Finding a dentist
Overview
Taking your child to the dentist can be a stressful experience. Below, you’ll find advice from other parents and professionals, plus tips on finding an 'autism-friendly' dentist and understanding the dental system.
Firstly, we would recommend reading this webpage from the National Autistic Society as it provides guidance for parents on managing dental visits. It includes:
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Tips on preparing your child for the visit
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Information on what to expect at the dentist
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Advice on reducing stress during the visit
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Guidance on how to communicate your child's needs to the dental team
You may also find this guide from the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry helpful. It includes:
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Advice on toothbrushing, diet, and recognising signs of dental problems like toothache
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Tips on choosing a dental team and preparing for your child’s first check-up
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Guidance on what to expect if treatment is needed, and how to support your child through it
We will explore additional areas to further support families, such as tips on locating autism-friendly dentists and understanding the dental system/ referral pathway. Other pages will explore what you can do before, during and after the dental visit to support your child.
