Dr Stephanie Salanitri of smilefocus has been treating children for more than 17 years. Qualifying from University of Queensland and then working with Queensland Health, Stephanie continued post graduate studies in paediatric dentistry. Dr Salanitri is an exceptionally qualified and experienced practitioner.
Many parents of children with special needs experience intense anxiety regarding how their child will cope with dental treatment. This anxiety can lead to a reluctance to take their children to visit the dentist.
There are many ways to ensure that kids with special needs have the best experience possible at their dental check up.
- Timing is everything. Children may be better able to cope at particular times of the day, for example first thing in the morning when they aren't tired. Children with ADHD often manage their appointments best soon after taking their medication while their levels are still high. Diabetic children require specific sugar levels at the time of treatment to ensure they feel at their best during their appointment.
- Familiarity breeds comfort. For all kids, but especially those with special needs such as autism spectrum disorder, fear of the unknown can create a great barrier to receiving dental care. We often find that if the child has ample opportunity to become familiarized with the dental setting their anxiety levels decrease significantly. Parents are welcome to bring their child in however many times it takes time to explore the clinic, meet staff and be shown the various parts of the dental rooms before any treatment is attempted.
- Let's be flexible. We often have this concept of dental care as being in a specific setting where the child sits in the dental chair, reclines and receives treatment in the same fashion as adults. In reality there are many ways that the dental appointment can progress. If the child is in a wheelchair the check up can be performed with the child in their own chair. If the child is too afraid to come into the surgery the check up can be carried out in the waiting room or on the parent's lap. Indeed, there is a range of different ways we can deliver treatment. We are happy to try anything that works!
The truth is out there! Special needs dentistry is a field which has advanced significantly in the last decade. Parents are surprised to learn of the variety of different products and techniques available to improve their child's dental care, both in the clinic and at home. They may be feeling frustrated at the difficulty of caring for their child's teeth at home and stressed at the thought of taking their child to the clinic. But by consulting with your child's dentist you will discover how much easier it can be for you to care for your child's teeth more effectively.
In short, good dental care for your child with special needs is always achievable. Reaching out to a dentist with training in special needs dentistry for advice is the first step towards making it happen.
Brought To You By Expat Choice
