VIENNA, Austria: Many patients with disabilities are treated under general anaesthesia to manage anxiety or behavioural challenges. However, this approach can introduce medical risks and limit access to timely care. Beit Issie Shapiro, a non-profit Israeli organisation, has received an award for its pioneering work aimed at reducing reliance on general anaesthesia in dental patients with disabilities. According to staff, the accolade is part of growing international interest in scaling the local project.
Beit Issie provides various types of emotional and physical therapy focused on individual needs. For its adapted dental care model, Beit Issie received a Zero Project Award at the 2026 Zero Project Conference held in February in Vienna. The award highlights innovative solutions that advance accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities across healthcare and other sectors.
At Beit Issie’s dental clinic in Ra’anana in Israel, the adapted dental care model takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients of all ages and disability levels. According to a report by the Jewish News Syndicate, whereas most dental clinics administer general anaesthesia to around 45% of patients with disabilities before dental procedures, the Beit Issie approach reduces that to just 5%–6% of patients.
The adapted dental care model gradually introduces patients to the dental environment, including instruments and clinical staff. The approach utilises tailored communication strategies, such as visual aids, and behavioural guidance. Family members and caregivers are actively involved throughout the process, helping to build familiarity and trust. Furthermore, structured training is provided to caregivers, parents and healthcare professionals on oral hygiene, behavioural management techniques and preventive strategies to support oral health outside of the dental clinic.
According to the Jewish News Syndicate report, policymakers and healthcare leaders at the conference were impressed by the global relevance and systemic impact of Beit Issie’s adapted dental care model. Besides receiving an award at the event, the organisation was selected to participate in an international programme that helps disability innovations be scaled to other countries and communities.
Speaking on the award, Galit Cohen Caspi, director of global professional development at Beit Issie, commented: “The recognition from the Zero Project, a leading international platform promoting innovation in the field of disability, gives powerful validation to our work. Being selected for the Scaling Solutions programme—a collaboration between Zero Project and Access to Success—is an exceptional strategic opportunity to expand the model, build international partnerships and translate knowledge developed in Israel into broad global impact.”
Dr Shalhav Malamud, medical director of Beit Issie’s dental clinic, said: “There is a global movement of people who believe we can build a world without barriers. We are proud to bring from Israel a model that shows this is not just a vision—it is a reality.”
For dental professionals, the model underscores the importance of behavioural and communication strategies in treating patients with disabilities. It demonstrates how tailored clinical workflows and interdisciplinary collaboration can reduce reliance on pharmacological management and expand access to care.
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