Does your child have autism? Are you finding it to be a challenge trying to get them in to see a dentist for regular oral healthcare? You’re not alone. Parents of children with special needs often experience the same difficulties, but the good news is there are ways to better prepare your child for an upcoming appointment. At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo offer special needs dentistry in McKinney and will collaborate with you to ensure a swift and successful visit. Read on to discover three things you and your child’s dentist can do to make it a more enjoyable experience.
Ask the Pediatric Dentist About Their Accommodations
It’s important to remember not all dentists offer special needs dentistry. Even those that do may not be equipped to provide the necessary accommodations for children with autism. This is why it’s essential to know whether the person you’re potentially entrusting with your child’s oral health is capable of meeting their every need.
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage offer sensory rooms and desensitizing visits, and they implore parents to share any potential triggers that may create a negative response. Whether it is audio, visual, or physical, your child’s dentist will ensure the safest, most comfortable environment possible.
Bring Comfort Items From Home
Your child may feel more at ease if they’re allowed to bring one or more items from home. Whether they require a stuffed animal, blanket, toy, tablet, or headphones for music, this can be instrumental in creating a more welcoming and stress-free experience.
Many dental offices nowadays offer kid-friendly amenities, which can be helpful to identify before your child’s first appointment. Of course, your little one may not want to use something that is frequently used by other patients, so make sure to inquire as to whether it is fine to bring items from home to keep them settled, calm, and collected throughout their visit.
Help Your Child Become Familiar with the Dentist’s Office
Before their appointment, print out any images from the dentist’s website and have your child review faces and areas of the office. Many dental practices include pictures of the interior and exterior, giving prospective patients the chance to view the environment before ever stepping foot inside.
You can also create visual boards of positive dental images and words to help your child become more comfortable and confident when seeing the dentist. It may even be helpful to read stories or show them various dental instruments they can touch, handle, and study so these items do not become scary the day of the appointment.
As you’re looking for the right pediatric dentist in McKinney to care for your autistic child, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and find ways to ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free visit for your little one.
About the Authors
Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are both fathers and board-certified pediatric dentists. Understanding that the dental office can seem like a scary place for young children, they go the extra mile to make all patients feel at ease. Believing all children should have access to high-quality dental care, they are pleased to provide services to those with mental and physical special needs. Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage combine their knowledge and expertise with the experience and training of their skilled staff to safely and effectively treat a variety of dental issues in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Dr. Justin, Dr. Sage, and the entire team at Sprout Dentistry for Kids embrace all members of our beloved community and are committed to providing compassionate care for all of our patients. If you have a child with special needs, visit our website or call (469) 301-3212.