Special health care for children: What you need to know about dental visits

For parents of children with special health care needs, a routine trip to the dentist can be a daunting task. Faculty in the section of pediatric dentistry, associate professor Dr. Katherine Fleming and assistant professor Dr. Rosa Pelaez-Shelton, shares top tips to help parents of children with special health care needs ensure their child’s smile stays healthy and bright.

Create a dental home

A dental home is a relationship with a dental office through which your child has a dental provider who visits them regularly. Your child will get to know the dentist, dental hygienist, and dental staff so they feel safe and comfortable with dental visits. It also helps you make sure your child gets regular comprehensive care. Finally, a dental home is vital in case of any dental questions or emergencies; you will always know who to call.

Talk to the office before the visit to provide all the necessary information

Make sure all your paperwork is completed beforehand. Share any and all important medical, dental, social and behavioral details with the office before you arrive. Providing this information ahead of time allows your dental provider to review and prepare for the visit. Depending on your child’s history, your provider may want to consult and connect with your child’s other medical providers and specialists. Share contact information so everyone can work together as a team.

Set everyone up for success when you plan

Typically, children (and most adults!) are fresher in the morning. Schedule your child for the first visit of the day if possible. This will help ensure that your child is not tired or hungry at the end of a long school day. Additionally, the waiting room will be quieter and emptier in the morning. There is usually a shorter likelihood of waiting for the first meeting as well. Choose a day when your child has no appointments or other stressful events planned.

Tell us about your child

You know them best. Do they have a favorite song we can play? Do they prefer dim lighting for comfort? Do they have a favorite character we can talk about? These details can make all the difference in making your child feel comfortable and at home in the dental office.

Prepare your child for the visit

Check out books or videos that show a positive dental experience and prepare your child. Start a few weeks in advance and share them with your child several times before his visit. Try to stay upbeat and positive while talking about his/her upcoming dental visit. Your dental office can also provide you with a social history that shows what to expect at each step of your child’s dental visit. Numerous dental office social stories are also available online.

Bring comfort items

Does your child have a favorite toy, stuffed animal, blanket, or other comfort item? Always confirm with the office, but most dental practices are happy for you to bring something familiar for your child to wear during their visit.

Understand that it can be a process

Sometimes it takes a few visits for every child to feel comfortable in the dental office, and that’s okay. We like to celebrate every win as the kids get more used to the experience. Additionally, some children may feel such fear and anxiety about dental care that other options, such as sedation, may be the best option if they need extensive dental care. Work with your dental team to find what works best for your child and your family.

Bring any questions you have

Want recommendations for a special toothpaste flavor? Need tips on how to position yourself when brushing your child’s teeth? Do you have any questions about the treatment plan? Write down questions as they come up to discuss with your provider at this visit. That’s what we’re here for!

You can be a positive influence

Children tend to be affected by our display of fear and anxiety. Staying calm during meetings can influence positive behavior. We can also help them by using less threatening language and not discussing unpleasant past experiences in front of them. Your dental provider can share with you some child-friendly words to describe dental instruments, equipment, and procedures.