Project CALM will support adapted care for families in Pasco and Hernando counties.
DADE CITY, Fla. – Premier Community HealthCare Group has received a two-year federal grant to improve access to dental care for children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Pasco and Hernando counties.
The federal initiative addresses conditions including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, Premier is one of 28 health centers selected nationwide and one of two in Florida.
Funding will support Premier’s Project CALM: Comfortable, Adapted, Low-Stimulation, My-Pace. Planned for Premier’s Spring Hill, New Port Richey and Dade City dental sites, the project will combine adapted care environments, specialized staff training, caregiver education and coordinated support for families. Together, these changes will help children prepare for dental visits and receive care at a pace that responds to their individual needs.
“Every child deserves a dental care experience that responds to their needs,” said Joseph D. Resnick, president and CEO of Premier Community HealthCare. “Project CALM will help our teams adapt how we prepare children for visits, provide care, and support caregivers. This investment will help more families in Pasco and Hernando counties build a lasting connection to dental care.”
Sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and other support needs can make dental visits difficult for some children. Project CALM will address those barriers through quieter dental equipment, adjustable lighting, flexible appointment pacing, and materials that help children prepare for visits. Planned equipment includes low-noise dental handpieces at all three participating sites and a dental laser at Spring Hill that can reduce the need for loud, conventional drilling during certain procedures.
“Preparing for a dental visit can begin before a child enters the office,” said Dr. Carly Signorelli, a dentist who treats children at Premier Community HealthCare. “Pictures and videos can make the visit more familiar, while reducing unfamiliar sounds and giving children time to get comfortable can make treatment less overwhelming. Caregivers help us understand what makes their child comfortable.”
Premier plans to establish a dental care coordination role to help families navigate services and prepare for appointments. Behavioral health clinicians will support children and caregivers before and during dental care when appropriate.
The project will also provide specialized training for dental providers and staff. Premier plans to pursue Certified Autism Center™ designation and offer at least four caregiver education sessions each year.
The grant is part of HRSA’s FY 2026 Quality Improvement Fund initiative to improve access to dental services for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Participating health centers will evaluate their approaches and share findings to support improvements in other communities.
Project CALM is currently in the early planning for implementation phase. Premier will announce program availability and referral information as services become available. In the meantime, families can learn more about Premier’s pediatric dental services.