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 dentists see elderly patients, they and their staff have to be sensitive to issues specific to age. Some seniors don't hear as well as they used to, which can make understanding directions difficult. Instead of raising their voices, the staff should lower the background music that permeates most dental offices. Seniors can be more sensitive to bright lights than younger patients. One way to combat that is to close drapes or blinds.
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.
Sometimes individuals with mental illnesses are unable to sit calmly in an examining room chair for extended periods of time. When dentists have patients with this issue, it is best to plan shorter and more frequent examinations. If a lengthy procedure is required, sedating this type of patient may be the only practical option. The medications some with mental disabilities take can lead to dental problems.
Dentists who see children with behavioral problems must be ready for anything. They also have to exhibit a lot of patience. Autistic children, for example, are extremely sensitive to change. They don't like it and can become extremely uncomfortable in strange surroundings. It may be important for them to see the same technician on each visit and have their examination in the same room every time.
When caregivers are choosing dentists for their loved ones, they have to ensure that everyone in the office is sensitive to the special needs of that person. The staff must take the time to make him feel comfortable and secure. This might entail extra assistants in the examination room and extended appointment times. Discussing the patient's needs with the caregiver in advance will help the dentist provide the best possible care for that individual.
It is not the job of dentists and their staff to be experts on aging or mental and physical illness. They do need to know something about the history and difficulties of the special patients they see. If they are conducting procedures that require sedation or medication, they have to know how these drugs interact with other medications the patients are taking.
All patients are individuals no matter whether they have physical or mental challenges or not. Treating each one with respect and thoughtfulness is very important. The best dental offices know each patient's individual situation and adjust their treatments accordingly.
When dentists see elderly patients, they and their staff have to be sensitive to issues specific to age. Some seniors don't hear as well as they used to, which can make understanding directions difficult. Instead of raising their voices, the staff should lower the background music that permeates most dental offices. Seniors can be more sensitive to bright lights than younger patients. One way to combat that is to close drapes or blinds.
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.
Sometimes individuals with mental illnesses are unable to sit calmly in an examining room chair for extended periods of time. When dentists have patients with this issue, it is best to plan shorter and more frequent examinations. If a lengthy procedure is required, sedating this type of patient may be the only practical option. The medications some with mental disabilities take can lead to dental problems.
Dentists who see children with behavioral problems must be ready for anything. They also have to exhibit a lot of patience. Autistic children, for example, are extremely sensitive to change. They don't like it and can become extremely uncomfortable in strange surroundings. It may be important for them to see the same technician on each visit and have their examination in the same room every time.
When caregivers are choosing dentists for their loved ones, they have to ensure that everyone in the office is sensitive to the special needs of that person. The staff must take the time to make him feel comfortable and secure. This might entail extra assistants in the examination room and extended appointment times. Discussing the patient's needs with the caregiver in advance will help the dentist provide the best possible care for that individual.
It is not the job of dentists and their staff to be experts on aging or mental and physical illness. They do need to know something about the history and difficulties of the special patients they see. If they are conducting procedures that require sedation or medication, they have to know how these drugs interact with other medications the patients are taking.
All patients are individuals no matter whether they have physical or mental challenges or not. Treating each one with respect and thoughtfulness is very important. The best dental offices know each patient's individual situation and adjust their treatments accordingly.
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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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