Dentist Serving Children With Special Needs
/Do you have young children with down syndrome or social phobias? If so, then it is important to find a special needs dentist who is prepared to accommodate you and your child. If you search online for a “kids dentist near me,” how can you know if the dentist will be one who is trained to serve children with special needs? There are several items you can look for to assess whether the pediatric dental group will be able to support your family.
- Offers pre-appointments. A pre-appointment is a time for your child to discover that the dentist’s office is a safe place. Your family will get the chance to see the spaces your child will encounter, meet the special needs dentist, and familiarize yourselves with any tools that the doctor utilizes to help children through the appointment. This experience will allow your child to feel comfortable in the dentist’s environment.
- Provides a dentist with specialized training.Only a few pediatric dental groups in your area will have a dentist who is specifically trained to work with children who have special needs. You could even ask the dentist what types of special needs children is he or she accustomed to working with.
- Maintains accessible office space.If your child is in a wheelchair, accessibility is most likely very important to you. Visit the office prior to your 1st appointment to ensure that your child can get around the office space without too much disruption. Check that the office has adequate thresholds, doorway widths and stability equipment to care for all your child’s needs.
- Gives sedation if needed. Often, a special needs dentist offers various levels of sedation to adequately care for your child during should anxiousness or proceed complexity appear to be an issue. Options range from mild sedation to general anesthesia. Discuss your needs and preferences with your dentist.
- Cites various experience. If the dentist and staff have worked extensively with a range of children with special needs, they may have strategies to handle common and unexpected needs. They will be more likely to have the ability to support your child. The pediatric dental group might even offer advice on oral care at home for your child with special needs.
Watch this video: Special Needs Dentist in Bucks County
The special needs dentist that is right for you is willing and eager to serve your family. Find someone who will meet you, who shows training and experience, and who operates in a supportive space with the sedation options your child needs. Search “kids dentist near me,” and check out the results to find the pediatric dental group that is right for you.