If you or a loved one has special needs because of a physical limitation, medical condition, developmental concern, or cognitive impairment, you know it can be challenging to find dental care that fits your needs; it's crucial that whomever you choose understands the nature of your unique needs and finds ways to tailor your dental care and accommodate you in every way possible. At Clayton Smiles, we want to help you with oral hygiene by listening to your needs and adjusting our treatment procedures accordingly.
What Types of Special Needs Require Modifications?
In our dental office, we are prepared to help all our patients achieve optimal oral health, regardless of their needs. Patients with special needs may have one or more of the following conditions that may require alterations to their dental treatment plan:
- Physical limitations – These include but are not limited to sensory impairments, broken limbs, or amputated limbs.
- Medical conditions – These include but are not limited to cancer, diabetes, respiratory disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and Parkinson's disease.
- Developmental concerns – These include but are not limited to Down syndrome, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy.
- Cognitive impairments – These include but are not limited to autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and dementia.
What Dental Obstacles Can Special Needs Patients Have?
Today's dentists and healthcare providers are learning to adapt their treatment facilities and treatment plans to fit patients with special needs. It is crucial that professional dental care is available to these patients to help improve both their health and quality of life.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for patients with special needs to face certain obstacles regarding dental care. The biggest obstacle is probably their ability to pay for treatment. Many patients with special needs don't have traditional health insurance; if they do, most insurance companies won't pay for accommodated treatments. Many patients rely on government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare to help pay for dental care, and their coverage is often insufficient for their needs.
Other than the financial barriers faced by patients with special needs, these obstacles can also serve as concerns when it comes to accessing dental care:
- Language barriers
- Cultural barriers
- Transportation concerns
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Psychosocial issues, such as dental anxiety, negative dental experiences, or patients who don't understand the importance of oral health
- Sensory impairment, such as hearing and vision problems
How Can Dental Offices Tailor Care to Individuals With Special Needs?
Your dental team needs to be aware of any concerns or necessary accommodations before seeing a special needs patient in their office. Many dental offices will conduct a patient assessment to gather information so that they can form an effective plan for treatment. Some of the information detailed in the patient assessment includes the following:
- A current and accurate medical history – This information is crucial to treating patients with special needs. With the goal of a positive treatment experience, knowing a patient's complete medical history is key.
- The nature of the patient's special needs or disability
- The patient's level of independence
- The patient's dental history
- The patient's ability to communicate
- The patient's transportation needs
- The patient's preferred appointment times
Once this information is gathered, the dental team can discuss and provide reasonable accommodations for the patient.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Dentist?
If you are looking for a dentist who provides a positive environment for a patient with special needs, there are several factors to consider. You may want to inquire about the following:
- Is the dental office following the guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other local, state, and federal disability laws?
- Has the dental staff been trained to accommodate patients with special needs? Can they transfer patients to the dental chair? Do they use any adaptive devices to help patients keep their mouths open?
- Has the dental staff had experience with revising dental treatment plans for patients with special needs?
- Is the dental staff aware of the oral health problems patients with special needs may encounter?
- Can the dental staff teach the patient, family member, or caregiver proper brushing and flossing techniques to help with oral health?
- Is the dental office willing to allow short visits to help acclimate patients and familiarize them with the environment and dental treatment? Better yet, are they willing to allow a family member to model treatment so the patient can visualize their appointment?
- If necessary, can the dental office adjust the amount of light and sound in the treatment room?
Are You Looking for a "Dentist Near Me" in West Clayton, NC?
If you need a dentist who can provide comprehensive care for every family member, look no further than Clayton Smiles in West Clayton, NC. Dr. Adam Spriggs and his team genuinely love what they do, and they look forward to helping your family achieve their best oral health. If you or a family member have special needs, we are happy to help however we can. Please call our dental office at (919) 553-7695.