Many kids feel nervous when it comes to attending dental visits, but if your child has autism, they may experience unique challenges that make it difficult to complete their appointment successfully.
Whether your little one needs a routine checkup and cleaning or has developed a cavity that requires attention, it’s essential that they receive appropriate care to help protect and preserve their smile. Continue reading to learn more about 3 tips that might help them through their treatment!
Tip #1: Find an Experienced Provider
All dentists must meet specific criteria to be licensed to practice on patients, and pediatric providers complete additional advanced training to understand the complexities of still-developing teeth. However, that doesn’t mean that all kids’ dentists have the same level of experience and confidence working with children with autism.
If you’re unsure whether a potential provider is right for your family, you might visit their website to learn more about whether they welcome families or are equipped to meet your child’s needs. For instance, they might list their specialized educational experience or explain how they assist children with unique needs in their office. You can also contact them to inquire whether and how they worked with other families in similar circumstances.
Tip #2: Establish Expectations
Many sources recommend making efforts to prepare your child for their upcoming dental visit ahead of time so that they’re less likely to be taken by surprise when it’s time for their appointment.
For example, you might create a visual schedule that breaks down the different steps involved in their dental visit to provide structure they can better understand. You can even try putting it on paper or a dry-erase board and bringing it along to your child’s appointment so they can check off the items as they occur.
Tip #3: Visit in Advance
Another way you can help your child feel more confident for their upcoming appointment is by planning to visit the dental office ahead of time. Taking the time to arrive at their location and walk through different steps, such as checking in or sitting in the waiting room, might help establish a sense of familiarity that can comfort your child when they return at the scheduled time.
Some providers gladly offer desensitization visits that allow your little one to acclimate to the environment at a pace they feel comfortable with, helping them prepare for an upcoming cleaning or procedure.
If you’d like additional insight into how you might help your child with autism through their next dental appointment, you can learn more by contacting their pediatric dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Roxeanne Clarke has 15+ years of experience helping people build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry, then completed a fellowship program in dentistry for the developmentally disabled at Stony Brook University in New York. She then returned to the University of Maryland to complete a two-year specialty program for pediatric practice. She welcomes children with autism and welcomes advance visits to help them feel at ease. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (443) 608-5005.