Preparing Your Child for a Trip to the Dentist

1. Find a good, and preferably a recommended pediatric dentist in your area.
2. Meet with the dentist first to explain your child’s individual needs.
3. Ask the dentist to tell you step-by-step what will be involved in your child’s visit.  Make a list of each part of the visit to share with your child.
4. Take photographs of the dentist, receptionist, the chair, the x-ray machine, the toothbrush, and any other items that the dentist may use.
5. Make a picture schedule for your child.  (Autism Consulting and Training, Inc. creates custom designed visual schedules.  Email info@AutismConsultingandTraining.com for more information.)  Remember to  put a picture at the end of the schedule showing where he is going next.  You don’t want your child to think that he has to stay at the dentist forever!
6. Create a short social story book about going to the dentist. You can use the same pictures as on the picture schedule for this.
7. Use an electric toothbrush at home to help your child get used to the sound of the equipment the dentist will use.
8. Take your child to the dentist’s office at least once during the week before his scheduled dental check-up and cleaning.  Have him sit in the chair and experience all the sounds that come with a visit to the dentist’s office.  Remember,  there are many new sights, sounds, and smells that your child may never have experienced if this is his first visit.  For a child with sensory issues, the dentist’s office can be overwhelming.  Be patient and considerate of your child’s sensory needs.
9. If your child enjoys music, let him bring his MP3 player with him, or allow your child to bring his favorite toy.  If he likes to fidget, bring a toy that will keep his hands busy.
10. If loud sounds overwhelm your child,  allow him to wear earplugs or noise-dampening earmuffs.
11. If the bright office lights bother him,  try letting your child wear sunglasses inside.
12. For more information about going to the dentist, check out this video from Autism Speaks™:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/dental-tool-kit

Going to the dentist can be scary for any child, but especially for a child with Autism.  Preparation is the key for a successful trip to the dentist. Taking some extra steps to prepare your child for the visit will help to eliminate a lot of anxiety and stress for both you and your child.

For more tools and techniques to help your child, be sure to check out our Autism Parent Tool Kit™ DVD Home Study Program.  Click here for more information.

Editor: Ymkje Wideman