A special needs dentist treats patients with orofacial disorders and physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, emotional, and sensory disabilities. Patients with special needs may encounter difficulties with dental care that are easily missed. The patient may, for instance, find it hard to lay flat in the dental chair. They may need more emotional support during routine exams or may not comprehend what is going on throughout treatment.
A special needs dentist and other staff members who deal with special needs patients must identify these problems and adapt quickly to devise solutions that do not jeopardize the quality of treatment. It is important to account for many variables and get the necessary education for special needs dentistry.
Patients with special needs often need more time and personalization than other patients. As a result, their appointments are usually scheduled during less busy periods, just like appointments for more difficult dental procedures. The dentist and the dental team will personalize their approach, making the patient's comfort their priority throughout the procedure.
Before any examinations or treatments, many special needs dentists require that patients who need special accommodations have an initial consultation visit. This presents a chance to meet with the dentist, discuss requirements, and collaborate on determining which modifications would be most effective for the patient.
This is especially beneficial for individuals with not-so-obvious requirements, such as complicated concealed pain problems or cognitive impairments, but all patients with special needs may find it beneficial. It also enables the dentist and staff to prepare for the next appointment in advance, ensuring that everything is in order.
Patients should inform the receptionist if they or their child have any special requirements when scheduling the first appointment. The receptionist should be friendly and accommodating, as well as attentive and willing to provide recommendations.
The dentist and staff should demonstrate a basic knowledge of specific health care requirements and how they impact dental treatment throughout the consultation. It is unrealistic to expect them to specialize in a particular condition, but they should understand why flexibility is important and demonstrate a desire to listen and attempt to comprehend. Expect them to take a thorough medical history and make a note of any particular requests made.
Above all, special needs dentistry requires empathy, cooperation, and a sense of teamwork. Some special needs individuals may need general anesthesia owing to their particular difficulties, but it should never be administered just for the sake of convenience. A competent special needs dentist should deal with most health issues while keeping a positive attitude and delivering the same high-quality treatment as for any other patient.
It is important to see the special needs dentist regularly. Normally, this would be every six months, although some individuals need fewer visits while others require more frequent visits. To learn more about the services available at our dental office, book an appointment today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.breapediatricdentists.com or call Brea Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics at (714) 782-0215 for an appointment in our Brea office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
It is common for children to face challenges with their oral health, and one of the professionals who can help is a kids orthodontist. While an orthodontist does not focus on cleaning the teeth and filling cavities, they do work on a holistic level to set up the child for oral health success both now…
Maintaining and monitoring a child's oral health from the very start can reduce the risk of future problems, such as multiple cavities. A pediatric dentistry clinic can help parents learn why early visits for infants are so important. From preventing gingivitis to monitoring the way a baby's teeth grow and erupt, regular dental visits for…
Cavity treatment for kids is a chief concern among parents, and for a good reason. Cavities are common in children of all ages. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of the kids ages 6 to 8 have had at least one cavity in a primary tooth. The good news is…
A pediatric root canal is sometimes necessary to prevent the loss of a decayed or damaged baby tooth. Although the goal is to prevent dental cavities and tooth infections, they can still develop, especially in young children (who, on average, are more prone to cavities than teens and adults). It is essential to quickly detect…