inclusive
dentistry
At First Impressions, we value and celebrate the unique differences of our patient populations by being the dentist for kids with special needs.
specialized training
In pediatric growth and developmental psychology.
advanced education
With completion of an additional residency for focused learning.
pediatric specialists
Every child benefits from bespoke approaches to dentistry.
our approach
We believe that by providing unparalleled dental health care services to all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, we are better able to represent and support our communities. We are the dentist for kids with special needs.
As part of our integral service offerings, as a dentist for autistic kids, all First Impressions staff has received advanced education and training in order to provide excellent primary and comprehensive preventative oral health care to children with special health care needs (SHCN). In agreement with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, health care for these individuals typically requires specialized knowledge, increased awareness and attention, adaptation and accommodative measures beyond what is considered routine.
At First Impressions, you can rest assured that your child – regardless of need or specialized attention – will be well taken care of by our specialized staff…your dentist for autistic kids.
special health care needs
...From dentist for kids with special needs
Special health care needs can be defined as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. The condition may be congenital, developmental, or acquired through disease, trauma, or environmental cause and may impose limitations in performing daily self-maintenance activities or substantial limitations in a major life activity.”
As a dentist for autistic kids, the difference starts immediately.
From our very first conversation together when we schedule your appointment, we use this is an opportunity for our staff to connect with the family and fully understand the child's unique needs, taking note of any specific accommodations including the potential for an increased length in appointment time. To better assist our team in preparation of the appointment, care providers should discuss with our staff any additional health care information relevant to the patient; this includes but is not limited to a summary of the patient's medical history, any recent hospitalizations, prescriptions or allergies, care restrictions as applicable, and a list of the patient's other healthcare providers.
Our doctors review this information well in advance of the visit and design the best care approach accordingly. During the visit, our staff is prepared to modify our approach at any given time based on the needs of the patient. We understand that each visit may be different from the last, and therefore we remain flexible to adapt to the needs of the patient in that specific instance.
All patient notes - which outline unique care needs and best approach methods - are securely documented with our staff so that subsequent visits are equally efficient and enjoyable for your child. At the end of our visit, we provide a detailed summary to both the patient and his/her caregiver, outlining any specific treatment recommendations and any significant findings as applicable.
By continuing care with our First Impressions team (a dentist for autistic kids), you allow us to develop a strong understanding and familiarity of the patient's medical history and preference for effective treatment procedures, which in turn allows us to provide you with the best possible care.
FAQ's
how prevalent are special health care needs in our communities?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 37.9 million Americans have a disability; the proportion of children in the U.S. with special health care needs is estimated to be 18% or approximately 12.5 million (Source: AAPD).
why is it so important for families with special health care needs to find a dentist they can trust?
Generally speaking, patients with special health care needs, such as requiring a dentist for autistic kids, often times have a greater level of anxiety about dental care than those without a disability, which often times will lead to adverse impacts on the frequency of dental visits and, subsequently, their oral health. It is shown that patients with special health care needs who find a 'dental home' are more likely to receive appropriate preventative and routine care, reducing the child's risk of preventable dental/oral disease (Source: AAPD).
It is our goal to help ease any anxieties before, during and after your child's visit so that this is not the case for you and your family. We take many measures when addressing and easing these potential anxieties - the physical design of our office, the friendly approach of our staff, and the way we interact with and educate our patients throughout the dental visit - so that you and your child may both have a full understanding of expectations and outcomes with each visit.
