Dental Management for Children with Special Needs
Daily life with a special-needs child presents many unique challenges, including managing dental care. Our goal is to assist you in maintaining good oral health for your child and make this a positive experience for both of you.
- Children with special needs will benefit from the sameness and continuity in their environment. It is recommended that they be gradually exposed to the dental office and staff.
- We offer parents and children the opportunity to tour our dental office before the first appointment, so that the child may ask questions, touch equipment, and get used to the office. We also recommend bringing comfort items like a blanket or a favorite toy.
- We will approach the child in a quiet, non-threatening manner.
- We use a “tell-show-do” approach. Tell: We explain the procedure before it occurs. Show: Our assistants will show the instruments that will be used. Do: We slowly and gently start the procedure.
- We always praise and reinforce good behavior.