Dentist

[lollipoprainbow]

My dd10 has a morbid fear of the dentist and clams up, cries and shakes when she has to go. I'm inclined not to make her go but know this is utterly wrong. We don't have any dentists around who deal with sen children. I don't know what to do? Any suggestions ?

Ask for a referral to the special care community dental service, there will be one. They specialise in those with additional needs.

I know it's difficult but I feel you do need to persevere. What happens if she needs a filling or gets toothache?
My DS (ASD) had a morbid fear of the dentist. It was so bad we were asked to leave the waiting room as he would scream the place down.
We were referred to the special care dental team and they've been amazing with him.

They sent a dental nurse round to our house for a couple of visits first so when he went to the actual surgery, he had a 'familiar face' he recognised. The first few times he went they didn't even try and get him in the chair. They just chatted with him. Then they moved on to sitting in the chair to count his teeth. Then the next visit he would open his mouth etc.

They ensured it was the same dentist every time. The rooms are also much bigger (as they're set up for people who may have physical difficulties too) so I think that helps. They also space out their appointments so you're not waiting in a room full of people and we never have to wait more than 5 mins to get seen.

They're also very understanding with regards to treatments. They will discuss with you what absolutely needs doing ie what your DC will tolerate, and what they're prepared to not bother with.

I was so glad that we did this as my DS then had an accident which meant he needed his teeth X rayed. I dread to think what would have happened otherwise.

toomanyminifigs we have had good experiences with the special care dental team for DS1&3, DS1 is yet to sit in the chair at all and they don’t bat an eyelid.

Most children have a great fear of dentists. And I understand them perfectly. I, for my part, went through the same fear when I was little. This fear was created by a dentist who did not do his job carefully. When I went to see him, I would leave his dentist's office crying every time. Every procedure hurt me a lot. Then I understood that the dentist was to blame. Now I only go to private clinics, both my daughter and me. I would not have wanted my daughter to have the same fear of dentists as I had in childhood. That's why we always go to Healthy Smile Dental Center and are very satisfied.