AutismOklahoma and Delta Dental send this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 8, 2026) – AutismOklahoma, in partnership with Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation, yesterday debuted its new video titled “Safe to Smile.” This impactful short film focuses on helping people with autism conquer their fears of visiting the dentist, ultimately helping to improve oral health outcomes among the autism community.
Studies show that disabled individuals are twice as likely to experience high dental anxiety than non-disabled people. Additionally, oral health is the most unmet health need among individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, making this video especially important.
“There’s several features of a dental office visit that create anxiety among autistic individuals, from the sensation to the sounds to the smells,” said Kelly Dyer Fry, executive director of AutismOklahoma. “This film aims to help alleviate those fears and encourage the autism community to take control of their oral health. We’re grateful to Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation for seeing the immense value of this video and helping it come to fruition.”
Produced by Individual Layers Productions, an AutismOklahoma program, this live-action short film is the first in a series of videos aimed at promoting positive oral health habits among the autism community and was made possible by a $5,000 grant from Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation.
“It’s critical that every Oklahoman, including those with autism, feels comfortable and empowered during every dental visit,” said Terrisa Singleton-Smith, director of Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. “Educating autistic individuals on how they can advocate for themselves and still receive the oral health care they need is so important, and we’re proud to have partnered with AutismOklahoma on this project.”
In 2026, Delta Dental of Oklahoma awarded an additional $7,500 grant to AutismOklahoma to fund follow-up dental health education videos as well as an in-person oral health seminar for autistic individuals.
To view AutismOklahoma’s “Safe to Smile” video, CLICK HERE.
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