Finding a dentist for your child with special needs may seem frustrating. Depending on the needs of your child, you may have had a hard time finding a dentist who is the right fit. Going to the dentist can already be a big enough ordeal as it is without having to worry if the dentist you are going to will be able to care for your special needs child in an appropriate and positive manner. Following are some tips for choosing a dentist for your special needs child.
Taking your special needs child to a pediatric dentist in Fairfax VA may be something that you want to consider. Beyond their four-year dental school training, a pediatric dentist has an additional two to three years of specialized training. This training teaches a dentist how to work with children who are often wiggly and who may have a lot of fear surrounding the whole process of visiting the dentist. A pediatric dentist in Fairfax VA may be able to turn any potentially negative experiences into positive ones for your special needs child. Call several pediatric dentists and ask them if they have experience working with special needs children. Or ask a friend who has a child with the same needs as yours about the pediatric dentist she takes her child to. Once you have found a pediatric dentist you feel comfortable with, set up an appointment.
Just as important as your pediatric dentist in Fairfax VA is the hygienist who works for him. The pediatric dentist does not generally do teeth cleanings. This is done by the dental hygienist. Finding a dental hygienist who is a good fit for your special needs child is critical for creating a positive dental experience for your child. When you call your pediatric dentist’s office to set up an appointment, ask if there is a hygienist who has experience working with special needs children. Once you find a hygienist who works well with your child and who your child trusts, request that hygienist for every dental visit. Having a hygienist who is familiar to your child can help ease your special needs child’s worries and make the dental check-up something he looks forward to.
Before your child’s first dental visit explain the process to your child. Ask your pediatric dentist in Fairfax VA if he has any suggestions for how to prepare your special needs child for the visit. Find pictures on-line of the different procedures and show them to your child. Try to find pictures that show children at the dentist. This can help your child feel safer about the whole experience and prepare him for what will happen.
Find a pediatric dentist in Fairfax, VA with Shohreh Sharif D.D.S. & Associates for your children’s dental health. Residents can get in touch with them.
