Preparing a Child with Special Healthcare Needs for the Dentist

Start with a conversation

The most useful thing you can do happens before the appointment: tell us about your child. Communication preferences, sensory sensitivities, routines that help, things that don't — the more we know when you book, the better we can plan the time, pace, and environment of the visit.

Dr. Chery trained in special needs dentistry at Nicklaus Children's Hospital and served as an Associate Professor of Pediatric Dentistry and Special Needs; individualized planning isn't an accommodation here — it's the default.

Preparation ideas that help many families

Every child is different, but these strategies help many families before a visit:

• Preview the visit with photos, social stories, or pretend play — counting teeth in a mirror at home builds familiarity.
• Practice small steps: opening wide, having a toothbrush touch back teeth, sitting back in a recliner.
• Schedule for your child's best time of day, and allow unhurried travel time.
• Bring comfort items — headphones, a favorite toy, sunglasses for bright lights.
• Keep your own language calm and matter-of-fact; children read our cues.

During and after the visit

We use gradual introductions and clear, concrete communication, and we go at your child's pace — a first visit that builds trust is a success even if we don't accomplish everything on the checklist. When treatment needs are bigger than a standard visit can handle comfortably, options like sedation or hospital-based care may be considered when clinically appropriate.