Lisa Curbow, RDH

06/05/2026

Stubborn calculus doesn’t stand a chance. 💥
Turbo CR from Essential Dental Systems helps soften and loosen tenacious calculus, making instrumentation more efficient and comfortable for both the clinician and the patient.
Less time fighting deposits. More time focusing on quality care.
Have you tried Turbo CR in your operatory yet?

06/04/2026

Who’s ready for RDH UOR?
The expo floor is always amazing!
I bring an extra bag for all the swag!
See you next month. 😁

06/03/2026

Not every patient who is overwhelmed will say, “I’m overstimulated.”
Sometimes it looks like:
• avoiding eye contact
• covering ears
• becoming unusually quiet
• repetitive movements or fidgeting
• irritability or frustration
• difficulty processing instructions
• refusing treatment
• shutting down emotionally
These behaviors are often communication, not bad behavior.
For many individuals with sensory sensitivities, autism, dementia, anxiety, PTSD, or other conditions, the dental environment can become overwhelming very quickly.
Recognizing the signs early gives us an opportunity to slow down, adjust the environment, and respond with compassion instead of frustration.
A sensory friendly approach can completely change the experience for a patient. 💙

06/02/2026

Small changes can make a big difference for patients with sensory sensitivities.

Something as simple as dimming overhead lights, lowering noise levels, offering breaks, or explaining instruments before use can help reduce anxiety and create a safer, more comfortable experience.

Many patients walking into dental offices, already overwhelmed, especially individuals with autism, dementia, anxiety, disorders, PTSD, chronic illness, or sensory processing challenges.
Being sensory friendly, doesn’t always require expensive changes. Often, it starts with awareness, flexibility, and compassion. 💙
When patients feel safe, trust grows. And trust changes everything.
.

05/29/2026

Excited to be speaking at the AADMD conference next week!
I’ll be presenting Care Beyond the Chair and sharing ways we can improve access, dignity, and compassionate dental care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
This work means so much to me, and I’m honored to connect with professionals who are passionate about creating more inclusive and patient centered care experiences.
If you’ll be there, I’d love to connect! 💙

05/28/2026

Honored to collaborate with Elevate Oral Care on this important topic! Thank you Elevate Oral Care for helping support education and advocacy for more inclusive, sensory-friendly dental care.

Tune in to our LIVE CE Webinar: “Compassionate Care for Patients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities” — and earn FREE CE credits!

Register Here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/155639625101616727?source=Social+Media

Lisa Curbow, BAAS, RDH, CDP will outline:

✔️ Identifying common barriers to oral healthcare for patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities
✔️Demonstrating effective communication and behavior guidance techniques to improve patient comfort and cooperation
✔️Implementing sensory-sensitive strategies and select appropriate oral hygiene tools, including toothbrushes and preventive products, to support individualized patient care

Date: June 23rd
Time: 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT

Lisa Curbow, RDH

05/27/2026

Some days the hardest part of Lewy body dementia is not the memory loss people expect. It is the looping. The repeated thoughts. The fixation on one thing that the brain cannot let go of.
Lately it has been showers. Repeating the same concerns over and over. The anxiety that comes with it. The emotional exhaustion for everyone involved.
Watching someone you love become trapped in a cycle they cannot escape is heartbreaking. Dementia changes so much more than memory. It changes daily life, emotions, routines, and the entire family walking through it beside them.
We are taking things one day at a time right now.

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸
Memorial Day is more than a long weekend, it’s a time to reflect on the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who gave everything for our country. We are forever grateful.
Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day as we remember our heroes.
❤️🤍💙

05/25/2026

✨ Hi, I’m Lisa Curbow, RDH ✨
I have 27 years of clinical dental experience.
I have a heart for patients with intellectual & developmental disabilities, dementia care, and creating compassionate dental experiences for every ability. 💙

Every smile has a story. Every patient deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued.

🦷 Professional. Compassionate. Committed.
💙 Special Needs & Dementia Care Advocate
🌿 Creating sensory-friendly dental experiences
📚 Educator • Speaker • Consultant

Because dentistry is about more than teeth, it’s about human connection.