Preparing a Child with Special Needs for a Visit to the Dentist

Taking kids to the dentist can be difficult even under the best circumstances, but children with special needs can present even greater challenges when it comes to a trip to the dentist.

What to Expect

One of the many challenges parents of children with special needs may face when it comes to visiting the dentist is preparing for the transition. Many children with special needs struggle with a change in routine and will resist leaving for an appointment unless the plans are thoroughly discussed in advance. One way to help a child get used to the idea of visiting the dentist is to create a picture schedule that shows where they are going and when. A step-by-step guide can help children visualize what’s coming next and soothe anxieties.

Similarly, creating a social story about a trip to the dentist, including where you are going and when, who your child will meet there and what will happen during the appointment, can also help your child understand that a trip to the dentist is nothing to fear.

Getting Used to the Feeling

There are many things about visiting a dentist that can make a child feel physically uncomfortable. One of the best ways to prepare a child for the feeling of being in the dentist’s chair is to have him lie on the couch with his head in your lap (putting him basically in the same position as he would be in the dentist’s chair, and allowing him to get used to someone working over his head). Once the child is comfortable and relaxed, get him to open his mouth as wide as possible and gently touch his teeth with a spoon, so he can become accustomed to the feeling of metal instruments in his mouth. Because this is asking a lot of a child, be sure to do this often for several weeks before the actual appointment, so he can become a little desensitized to the things he may fear.

Come Prepared

Since it’s likely that you will have to wait at least a few minutes for the dentist or hygienist, it’s best to bring a book or electronic game to occupy your child while he waits. It’s also a good idea to bring sun glasses so the light above the dentist’s chair doesn’t bother his eyes. Most importantly, remember to bring a reward. Positive reinforcement for a job well done will make it much easier to get your child back to the dentist for his next visit.