Special Needs Dentistry
Medically Compromised or Special Needs Patients
We know that some children, especially those who are medically compromised or have special needs, along with their parents may find it stressful and challenging bringing their child to the dentist. Patients with significant medical, physical or mental disabilities present unique challenges; however, our office is specially trained and equipped to provide excellent care for your child successfully. Our expertise with children who are medically compromised or have special needs make us the areas most sought after pediatric dental practice. Whether or not they have a hard time coping with receiving dental care in a dental office, we welcome and encourage all children to visit our office.
Many children with special needs are even more susceptible to tooth decay, gum disease and oral trauma. Some children require certain medications and diets that have a negative impact on oral health. This is why it is important to bring your child to the dentist regularly - and the earlier the better. By bringing your child to the dentist regularly, they have a better chance of preventing dental problems, including toothaches and deep cavities that can lead to behavioral outbursts. Ensuring you bring your child to a pediatric dentist who has extensive experience with patients who have special needs can help them thrive.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss special circumstances around your child’s needs and hope to make their dental experience positive.
Prepare for their visit
Every child is different and we want every appointment to be successful. We want to take the stress out of bringing your child to the dentist. We will work together to create a treatment where dental health can be achieved. Below are some steps to help your child prepare for a happy and non-stressful dental visit:
If you know your child does better in the morning, we suggest scheduling morning appointments when they are alert, less tired and less cranky.
Prepare your child for their appointment by explaining why it is important to go to the dentist. When doing so, ensure that you stay positive and bring excitement when discussing their visit.
Do not discuss pain or shots with your child prior to the appointment. Using positive phrases about how the dentist will help them have or maintain “clean teeth, strong teeth, healthy teeth, or beautiful/handsome smiles” are all positive words to keep your child’s visit from sounding scary.
Read some books or watch some helpful videos that discuss positive experiences while visiting the dentists, including our video with Ben Explains It All.
Explain to your child that the dentists helps take care of their teeth so they are strong enough to eat their favorite foods and so that they have a healthy and beautiful smile for many years to come.
Do not hesitate to discuss any questions or concerns about your child or what to expect during their visit prior to the appointment. While speaking about your concerns, let us know of any helpful tips you think may make their visit easier. In some instances, you may want to visit the office alone prior to their first visit.
Provide your child’s health record, medications, conditions, etc to our office ahead of the appointment. Our office offers convenient online patient registration and health history updates forms to help you prepare in advance for their appointment.
Play “dentist” at home to prepare for the exam. Get your child to recline and open wide to allow you to use a toothbrush to count their teeth. Let your child role play by doing the same to a stuffed animal or doll.
At the appointment, bring along something that provides comfort for your child. Whether it be a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, fidget toy or other item, we encourage bringing something along to help put them at ease during their appointment. Our office also has TVs so they can watch their favorite shows or listen to music during their appointment.
Incorporate an oral healthcare routine into your child’s daily life. Our dentists will guide you through this and provide helpful at-home dental care tips. Our dentists will also provide you with helpful diet options for maintaining health teeth.
Consider requesting that a daily oral heathcare routine be included in your child’s IEP during school time.
By staying on top of your child’s oral health and providing them with proper oral healthcare, tooth decay is preventable. Our office is the areas best pediatric dental practice with extensive experience treating patients with special needs. Give us a call today to speak to our staff about you and your child’s needs .