Do you use a special needs dentist?

ToastieSimons · December 2012

DS1 has never been to the dentist. He didn't even get his first tooth till 1yr old and I know I've majorly slacked off. He hates his teeth brushed. I think it's the normal toddler independence. He'll usually tolerate it for a few seconds and then when he decides he's done and I say "No, we have more to brush" he freaks out and screams and pushes me away. He doesn't have the cognitive skills to understand it completely. He doesn't have the ability to practice, like brushing my teeth etc. And he doesn't have the coordination to brush his own teeth. I let him play with teh toothbrush, we use an electric one and he thinks it's funny when I let it vibrate on his cheeks/lips/tongue, but to hold him to brush his teeth is when he starts to fight me.

Is a special needs dentist worth it? Or should I just attempt a pediatric dentist?

MaxandRuby · December 2012

I do not necessarily take DS2 to a special needs pediatric dentist but I do take him (and my other son) to a pediatric dentist who has experience with special needs. Not sure if that makes sense. I also made sure to tell the person I made the appointment with that DS2 was special needs and they helped to decide which dentist my boys should see (it is a 2 dentist practice).

realisticdreams · December 2012

I didn't know they had special needs dentists! That's pretty cool, I guess.

We just see pediatric and he was very good in comparison to an adult dentist who accepted peds patients that we had seen previously.

I would just let them know on the phone and see if they are used to dealing with children with SN or not before making your decision.

Assembly_Reqd · December 2012

I took Nate to a practice that advertised that they accept special needs, but I recommend that you visit the practice before taking DS.

The environment at the dentist we went to would not be best for a child who is easily overstimulated. All of the dental chairs are in one big room with low dividing walls. I thought I was at the hair salon for a moment!

There also was no privacy to discuss issues with the dentist regarding Nate's diagnosis. There was a kid getting his teeth cleaned about 3 feet away from us and his mom was sitting there too. I felt like I was setting my kid up to be the "freak-of-the-week" or something.

Of course, even after that, we are going back. I have no idea why after reading what I just wrote. I picked them because they did orthodontia (sp?) as well since Nate is sure to need braces. I was sort of looking for a one stop shop.

d.f · December 2012

I picked a pediatric dentist before I knew DS was Special Needs so I didn't use it as a factor. DS usually does well around doctors offices and other specialists because of the one on one adult attention so I haven't had to think about switching.

macchiatto · December 2012

We use a pediatric dentist. My son has a lot of anxiety and sensory issues so I wasn't sure how it would go. I took both boys for the first time at 3 and the practice we went to did a fantastic job of taking things slowly and being super kid-friendly, patient, demonstrating tools they'd use on his hand first before putting them in his mouth, etc. It went much better than I anticipated.

lite-bright · December 2012

We use our family dentist, but we gave the office staff, hygienists, etc. a heads-up before DD1's first appointment that she is on the spectrum.

They're very patient, and so far it's working for us. Since it's a family practice, the last time I was able to schedule my cleaning right before hers and DH brought her partway through so she could watch to help her become more comfortable. She's almost five now and finally getting to the point where she'll let them do some polishing during check-ups.

Louise06 · December 2012

I never realized there are SN dentists. I take DD to a pediatric dentist. A year or so ago they had to have DH and 2 other people hold her down to get her teeth cleaned. A couple of weeks ago, she did great! The dentist said she was perfect and really let him clean her teeth. I noticed that in our area that SN dentists sedate the patients.

JenGK · December 2012

We take Zach (and now Adam, too, because I schedule appts at the same time) to a pediatric dentist who has experience with special needs. The SN patients get treated in a private room (like a traditional dentist) while other kids generally are treated in an open space.

And my strategy for brushing (like many other things) is to set an end time that DS knows. So, I say to him, we are going to brush until I count to 10, and then I count really, really slowly. It is not 2 minutes, but we are working our way up. For hair it is counting to 5, for rinsing shampoo it is 3 cups of water, etc.

mommytoconnor · December 2012

It was recommended by my devel peds that I take him to dentist familiar with special needs as they have a better handle on how to handle them and their behaviors. I found a great one and it was a great experience. They do things that make the child feel comfortable and involve parents. They were great. I highly recommend finding one that is familiar and comfortable with SN, it will make things a lot easier.

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