Children with special needs can have a difficult time finding the right dentist for them. Many dentists refuse to take on special needs patients because they don’t know how to work with their special needs.
But fear not! This blog post is here to help you find the perfect special needs dentist for your family.
Check out our four tips that will lead you in the right direction and find a great dental professional.
Table of Contents
1. Choosing a Dentist: Ask Your Pediatrician for a Referral
Pediatricians are great resources for finding special needs doctors and dentists. They know which professionals in their area specialize in working with special needs patients and can refer you to the best one for your child’s specific needs.
If your pediatrician doesn’t have any recommendations, try contacting a nearby children’s hospital or specialty clinic. Many of these organizations keep lists of reputable special needs providers in their area.
There are also many online directories that list special needs dentists all across the country. Do a quick Google search to find one that is right for you.
2. Ask Other Parents for Recommendations
If you know other parents whose children have special needs, ask them for recommendations. They will likely have personal experience with different dentists and can steer you in the right direction.
You can also check online parenting forums or social media groups to see if anyone has had a good experience with a special needs pediatric dentist.
Word of mouth is often the best way to find a great service provider, so don’t be afraid to ask around.
3. Look for a Board Certified Special Needs Dentist
Special training is required to practice special needs dentistry. Ensure your dentist has received special certification from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to show that they have completed this coursework and qualified as an expert in dental care.
You can also check with local colleges or universities. You can get a pediatric dentist currently enrolled in special needs dentistry. Sometimes these educators will recommend other providers who specialize in working with children with disabilities.
4. Ask About the Dentist’s Experience With Your Child’s Condition
Not all special needs children are the same. Some dentists may be more comfortable working with a certain type of special needs child than others.
Before you make an appointment, ask the dentist how much experience they have had treating patients with similar special needs as your child. The answer will help ensure that you and your child feel comfortable during their visit.
If your child has a rare or complex condition, it is also helpful to determine if the dentist has ever treated someone with that specific diagnosis before. This can give you peace of mind knowing that they are familiar with your child’s condition and what to expect from their care.
Choosing a Special Needs Dentist Simplified
Don’t settle for less than the very best when it comes to caring for your child’s teeth. You deserve a great service provider, and we hope this blog post helped you find the special needs dentist of your dreams.
For more informative articles, keep reading our articles.
