If you stop to think about all the things that fall under the category of special needs, it quickly becomes apparent that it’s a very general term. Generalities are the opposite of what is needed by those who have special needs though. That’s why it’s so important for those who have special needs to see a special needs dentist.
Patience
Parents of children with special needs know better than most how much of a challenge it can sometimes be to work with them in comparison to those who don’t have special needs. Patience is an absolute must, especially on the part of the dentist. Kids sometimes have bad days, and sometimes rough moments come without any warning. It takes patience to navigate those moments and get through them in a way that is ultimately positive for the child.
Communicating with You
As the parent, it’s up to you to make decisions about your child’s dental treatment and oral care. That’s hard to do if your child’s dentist doesn’t keep you in the loop though. It’s important for the dentist to be able to communicate with you effectively. They need to explain their findings and what they believe the best course of action will be for your child in a timely manner. This is crucial to establishing the sort of rapport that will enable you and the dentist to work as a team for the good of your child.
Communicating with Your Child
You aren’t the only one the dentist needs to communicate with though. Children know when they’re being talked about and appreciate it when adults talk to them. A good special needs dentist knows that they need to communicate what is happening to the child in a way that is easier for them to understand. They’ll do so in a respectful manner that is appropriate for the your child’s level of understanding.
Taking good care of your teeth and mouth is important regardless of whether or not your child falls into the special needs category. Quality dental care can strongly impact the overall quality of the life one is able to lead. Make sure you know what to look for in a special needs dentist so that you can choose one who will work well for both you and your child.
Here at Stellar Kids Dentistry, we understand that we look a little strange with all the PPE. Take a look at our photos with your child so they can see what we look like with and without PPE to help them feel more comfortable.