Special Care for Special Needs

One in 44 children have been diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, with approximately 100 newly diagnosed patients daily. Since first identified as a disorder in the United States in the 1940’s, Autism Spectrum is the fastest growing developmental disorder in the United States. Treating patients on the Autism Spectrum in a dental practice presents a multitude of challenges from behavior and cooperation concerns to related health concerns, not to mention the oral considerations associated with medications. As these children on the Autism Spectrum age and integrate into society as young adults many also age out of pediatric dental practices and are seen in general practices. As a practicing hygienist and mother of an Autistic child the speaker has learned methods to ease the anxiety associated with dental appointments for many patients in addition to common oral conditions that may affect individuals with Special Needs.