Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
By Lyn Hughes, BSDH, RDHAP
Imagine you are a child experiencing a dental appointment for the first time. Now imagine that you are a child with special needs, unable to communicate with those around you and experiencing this for the first time.
Caring for the dental needs of those with complex histories can prove challenging. Knowing how to treat patients with complex histories begins with knowing how to best help the patient feel comfortable and safe in the dental environment. To say this takes practice and patience by the provider is an understatement. Depending on the physical condition and intellectual level of the individual, the appointment can usually be modified and tailored to help facilitate as pleasant and successful a visit as possible.
Advances in wheelchairs have afforded patients the ability to stay in the chair rather than transferring to a dental chair. Many patients have sensitivities to the light or the feel of the gloves, are not comfortable with a provider wearing a mask, do not like the texture of the dental toothpaste or don’t care for someone invading their personal space. These items are only a short list of many issues facing some patients.
With a calm caring voice, many fears can be soothed.
Asking the patient or caregiver for help to avoid triggers that insight fear is key. Knowing as much as possible about any conditions that exist prior to the appointment is very helpful when treating any patient, but especially those who have challenges communicating. For example, a patient with visual impairment may become startled at the sound of some dental equipment if they are not given a warning that such noise is about to happen.
Not every appointment is going to be successful. In my experience, patients have good days and bad days just like we all do.
I recall a patient who was nonverbal and very fearful of any medical or dental facilities. He came in with his mother and all we were able to do on the first day was sit in the chair. I considered it a successful day. The next appointment, two weeks later, he sat in the chair, and I looked in his mouth. This process continued until I gained his trust and was able to complete his dental cleaning. It didn’t happen overnight, but that wasn’t the goal. Winning his trust and making him feel safe was my goal.
We must always remember that our goal as care providers is to offer the best care possible for our patients- no matter what. It is rewarding to win over the trust of a patient, and getting a hug when it’s over is the BEST!
If you have a child with special needs, ask your pediatrician or primary care provider for names of local dental offices that specialize in oral healthcare for patients with special needs. Arizona also has community resources available to help you find the support you need for dental and other services for special needs individuals, including:
Raising Special Kids
The Arc of Arizona
Southwest Institute for Families and Children
Arizona Department of Economic Security
