Finding an 'autism-friendly' dentist
Overview
We understand that many families are finding it difficult to access a dentist at the moment. However, the NHS Choices website can help you in locating NHS dentists in your area. Visit NHS Choices, enter your postcode, and you will see a list of NHS dentists currently accepting new patients.
If you are looking for private dentists, conducting an online search is the best approach. Remember to check the reviews of each dental practice to gain insights into patient opinions and experiences and see if there are any personal recommendations from other parents.
What to look out for
When we spoke to parents, they told us it was important to have an autism-friendly dentist. Here are some key aspects to look for when looking for a suitable dental practice:
Look on their website
You can search a dental practice's website to see whether they mention that they are autism-friendly. Some dentists have a special interest in treating autistic children. A good indicator is if they say they are Autism Accredited or if they display a yellow sunflower. Find out more about Autism Accreditation here.
Look at reviews
You could also look at reviews of the dental practice online to see whether anyone else has had an experience with an autistic child at the practice. Additionally, check your local Facebook groups for shared experiences and recommendations. These groups can also provide information on whether any practices are currently open for new patients.
Speak with the dental team or visit the practice
You could call the dental practice or visit before the appointment to talk about your concerns and your child's preferences. This helps you see if they are willing to meet your child's needs and if the environment feels right.
It's important that the practice is open to working with you as a parent. Good communication with the dental team helps them understand your child's specific needs, preferences, and any possible triggers.
Top Tip
If your child already has a health passport, it would be helpful if you could share this with the dental practice. This would help you identify any reasonable adjustments that your child might need, such as what appointment times might be better. It also allows you an opportunity to suggest expectations
Pre-appointment preparation
Some dental practices might offer you the chance to look around the environment and meet the team before the actual appointment. This can help reduce fear and build trust. They may also provide visual schedules or social stories to help your child understand the steps of a dental visit. You can ask for the following reasonable adjustments or accommodations:
Key messages
Watch again
Jump straight to what parents and early years professionals have said about going to the dentist.
