As a parent, it can be challenging enough to find a dentist that your child is comfortable with. But when you add the factor of having a child who has special needs, it can be that much more stressful.
At Park View Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dentists have extensive training and experience in treating special needs patients, including those who have developmental disorders, physical disabilities, and special behavioral and emotional needs. We recognize that the care we provide has to be as unique as each individual child, and we’ll partner with the parent to ensure that his or her child is comfortable while receiving the care they need.
In this blog, the pediatric dentists at Park View Pediatric Dentistry will explain the top things to look for in a dentist for special needs children.
What are the top things to look for in a dentist for special needs children?
It’s important that your child with special needs feels comfortable and at ease when they are at the dentist.
The following are the top things to look for when searching for a dentist for special needs children:
Extensive training in special needs dentistry – It’s important that the dentists have training focused primarily on working with patients with special needs. That way, they’ll have the equipment, training, strategies, techniques, and compassion needed to provide the highest level of care while making special needs children feel comfortable. They’ll also be able to provide strategies for making at-home oral care easier and more effective for your child between visits. Dentists should be able to combine outstanding technical skills with experience in making children with special needs feel comfortable.
Offers sedation dentistry for children – Some children who have special needs may require some general anesthesia during their visit, and it’s important to know if your child’s dentist offers sedation.
Offers dental procedures for special needs children – It’s important that the pediatric dentists you choose are experienced in performing all types of procedures for patients with special needs, from basic cleanings and X-rays to root canals and tooth extractions. They also need to offer procedures with and without sedation so they’re tailored to your child’s needs.
Experience – It’s important to take your child to a practice that has already cared for children with special needs and understands the best strategies that could help support your child.
Office environment – All staff members, not just dentists, should have experience making children with special needs feel at ease. An office that’s appropriate for children with special needs should establish a welcoming, comfortable environment from the moment they walk in the door and every step of the way. It should be vibrant and interesting yet also provides a calming atmosphere when needed.
Where can I find the top dentist for special needs children in the NYC area?
At Park View Pediatric Dentistry, we regularly see patients who have a hard time coping with the delivery of dental care or patients who have a high level of dental fear.
Dr. Deborah Pilla completed a pediatric dental fellowship at Columbia University that was specifically focused on caring for patients with special needs. Dr. Pilla was also on staff at Blythedale Children’s Hospital for seven years in Valhalla, NY where she treated patients with special needs. This, combined with her 25-plus years of experience and gentle approach, contribute to her trusted reputation today.
No matter where your child is receiving treatment – in our office or at nearby Northwell-Lenox Hill Hospital – you can rest assured that he or she will receive the best quality dental care from an experienced team. They’ll receive the care they need without having to endure the negative feelings or sensations normally associated with a visit to the dentist.
If you have a child with special needs and are looking to get more information about special needs dentistry for children, contact us. We’re committed to making each child feel comfortable while providing them with the highest level of dental care.