In the Know for You to Know

Oral health is an important component of overall health. For many families who have a child with special health needs this is challenging to include in everyday life.

Children with special health needs most especially need regular dental care. Oral health care can be a pleasant experience when the dental office provides continuity of care and takes the time to establish a trusting relationship with both you and your child.

But where do you as parents find these offices? and how do you know if that office is the right fit for your family?

These are some tips you may find useful to help you find the right dental office.

Questions To Ask

These questions are a first step. As your conversation progresses you will most probably add to this list as you get more of a sense of the office (or offices) you speak with, as well as discussing your child’s specific medical concerns and needs.

1. Does this office have experience treating children (tweens, teenagers, young adults) with special health needs? intellectual disability? developmental disability?
2. My child has this specific medical concern, or disability. Is your office familiar with this condition?
3. Does your office offer tours before the first appointment? Are your Doctors available to introduce themselves to me and my child?
4. What techniques does your office use to help children with special needs feel comfortable?
5. What is your office’s approach for working with patients who resist treatment?
6. Would you be open to discussing behavior and communication strategies that your office uses?
7. Does your office provide a low stimulation environment and treatment room?
8. Does your office provide any comfort devices?
9. Do you provide distractions? or can I bring them with us to appointments?
10. Is your office willing to or able to devote extra time for procedures?
11. Does your office offer any additional supportive services if necessary?
12. Can I stay with my child in the treatment room? and during all procedures?

Referral Sources

3 main resources for you to speak with are those who are familiar with what you are going through,

• Your primary care Pediatrician or Family Physician,
• Your child’s medical (or surgical) specialists,
• Support groups and/or organizations you belong to.

An additional resource for you is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The AAPD has a membership list pediatric dentists and their contact information, which you can search by your specific location.

Your Get To Know Me Visit

Scheduling a let’s meet and get to know each other visit is a good first step. This way you and your child have an opportunity to see and get a feel of the new environment and the dental team. Feeling comfortable and knowing what to expect on the day of your child’s appointment is priceless.

Finding the right office to skillfully address your child’s dental needs and help to teach you how to take care of your child’s oral health can be difficult. We hope these tips will help, because when you find that particular dentist you’ll want to stay with them for forever.

Do you have a child or loved one you care for who has special health needs? Are you on the journey to find that dental office who fits your needs? Have you found the office who understands your child’s needs? Tell us how you’re doing. We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!