Special Needs

According to the most recent census, over 4 million children in the U.S. have some type of disability. Disabilities range from the physical to the neurological and come in many different levels of severity. Some of these children attend special education classes, while others are mainstreamed.

No matter what disability they may have, these children also have teeth that need care. Accommodations may make a visit to the dentist a more comfortable and productive one. Pediatric dentists have been trained to work with children of all ages, including those with special needs. They are so well trained that they make excellent dentists for adults who have special needs too. Keep reading to learn all about how pediatric dentists excel at working with children (and adults) with special needs.

What is a Special Need?

There are many different conditions which may be classified as a "special need." Each type of special need requires a different type of accommodation. At Dr. Beanca Chu’s Children's Dentistry, we understand how important it is to remember that each child is unique. What works for one may not work for another, even if they have the same condition.

Physical disabilities might include cerebral palsy, paralysis, limb differences, or any other condition that may affect mobility. Thought needs to go into how kids with these conditions will get around a dentist's office. For a child with a visual impairment, a new environment takes time to get used to. Care also needs to be taken to ensure they know what's going on at each stage of a dentist appointment. There should be no surprises.

A child with a hearing or a speech impairment may require an interpreter. Communication is such a vital part of the relationship between a dentist and their patients. Each party needs to be understood for there to be cooperation. Children with a developmental disability need time to adjust to a new situation. A conversation with the child's parent or caregiver will offer valuable insight into the specific accommodations needed to make a dental visit a success.

Kids with autism, behavioral problems, or chronic illness all present their own unique needs. Pediatric dentists will take each child's individual needs into account during treatment. Parents and caregivers, along with the children themselves, will work with the dentist to ensure that all needs are met.

Extra Training Required

Those studying to be pediatric dentists go through extra years of training beyond dental school, usually two to three years' worth. During this time, dental students learn about child development and best practices when working with kids. They also learn about how to best serve children with special needs.

Some of the specific topics pediatric dental students may examine include:

  • Jaw malformations
  • Cleft palate
  • Down syndrome
  • Children who use mobility aids
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Hearing/visual impairments
  • Intellectual/developmental delays

By the time pediatric dentists complete their training, they have ten or more years of schooling/practicing under their belts.

Along with all this practical knowledge, pediatric dentists are well-prepared to evaluate the unique circumstances each patient is dealing with. Our staff here at Dr. Beanca Chu’s office will work with parents and caregivers to create an individualized plan for each child who has a special need.

Solutions Provided

For a child with physical disabilities, accessibility is the key to success at the dentist's office. A pediatric dentist's office will have plenty of space for navigating with a wheelchair, walker, or cane, whatever a child might use to get around. Dental chairs can be manipulated to allow children easy transfers in and out. So, a child knows exactly what to expect from moment to moment, the pediatric dentist will take the time to carefully explain what they are about to do. If needed, breaks can be taken during an exam or a cleaning. Depending on the procedure, an appointment may be longer than a child can reasonably be expected to stay still.

If a child is nervous, many procedures can be done while seated in a parent's lap. Music or a television show often helps a child to remain calm. If there's a special stuffed animal or toy a child is connected to, those are welcome—the dentist may even have time to check the animal's teeth! A pediatric dentist has been trained in the art of sedation, especially its use with children. If it would be more comfortable for a child to be sedated for an exam or specific procedure, a dentist may use a general anesthetic or mild sedation.

Children with special needs have dental issues, often at a higher rate than children without. They may be more susceptible to issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and/or dental trauma. It's possible that medication or a special diet adversely affects their teeth. In addition, some special needs make dental care at home very difficult. A pediatric dentist, such as Dr. Beanca Chu in the Huntington Beach area, will provide suggestions for taking care of the special needs child's teeth at home. Adaptive aids often help make dental care easier.

Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Child

When choosing a pediatric dentist for your special needs child, do your research. Ask about any potential dentist's training and experience. Check to see if the dentist is willing to be part of a larger care team that includes the child's primary doctors, teachers, and parents. If you know other families in the area with special needs children, ask for recommendations.

Go for a visit and tour any pediatric dental office that seems promising. Check out accessibility both inside and outside the office. Meet the office personnel who would be working with your child. Once you make a choice, take your child for a pre-visit. All children, special needs or not, need to be prepared for their first dental appointment. It may be helpful to request that the same dental care team be in place for each visit, so your child is not faced with someone with whom they are not familiar.

At Dr. Beanca Chu’s office, we are committed to every child's needs. If you are searching for a pediatric dentist in the Huntington Beach area, contact our office. We'll be happy to sit down with you and your child to discuss how we can help maintain their beautiful smile!