At Simply Kids Dental, we take extra care to ensure a calm and supportive environment for children with autism. We understand that dental visits can be overwhelming, so we provide the following:

• Quiet, sensory-friendly treatment rooms
• Flexible appointment scheduling to reduce wait times
• Trained staff experienced in working with children with special needs or sensory issues
• Clear communication to ensure your child understands the process in a way that feels comfortable to them

We utilize several techniques to make dental visits more comfortable for children with autism and other special needs:

• Visual schedules: We provide a step-by-step visual guide to help your child understand what will happen during their appointment.
• Positive reinforcement: Praising your child for their cooperation helps build trust and encourage positive behavior.
• Gentle, slow-paced care: We take our time with each procedure, making sure to go at a pace your child is comfortable with.
• Sedation options: For more complex treatments, we offer sedation options like conscious sedation or hospital general anesthesia to ensure the best visit possible.

Yes, children with special needs face a greater risk of developing dental problems compared to their peers. Here are some reasons why:

• Difficult home care: Intellectual disabilities can make it challenging for the child to grasp and maintain proper oral hygiene practices.
• Higher anxiety and stress: Fear of the unknown and higher levels of anxiety in children with special needs often result in fewer dental visits and preventive care.
• Complex medical issues: Medical conditions such as epilepsy are linked to dental issues like bruxism (teeth grinding), which can lead to dental damage.
• Dental accidents: Seizures or impaired motor skills can increase the likelihood of dental trauma.
• More drugs and allergies: Certain medications prescribed to children with special needs may cause dry mouth or gingival inflammation, raising the risk of gum disease.

Given these factors, proactive dental care tailored to the specific needs of children with disabilities is crucial to maintaining their oral health.

Preparation is key to making your child’s dental visit a positive experience. Here are some helpful tips:

• Practice the visit at home: Use books, videos, or role-play to familiarize your child with the dentist and the procedures.
• Communicate with us: Let us know if your child has any specific needs, sensitivities, or preferences so we can tailor the visit accordingly.
• Bring comfort items: Familiar objects, such as a favorite toy or blanket, can help provide comfort and reassurance.

We know it can be stressful for parents to navigate dental care for children with special needs. At Simply Kids Dental, we:

• Offer a supportive, understanding environment for both children and their families.
• Take the time to explain each step of the treatment and address any concerns.
• Provide follow-up care instructions to ensure that your child’s oral health continues to improve after the visit.

Pediatric dentists undergo extensive training in managing children’s dental care, including those with special needs. Dr. Sean Vostatek, trained as a board-certified pediatric dentist, brings a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of children. This experience enables him to adeptly handle various medical temperaments and personalities, building lasting relationships with every child.

Our practice is skilled in the safe administration of sedation and hospital general anesthesia, which can greatly benefit children who have special needs. We also employ comfort techniques such as distraction methods to minimize stress and ensure a positive dental experience for every child. Moreover, we extend an open invitation for family members or friends to assist patients during their appointments.

Our objective is to establish a dental home, characterized by providing specialized care that meets the needs of every child. We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, supportive environment that makes dental visits as stress-free as possible for both kids and parents.