I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
Children with autism require a degree of familiarity and comfort with those in their life. As the parent of a child with autism, you would be aware of this need for familiarity when it comes to teachers, caretakers, and medical professionals who might need to examine your child. Medical examinations can be problematic, and the sheer act of visiting a doctor's office or dental clinic can sometimes simply result in too much stimulation—leading to stress and fear. Ideally, your child would already have a dentist who is a great fit and can perform the necessary examinations without causing distress. This can change if you happen to move and need to find a new dentist who can give your child the best possible service. It might also be something to consider when your child needs to visit the dentist for the very first time. What are some things to consider when choosing a dentist for your child?
Referrals and Recommendations
If you are moving, you might want to ask your dentist for a referral if they should happen to know of a dental clinic in your new town who would be a great match for your child. You might also wish to ask any local autism support groups if they have any recommendations. Whether you have a referral, a recommendation, or if you're starting your search from scratch, there are a number of ways to prepare for your child's first visit to the dentist in question.
Free of Surprises
It can be helpful to make the whole experience as free of surprises as possible. This can be aided by the fact that your child might already have been to the dentist before, although any comfort with the familiarity of the process can be diminished by having the process performed by unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar location. What are some ways to overcome this?
An Early Visit
You might wish to take your child to the dental clinic several days before their appointment—although you should, of course, notify the staff. It can be helpful for them to see the clinic building and its reception area, and even to meet the staff. You could even ask if it's possible to see the treatment room briefly.
Visual Aids
Visual aids might be of use. This can involve drawing simple pictures (or sourcing them online) showing what will happen during the dental visit. Some dentists who treat children might have a television in the treatment room, designed as a distractionary measure during the dental examination. This can be helpful, but you might also wish to bring sunglasses and a music player (with headphones) for your child to wear to decrease external stimulation.
Finding a dentist who is the best fit for your child with autism can help to ensure a happy and comfortable future for your child's ongoing dental needs.
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