What To Expect For a Dental Appointment for A Person With Special Needs?
When you make an appointment, be sure to discuss your person’s particular needs with the dental professional. Find out what will happen prior to the appointment so you can plan accordingly. The appointment length and time of day should be convenient for your person’s disability. Ensure you or an assistant can be in the room during the appointment to help keep your person calm. Communication, positive reinforcement, and a caring touch will be needed during the appointment. Having answers to the following questions will help.
- Will treatment occur in the dental office or as an outpatient experience in a hospital or dental clinic.
- Does the patient require pre-medication? If yes, the dentist should consult with you and the patient’s physician prior to the patient’s visit to the office.
- Does the patient require special accommodation at the dental office in order to receive treatment? For example, a patient in a wheelchair may need to be transferred to the dental chair. Or, the position of the dental chair may need to be adjusted for the patient’s comfort.
- What is the purpose of the dental visit? What specific procedures will be performed: an oral examination or professional hygiene treatment, a filling replacement, or tooth extraction?