Proper dental care is even more important for children with special medical, physical or behavioral conditions that require Special Needs Dentistry. A Special Needs Dentist utilizes adaptations to dental care beyond routine protocols.
Here are some of the customized accommodations that Smile Wonders offers to cater to children with Special Needs:
Social Schedule
A Social Schedule is available for children that would benefit from a familiar routine.
Personalized Appointments
Appointments can be scheduled in the same room, same time, same dental assistant at each visit to establish routines and familiarity.
Specialized Equipment
The dental equipment and techniques are also adapted for children with special needs, such as those who cannot stand or sit motionless, creating a more pleasant visit to the dentist. Recommendations for modified brushing routine and tricks, as well as frequency schedule are provided for each child.
Custom Appointment Lengths
Custom Appointment Lengths to reduce risk of anxiety or allow more time for patient to become more comfortable in a dental setting. This allows trust to be built between the clinical team and patient.
Collaboration With Other Providers
Dr. Rishita at Smile Wonders works with area Developmental Pediatricians, Occupational therapists, or Speech Language Pathologists to provide a ‘Visual Social Schedule’, at home ‘Oral stimulatory exercises’ or coordinates appointment with ‘Sensory Diet’ prior to dental appointments. This personalized activity plan gives children the sensory input they need to reduce anxiety, remain attentive, focused and organized throughout their day.
Sedation Dentistry
Children that have mild behavioral and cooperation concerns, we can use Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help with reducing the gag reflex and level of anxiety.
Children that have moderate level of behavioral concerns and extensive dental needs can be evaluated for eligibility to be treated with use of in-office IV sedation under the supervision of our Board Certified Anesthesiologist.
Why Smile Wonders?
Dr. Rishita Jaju has gained a unique perspective into the lives and treatment of children with Special Needs during her time as a Children’s Hospital LEND Fellow (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities). Her experience and passion lies in providing collaborative and comprehensive oral health care for patients with craniofacial anomalies such as Cleft Lip and Palate, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Neural Tube defects, Epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and various other congenital conditions.
Our office is located on the ground floor level with exterior entrance that is wheelchair accessible. We accommodate our appointment lengths and times to best suite our patient’s comfort level.
Smile Wonders
11790 Sunrise Valley Drive | Suite 105 Reston, VA 20191
571-350-3663
