Dental care is an important aspect of overall wellness and choosing a dental care provider for your child with special needs is a decision that you will want to invest some time in. Establishing a positive experience with dentistry will influence how your young one views taking care of their oral health, setting them up for success in the future.
When choosing a dentist, you will want to understand the provider’s approach to special needs patients in depth. Relaxation techniques, sedation options, accessibility, and professional experience, are all vitally important aspects to consider. Some things to look for in a dentist for special needs patients include:
Specialization – A successful special needs dentists has advanced experience, so a general or family dentist who also claims to accept special needs children may not be the right choice. Choose a dentist who openly talks about or advertises that they are willing to provide dental services to patients with special needs. Research their credentials online to verify they have the skills to handle the conditions and circumstances that will inevitably occur.
Patience with Patients – Patience and careful attention are essential qualities in any dentist treating a special needs child, regardless of the nature of their condition. Trust yourself when assessing the patience of your child’s prospective dentist. If something doesn’t feel right, or you suspect that your child and the dentist may not mesh well, continue searching for the right fit.
Accessibility – Is your child wheelchair bound? A good special needs dentist will have a fully accessible office, complete with ramps and flexible operatories. An office that is open and easy to maneuver through will help reduce stress when visiting the dentist.
Sedation – Special needs and phobic children benefit greatly from sedation dentistry services. Nitrous oxide, intravenous, and oral-conscious sedation are all great options to explore. The dentist you choose should have plenty of experience in judging what type of sedation will best fit each situation and each patient.
Positive Dental Experiences are Important
Those with special needs can experience anxiety at unpredictable times. A good special needs dentist understands that a warm, patient, and compassionate approach is necessary to soothe their patients and encourage feelings of safety throughout the whole experience. Carefully researching prospective dentists is worth the time, as choosing wisely can prevent both immediate and life-long dental phobias.
Choose Cranston Pediatric Dentistry for Your Special Needs Child
Dr. Athanasios Zavras is an experienced dental care provider for special needs children. His Cranston, Road Island dental practice is equipped with the latest technologies including laser dentistry and sedation options. With his affiliations to esteemed universities at Harvard and Columbia, along with over twenty years of experience, Dr. Zavras is an excellent choice for your special needs child. Contact us today and ask us about dental care for special needs patients.