental care outcomes.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses a critical gap in specialized dental care for the growing number of patients living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. By connecting dental providers with dementia experts, the program aims to improve patient quality of life.
The Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation provided a $100,000 innovation grant to the Banner Alzheimer's Foundation, which supports an expansion of the HOPE oral health protocol currently active in 28 acute-care facilities across six states.
The players
Banner Health
This is a nonprofit health system that operates hospitals and research centers throughout the United States.
Delta Dental of Arizona
This organization is a dental benefits provider that actively funds community health and wellness initiatives.
The details
Dental providers can attend interactive workshops where they receive research-backed strategies and personalized guidance from a multidisciplinary expert team. Participants are invited to present real patient cases for review by dementia specialists during these sessions.
Timeline
September 25, 2026: Workshop at Banner Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City.
October 2, 2026: Workshop at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa.
Health Landscape
This program marks a departure from traditional dementia care by integrating oral health into the established Banner Dementia ECHO model. It positions dental care as a core component of the broader, multidisciplinary treatment approaches required for an aging population.
Patients with dementia may benefit from dental providers who are better trained to accommodate their specific needs and cognitive challenges. These workshops encourage practitioners to implement research-backed care strategies that could simplify routine dental appointments for caregivers and patients.
The takeaway
Integrating oral health into dementia treatment provides a more holistic approach to managing the complex needs of aging patients. Dental professionals who adopt these specialized protocols can provide more inclusive and effective care to those living with cognitive decline.
Further reading
For more on the current research and care standards in the state, visit the Alzheimer’s section.
More information
To find more details or register for upcoming sessions, visit the Banner health event calendar.
Source note: This article includes information reported by AZ Big Media.
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Should dental providers be required to receive specialized training for treating patients with dementia?
