UNLV opens Advanced Needs Dental Clinic for special care patients

UNLV Opens Advanced Needs Dental Clinic for Special Care Patients

The UNLV School of Dental Medicine has officially launched its Advanced Needs Dental Clinic, offering critical care for newborns and children with cleft lips and palates, along with other special needs patients.

Clinic Location and Funding

Located at 1700 West Charleston Blvd., the new facility replaces a previous clinic that closed during the pandemic due to lack of state funding. Senate Bill 280 allocated $1.3 million to support this project, allowing the clinic to provide services either free or at reduced costs.

Addressing Pediatric Craniofacial Care Challenges

"Babies continued to be born as life went on after the pandemic," said Dean James Mah of UNLV's School of Dental Medicine. "We know some people have moved out of state since then, but we’re very busy reaching out and trying to make contact."

Nevada was formerly one of only two states without a dedicated cleft palate and craniofacial team, compelling families to seek treatment out of state. The new clinic is designed to reduce this hardship by providing local access to essential treatments.

Community Impact

"This clinic represents hope for people in our community," said Rochelle Nguyen, D-Las Vegas, who co-sponsored the bill.

The Advanced Needs Dental Clinic is set to improve care availability for vulnerable populations in the region, restoring vital services that were disrupted during the pandemic.

Author's summary: The new UNLV Advanced Needs Dental Clinic reopens access to critical care for special needs children, funded by state legislation to offer affordable local treatment options.

KSNV News 3 Las Vegas — 2025-11-06