Schedule an Appointment
**Requested time is not final until you receive confirmation from our office.Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).
We have decades of experience treating children with special needs. Our team provides compassionate, patient-centered treatment tailored to accommodate your child's unique needs, keeping them calm and comfortable in the dental chair. Through behavior management, desensitization appointments, and a safe, supportive environment, we work with you to get your child the dental care they need while upholding the guidelines from the American Pediatric Board of Dentistry.
We take the time to understand each child's unique needs, adapting our techniques and environment to ensure a positive dental experience. Our team works closely with parents and caregivers to develop personalized care strategies.
Our office is designed to be a calming space for all children, with special considerations to those with sensory sensitivities.
From preventive treatments to restorative procedures, we provide a full range of dental services for children with special needs. Our goal is to promote long-term oral health and establish positive associations with dental care.
We strive to make each visit as smooth and comfortable as possible for both children and their caregivers. Here's what you can expect during your child's dental appointment:
During this visit we help your child to become comfortable with our office environment. We introduce your child to our team, show them around the office, and let them explore dental tools in a non-threatening way. This helps reduce anxiety and build trust for future appointments.
We conduct a thorough consultation with parents or caregivers. This allows us to understand your child's specific needs, medical history, and any accommodations required. We use this information to tailor our approach and prepare the team for your child's visit.
Our dentists use a patient, step-by-step approach during the examination. We explain each step in child-friendly language and use tell-show-do techniques to help your child feel more at ease. If needed, we can break the examination into shorter sessions to accommodate your child's comfort level.
Based on the examination results, we develop a personalized treatment plan. We discuss all options with parents or caregivers, considering factors such as the child's ability to cooperate, sensory sensitivities, and overall health. We may also provide a first cleaning depending on your child's comfort level. Our team is skilled in various behavior management techniques and can adapt treatments to suit your child's needs.
Find answers to common questions parents have about special needs dentistry.
We offer a range of accommodations for children with sensory sensitivities. This includes scheduling appointments during quieter times. We can also adjust lighting and minimize sounds in the treatment area. Our team is trained to recognize signs of sensory overload and can modify our approach as needed during the appointment.
While we strive to provide dental care without sedation whenever possible, we understand that some children with special needs may require sedation for more complex procedures or to manage severe anxiety. We offer mild sedation, in the form of nitrous oxide (laughing gas). For cases requiring deeper sedation, we refer to specialized facilities to ensure the safest possible care. The need for sedation is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, always prioritizing your child's comfort and safety.
Generally, we recommend that children with special needs visit the dentist every six months. However, some children may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs and overall medical condition. We work with families to determine the most appropriate recall schedule for each child, ensuring they receive the preventative care necessary to maintain optimal oral health.
Absolutely! We encourage parents or caregivers to be present during dental appointments. Your presence can provide comfort and reassurance to your child. We value your insights and often rely on your assistance to communicate with your child effectively. Our team will guide you on how best to support your child during the visit, whether that means staying by their side or observing from a slight distance, depending on what works best for your child.