Every child needs to have regular check-ups with a dentist—preferably one that is experienced working with kids. But, finding a dental practice for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be challenging due to unfamiliar sounds, bright lights, and close physical contact that can lead to sensory overload. A pediatric dentist who takes measures to make patients with autism more comfortable is the best option for ensuring a successful visit.

Here are some things to remember when trying to find a dentist for a child on the spectrum.

Why Kids on the Autism Spectrum Need Dental Attention

While all children are susceptible to cavities and can be lackadaisical when it comes to brushing and flossing, children with autism tend to have more trouble with dental hygiene, perhaps due to their sensory issues.Recently, a comprehensive study conducted across multiple databases including PubMed, Science Citation Index, Science Direct, and others found that children and young adults within the autism spectrum have a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease. The pooled prevalence of dental caries ranged from 60.6% to 67.3%, while the periodontal disease prevalence ranged from 59.8% to 69.4%. In addition, bruxism (teeth grinding) and trauma due to self-injurious behavior tend to be common in kids with autism spectrum disorder. For these reasons, it’s important to be proactive in finding a good dental practice for children with autism. 

What the Dentist is Like for Children with ASD 

Children on the autism spectrum experience a dental visit a little differently from most kids. Some kids will find the things in a dentist’s office fascinating—but more likely than not, most kids with autism will find an office visit confusing and scary.

For example: A dentist’s office will have a lot of novel sounds. There will be machines that whir, buzz, and bubble; people answering the phone to set appointments; and sounds of other people getting their teeth cleaned. While adults and most kids can quickly dismiss these noises as “background noise,” a child on the autism spectrum might zero in on these noises and find them unsettling.

There are also a lot of tactile sensations that come with dental work. Even a simple teeth cleaning can involve vibrations, brushing, and scraping, not to mention wetness. Again, while most adults and kids accept these as normal, children who are neurologically different might be especially sensitive to these sensations. They might not tolerate them, simply because a dentist or dental hygienist is sitting in the chair next to them.

Is There a Special Dentist for a Child That is on the Spectrum?

To date, there are very few dentists practicing with a specific designation in treating kids on the autism spectrum. However, in 2019, accredited dental schools adjusted their curriculum to teach students how to serve patients with developmental disabilities and special healthcare needs—as such, recently graduated dentists may have more training in dealing with children with autism than veteran dentists. 

However there are organizations that aim to educate dentists of all experience levels on how to treat kids with ASD. For instance, the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) offers a network of colleagues who have worked with special needs patients. Members can exchange clinical ideas and patient management techniques to be prepared when a child on the spectrum comes to their practice. As awareness about autism spreads, more and more clinics, webinars, and workshops are being offered to inform dentists about how to run a dental practice for children with autism. 

How to Find a Dentist Willing to Work with Your Child

The best strategy to find a dentist who can work with your child is to call pediatric dental practices in your area. Ask about their experience serving children who are on the spectrum, and if they have special procedures for children so identified. Some of these could include:

• Scheduling appointments at a consistent time of day
• Requesting the same dental hygienist each time, for the sake of consistency
• Minimizing extraneous sounds in the office, where possible, or allowing the child to wear noise-canceling headphones
• Lowering the lights (as much as is safe), or providing sunglasses
• Having the child’s favorite show or movie on as a distraction
• Providing a weighted blanket for comfort during treatment
• Allowing parents to accompany their children in the exam room
• Explaining the various procedures ahead of treatment prior to treatment, in language the child can understand
• Allowing the use of a therapy band or fidget device during the examination
• Allowing the child to see or even handle a few basic tools to limit his or her fear of them
• The option of light sedation to ease anxiety if needed

Be aware that some dentists might not feel they can accommodate your child and make the experience a positive one. Don’t feel angry or slighted: They are being honest about the services they can, and cannot, provide. Thank them for their time and move on to the next dentist on your list.

 

Preparing Your Child for a Dental Appointment

Once you find a dentist that can suit you and your child’s needs, you should begin the process of preparing your child for the visit.

With your child, go over what to expect during the visit. For example, explain what will happen in the waiting room, and describe the dental chair and the tools. You don’t need to overwhelm your child with details; just provide enough so that things seem somewhat familiar during that first visit.

Letting your child take something familiar into the dental office, such as a favorite toy, blanket, or book can bring them comfort. 

Modeling is a good way to show a child what to expect, and what is expected of him or her. Let your child come along if a sibling or friend has an appointment. This not only will get him or her accustomed to the office, but will also allow your child to watch the procedure being done on someone else.

Visual cues can be helpful as well. For example, you could obtain pictures outlining the process and cueing certain steps. This can help your child know what to expect, and keep track of when the visit will be over.

Dental Care Starts at Home But is Not Always Easy for Children on the Autism Spectrum 

Brushing and flossing twice a day is crucial for preventing cavities and gum disease, but for some children with ASD, that can be a struggle. Working with a behavioral analyst or occupational therapist may help establish brushing habits, but making dental appointments early in life can decrease the chances of oral problems. To find a dentist near you that can accommodate your child, search the SCDA’s list of providers who work with special needs patients, or make an appointment with a dentist here.