What Is Special Needs Dentistry?

Special needs dentistry is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the dental treatment of patients with physical or mental disabilities or impairments. The dental treatment is adapted to the patient’s mobility, tolerance to sounds and lights, and other limitations.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Exam

When a special needs patient comes in, the staff needs to be prepared for receiving them and to ensure they are comfortable and safe. Prior to the appointment, you have to specify the disability of the patient, what kind of environment they would need, and what time interval is compatible with their routine.

The dentist team will talk to the caregiver and the patient (if possible) and ask about their medical history, specific needs, and treatment plan.

A child is smiling after special needs dentistry.

A child is having special needs dentistry - 02

A child is having special needs dentistry.

Care Strategies for Patients with Special Needs

When it comes to special needs patients, the medical staff needs to create a personalized treatment plan and care strategy, considering all the important factors.

Establish a Dental Home

Establishing a dental home means that the patient will have an ongoing relationship with the dental specialist, who is able to monitor the evolution and progress of treatment. When being treated by the same team every time, the patient builds up trust and is much more comfortable when receiving future treatments.

Provide Comprehensive Dental History

During the initial visit, but also for recurring ones, the doctor needs to be aware of all the details concerning the patient’s dental history. Further investigations are ordered if needed, but a thorough look at the previous treatments helps a lot in establishing what works and where to go from there.

Explore Behavior Guidance

Behavior guidance techniques (BGT) are very important in the dental care of special needs patients (SNP). The doctor will take into account several factors, including cognitive age, developmental skills, communication skills, emotional reactions, and coping behaviors. The treatment will be adapted to fit these elements.

Explore Sedation Options

For many special needs patients, sedation dentistry can be the only way of getting treatment. Sedation options will depend on the health state of the patient and the complexity of the procedure.

Establish an Individualized At-Home Oral Care Routine

Preventive dental care means a lot in the treatment of a special needs patient. The doctor will create a personal dental care routine for home.

Consider Diet in Terms of Oral Health

Also part of preventive dental care, an adequate diet will be suggested, with consideration for the patient’s special needs.

Dr. John De Lorme

Dr. John De Lorme is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). He is a healthcare leader in his community, speaking at parent/child classes throughout South Orange County for the last 30 years. He attended Saint Mary’s College, University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital for his residency.

Dr. Samuel Wu

Dr. Samuel Wu, also an ABPD Diplomate, attended the University of California in Berkeley and Los Angeles and spent his residency at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children’s Hospital. He has a passion for medical missions to other countries. ‍

Dr. Chris Carter

Dr. Chris Carter completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and dental school and residency at Oregon Health and Science University. He practiced general dentistry for five years before specializing in orthodontics. His experience at the University of California – Irvine’s Plastic Surgery Department allows him to craft smiles that perfectly complement each patient’s unique facial features.