Patients with Special

Healthcare Needs

Your child has special needs. BREATHE!

Regardless of the severity of your child’s needs - your dental team is here to help you keep them healthy.

FIRST - Do your best and know that your child can have a healthy mouth.

SECOND – You are your child’s best advocate!

Tell your dental team your child’s full medical history. Medications, diagnosis, and past surgeries can affect the health of the mouth
When visiting the dentist – ask questions and offer any information about your child that would make the visit more comfortable.
Favorite music, smells, things that startle them – your dental team wants to know it all!

THIRD – Remember, you can do this. In addition to the other care that your child receives, you can create and succeed at a toothbrushing routine.

Community!

We all need to connect with people who have had experiences similar to ours.

Through sports, Special Olympics provides opportunities for inclusive inspiration and connection. Want more information on how to participate – Click here

Many chapters also offer free medical and dental screenings for their athletes! Read more here.

Live in Texas or Louisiana? Learn about the Special Needs Dental Assistant Tech Training Program here.

Find out our Tips for Tears during brushing.

Learn more about the importance of baby teeth.

Quick Q+A

for your special needs child.

Has your child’s therapist ever given them food/candy as motivation?

Does your child use a feeding tube?

Does your child’s drool?

Does your child need oral sensory input?

Does your child need to improve muscle tone/strength?

References

Mouth care when your child has a feeding tube. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/treatment/patient-resources/caregiver-resources/patient-family-education-sheets/feeding-tube-information/mouth-care-when-your-child-has-a-feeding-tube.html. Accessed October 23, 2020.