If you are a parent or caregiver of a child, teen, or adult who has special needs, you face a lot of challenges everyday. In additional to the extra care these individuals require, they also have the normal needs of those without their disabilities. Dental care is one of those. Individuals who have mental and physical disabilities present specific challenges for a special needs dentist CA patients have grown to trust.
When elderly patients come into the dental office, the staff should already know the particular issues facing this individual. Hearing can be an issue for seniors. If this is the case, simply turning off background music can make a big difference. Sensitivity to light is also a consideration for some older patients, and closing blinds to reduce glare will make the patient more comfortable and relaxed.
People of all ages with mental disabilities can have trouble understanding instructions given by the hygienists cleaning their teeth. It is sometimes necessary for the caregiver to sit in the exam room with the individual to explain what is required. Depending on the individual, extra time should be scheduled so the patient won't feel rushed or threatened. It is also important that they feel safe.
Most dentists find that those suffering from mental illness are better served when exams are kept as short as possible. If the patient requires a complicated procedure, sedating him is often the best option. It can be difficult for people with certain mental conditions to maintain a consistent oral health regimen because medications they take often leave their mouths dry and uncomfortable.
Children with behavioral problems can be especially challenging for dental offices. The technicians who see them have to maintain a high degree of patience and calm authority. When autistic children come to the office, they can get confused and agitated unless they see the same hygienist, wearing clothes they recognize, in the same exam room every time.
Even people without unique challenges have anxiety during a visit to the dental office. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities have to be especially aware of the kind of treatment their loved ones will receive during a dental examination. They need to know if extra assistants are available to help. They want dentists who are sensitive to the amount of time a special patient is able to sit in a chair and will adjust appointment schedules accordingly.
Dentists and their staff must be familiar with every patient who has issues with age or disabilities and structure the visits around their needs. They also have to have some understanding of the nature of an individual patient's disease and any particular challenges that might arise between medications they are taking and oral health.
Each patient is an individual no matter what their situation. Caregivers should choose dentists who are sensitive to the challenges special individuals present. Treating each patient with equal respect and attentiveness is of utmost importance.
When elderly patients come into the dental office, the staff should already know the particular issues facing this individual. Hearing can be an issue for seniors. If this is the case, simply turning off background music can make a big difference. Sensitivity to light is also a consideration for some older patients, and closing blinds to reduce glare will make the patient more comfortable and relaxed.
People of all ages with mental disabilities can have trouble understanding instructions given by the hygienists cleaning their teeth. It is sometimes necessary for the caregiver to sit in the exam room with the individual to explain what is required. Depending on the individual, extra time should be scheduled so the patient won't feel rushed or threatened. It is also important that they feel safe.
Most dentists find that those suffering from mental illness are better served when exams are kept as short as possible. If the patient requires a complicated procedure, sedating him is often the best option. It can be difficult for people with certain mental conditions to maintain a consistent oral health regimen because medications they take often leave their mouths dry and uncomfortable.
Children with behavioral problems can be especially challenging for dental offices. The technicians who see them have to maintain a high degree of patience and calm authority. When autistic children come to the office, they can get confused and agitated unless they see the same hygienist, wearing clothes they recognize, in the same exam room every time.
Even people without unique challenges have anxiety during a visit to the dental office. Caregivers of individuals with disabilities have to be especially aware of the kind of treatment their loved ones will receive during a dental examination. They need to know if extra assistants are available to help. They want dentists who are sensitive to the amount of time a special patient is able to sit in a chair and will adjust appointment schedules accordingly.
Dentists and their staff must be familiar with every patient who has issues with age or disabilities and structure the visits around their needs. They also have to have some understanding of the nature of an individual patient's disease and any particular challenges that might arise between medications they are taking and oral health.
Each patient is an individual no matter what their situation. Caregivers should choose dentists who are sensitive to the challenges special individuals present. Treating each patient with equal respect and attentiveness is of utmost importance.
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You can get great tips for picking a dental practitioner and more information about an experienced special needs dentist CA area at http://www.drjustinshuffer.com now.
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