Why should I choose a special needs dentist for my child?
Every child is different. And if your little one has health problems that make their treatment difficult for any reason, a special needs dentist can help. Special needs dentists have experience with children and special needs patients of all types. From kids with sensory sensitivity, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and a variety of other conditions, our experienced team can ensure your little one gets the care they need.
Dr. Lucy serves as an assistant clinical professor at Children's Hospital Los Angeles where she treats patients with special needs and complex medical histories.
Did You Know?
48% of patients with special needs don’t get a yearly checkup, compared to 35% of the general population.
Stress-Free Sedation Options
No child deserves to struggle with fear or pain during treatment. Sedation options are an effective way to help your kiddo get the care they need without discomfort or anxiety. Talk to your child’s dentist to learn more about what sedation option will best fit their needs.
The Benefits of Special Needs Dentistry
Better Patient Accommodations
Your child’s dentist can do things like adjust office lighting and sound for patients with sensory issues, use special equipment to treat patients, and provide additional staff to ensure that special needs patients get the personalized care they need.
Expert Care For Every Patient
Special needs dentists know how to treat patients with a wide variety of physical, mental, and developmental impairments. Your child’s dentist will know how to keep them safe and comfortable as they get the dental care they need.
Comfort With Sedation
A wide variety of sedation options are available, which allow their patients to rest, relax, and even sleep soundly through their appointment. Sedation is a very useful tool for patients who may otherwise have trouble being treated in a traditional dental environment.
Free Nitrous
Helps Your Kiddo Relax
No Side Effects
Save Big On Treatment
Stress-Free Care
If fear is keeping you or your little one from scheduling an appointment, we're delighted to review sedation and behavior management options with you! Pediatric dentists are specially trained to guide patients through difficult treatments.
The Special Needs Dentistry Process
Initial Health Discussion
To begin, your special needs dentist will meet with you and/or your child, and review their medical history, records, medications they're taking, and other details. Every special needs patient is different, so it’s important for their dentist to develop a full understanding of their health and disabilities.
Oral Exam & Teeth Cleaning
The first step toward better oral health is a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning. This gives our team the opportunity to learn more about your child’s health, identify potential oral health issues, and understand the next steps for a healthier mouth.
Personalized Treatment Plan
After their consultation, your child’s dentist will discuss their oral health with you. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, including both any necessary in-office care and recommendations for at-home oral hygiene.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that your child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. To be recognized by The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, doctors must undergo extensive training in the pediatric field in addition to their standard dental degrees.
Desensitization Appointments
Going to the dentist is a significant experience, with new faces, sounds, and expectations. To help your child adjust, we offer desensitization appointments. Through a series of visits, the dentist will give your child a tour of our office, introduce our friendly team, and teach them about dental tools. This helps your kiddo get acclimated with our space so they can feel safe, secure, and cared for.
Behavior Guidance Counseling
Sitting in the dental chair isn’t always easy! That’s why our compassionate team offers behavior guidance counseling. With our gentle directions and upbeat approach, we’ll empower your child to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and gain confidence as they learn how to take charge of their oral health.
No Drill, No Shot Options
Numbing shots and noisy drills can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear for kiddos. We’re proud to offer drill-free and shot-free treatment options that not only protect your child’s smile but keep them calm and reassured, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
