April is Autism Awareness Month, and while we celebrate progress made in understanding this complex condition, families and individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continue to face challenges in accessing quality dental care.
The unique needs of patients with ASD can make dental procedures difficult and anxiety-inducing, but with specialized training and accommodations, dental professionals can provide the care these individuals need and deserve.
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social interaction and behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 36 children in the U.S. have ASD, with the incidence of diagnosis on the rise.
Globally, many countries report similar trends, with varying rates of prevalence.
For individuals with ASD, dental care can be particularly challenging.
Sensory sensitivities and aversions, difficulty communicating needs and anxiety or fear related to unfamiliar settings can make dental procedures overwhelming.
As a result, dental professionals are recognizing the need for specialized training and accommodations to better serve patients with ASD.
Dental professionals can address the unique challenges of dental care for individuals with ASD by offering sensory-friendly equipment and environments.
This can include noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets or dim lighting to help patients feel more comfortable during appointments. Social stories or visual aids can also be used to help patients understand the dental procedures they will undergo.
In addition to these accommodations, sedation and general anesthesia can also be used to alleviate anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. This can make it easier for patients with ASD to receive necessary dental care, especially for more complex procedures, or for patients who are unable to cooperate with dental procedures due to their ASD.
Despite these options, many families and patients with ASD continue to face barriers to accessing dental care. Some may struggle to find dentists who are knowledgeable and experienced in working with patients with ASD, while others may face financial or insurance-related barriers to receiving necessary dental treatments.
During Autism Awareness Month, it is important to recognize the challenges faced by families and individuals with ASD seeking dental care. By providing specialized training, accommodations and options such as sedation and general anesthesia, dental professionals can help ensure that individuals with ASD receive the dental care they need and deserve.
By working together to address these barriers, we can make dental care more accessible and inclusive for individuals with ASD. Here are five area dentists who are experienced treating patients with ASD and who are accepting new patients:
- Dr. Jayni Bradley, Athens Area Pediatric Dentistry
- Dr. John T. Hansford Jr., Greenpoint Pediatric Dentistry
- Dr. Michelle Harmon and associates, Athens Dentistry for Children
- Dr. Sam Kwon and associates, Kwon Pediatric Dentistry
- Dr. Merissa Nelms, Hilsman Health Center
Other dentists may be experienced with caring for patients with ASD. Contact any office you would like to inquire about the services they offer.
John Hansford Jr. is a double board certified pediatric dentist and dental anesthesiologist. He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 2010. He practices in Athens and Watkinsville.