A child watches as her teeth are cleaned. An updated code of conduct from the American Dental Association imposes new expectations on dentists for treating patients with developmental disabilities. (Eric Albrecht/The Columbus Dispatch/TNS)

The Commission on Dental Accreditation approved new standards requiring all U.S. dental schools to train students in treating patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The change comes after a National Council on Disability report demonstrated this population was at greater risk of poor oral health and faces multiple barriers to accessing care, including dental worker training.