Who Can Benefit from This Guide?
The three audiences below have profiles that can make at-home dental care and visits to the dentist challenging. Therefore, preparation with a step-by-step approach is important to eventually achieve successful dental care in a clinical setting.
CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES
CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WITH SIGNIFICANT FEAR OF THE DENTIST OR PAST TRAUMA
VERY YOUNG CHILDREN PREPARING FOR THEIR FIRST DENTAL VISIT
** This guide is not only intended for parents, but also for daycare workers, school staff, and all professionals who work with these audiences.
CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES
Children and teenagers with cognitive disabilities face significant challenges with dental care and during dental visits, due to specific aspects of their condition such as:
distince sensitivities
Sensitivity to touch, especially in the oral region
The need to adjust gradually to new stimuli.
LIMITED UNDERSTANDING
Fear of the unknown.
Resistance to new environments, people, and contexts.
Fear of losing control during a dental procedure.
SLOWER LEARNING PROCESS
Need for repetition and sensory habituation.
Difficulty understanding and following instructions, making care and cooperation during dental visits more difficult.
LIMITED ABILITY TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES
Increased frustration and challenging behaviors due to the inability to clearly communicate needs or feelings.
Difficulty to name fear and discomfort which can increase anxiety and stress, leading to behaviors that hinder cooperation during dental care.
emotional management
Potential for reactivity or aggression in response to anxiety.
Risk of significant challenges during dental visits.
CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WITH SIGNIFICANT FEAR OF THE DENTIST OR PAST TRAUMA
A step-by-step desensitization approach may be necessary following a past trauma during a dental visit. The following methods will gradually reduce anxiety induced reactions:
GRADUAL AND CONTROLLED EXPOSURE
Start with minimal, low-stress interactions.
Progressive increase of stimuli, as tolerance builds up.
Tolerance build up
Repeated exposures to acclimate the nervous system.
Progressive reduction of reaction to anxiety-inducing stimuli.
** In the case of trauma or the presence of significant anxiety symptoms or behavioral issues, it is essential to seek help from a specialized professional who can develop a specific program. This program should consider the child's needs, emotional state, and interventions history.
VERY YOUNG CHILDREN PREPARING FOR THEIR FIRST DENTAL VISIT
A positive first experience at the dentist encourages regular follow-ups. To help young children feel comfortable a methodical approach is essential.
GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
Very young children may struggle to grasp new or complex concepts. A gradual introduction to aspects of dental care and dentist visits, helps develop their general knowledge. A better understanding of the visit reduces stress related to uncertainty.
management of emotions
When faced with new experiences, young children may have strong emotional reactions. Gradual exposure to the different stages of a dental visit helps familiarize them with the process and reduces fear or stress reactions.
confidence building
Each successfully completed step helps build the child's confidence. Activities at home, such as role-playing where the child can act as the dentist or patient, help normalize the experience and reinforce emotional security.
Core principles
SETTING THE STAGE: THE WINNING INGREDIENTS!
Now, explore the core principles and key elements of a step-by-step approach that supports the principles of acclimatization to dental care.