Kids Special Needs Dentist: Five Questions Parents Should Ask
Taking a child with special needs to the dentist does not have to be difficult. These five questions and answers can help families navigate the process with confidence and comfort.
A kids special needs dentist is a dental professional that focuses their efforts on providing dental care to children who have special needs. Generally speaking, their goal is the same as any other dentist, which is to help individuals maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, in the case of special needs children, there is a bit more involved in the care provided.
Questions for a kids special needs dentist
Outlined below are five questions that parents should consider asking a kids special needs dentist. These questions and answers may prove to be quite helpful when navigating through taking a child with special needs to the dental office.
1. Does a kids special needs dentist have unique training?
A kids special needs dentist does undergo additional training that helps them learn how to appropriately care for patients with special needs. This may include interactive training, which helps give the dentist a good idea of what to expect and how to handle dental care.
2. What does a kids special needs dentist do to ensure a smooth appointment?
A kids special needs dentist will do a few things to ensure that the appointment goes smoothly. To start, a thorough explanation will be provided to the child and the parent. This may be done as each step is performed or at the beginning, depending on the child’s needs. Another thing that will be done is constant check-ups or breaks. The dentist will pause every few minutes to make sure that the child is comfortable.
3. What techniques does a kids special needs dentist use?
Kids special needs dentists tend to rely on sedatives as long as parents are okay with it. Sedatives help to keep the child calm and relaxed so that the appointment can be successful. Aside from sedatives, there are also a lot of distraction techniques used, whether it be via the use of a television, toys, or treats.
4. What will an appointment look like?
When visiting a kids special needs dentist, the appointment will be pretty straightforward; however, it may take longer than the average visit. Additionally, the dentist may have to do a lot of explaining and comforting to ensure that the teeth and gums can be thoroughly checked. In the event that a procedure is necessary, the kids special needs dentist may administer a sedative to help induce relaxation.
5. Are there any tips for parents?
Parents of special needs children should consult with the dentist on a regular basis to ensure that appointments go smoothly as the child grows older and develops. It is important for the dentist to be in the loop about any changes that have been made through development.
Additionally, parents are encouraged to be patient with their special needs child during the appointment. Providing comfort and support in any way possible will help ensure a smooth process.
Find out more
Taking a child with special needs to the dentist does not have to be difficult. With the help of an experienced dentist, the entire experience can go smoothly and successfully.
Parents also ask.
The most helpful thing is keeping the dental team in the loop: sharing your child’s needs, sensitivities, and any recent developmental changes ahead of time helps the dentist plan the right pace for the visit. During the appointment, your patience and comfort go a long way toward a smooth experience. Call or text us at (760) 730-3456 before your visit and we will plan the appointment around what helps your child feel safe.
Often, yes, and that is by design. The dentist may spend extra time explaining each step, checking in with your child, and pausing for breaks every few minutes so the teeth and gums can be thoroughly checked without overwhelming them. A visit that runs a little long is a sign the pace is being matched to your child, not rushed.
Distraction is a big one: a television, toys, or treats can carry a child through much of a visit. Dentists also rely on step-by-step explanations and frequent comfort checks, and when a procedure calls for it, calming sedation options may be discussed, always with the parents’ input and consent first.
Want the deeper answers? Dr. Tsai answers the 20 questions parents ask most in our Comprehensive FAQ.