so how do I find a sympathetic dentist?

[MamanPorcine]

The thread about the Panorama programme has reminded me that I cancelled our recent dental appointment because I was so furious about the last one. Ds2 has some sensory defensiveness so I think he did really well to let the dentist and his assistant poke around in his teeth, and then we were subjected to a talk about food and tooth decay because the dentist had muddled up ds1 and ds2's records and didn't in any case seem to recognise that ds2's severe reflux as a baby would have led to his awful teeth. I was too tired and too focussed on stopping ds3 messing up the room to argue back but I have felt angry about it whenever I remember how unsympathetic and condescending the staff were.

This dental practise is supposed to be good for children, and I had put it down to a bad day (we were his last clients that day I think) but I have since heard that this particular dentist has been like that with other families as well. So I have little inclination to go back and grace them with our custom.

Anyway I have heard some of you mention special needs dentists, how do I find one?? We are in the South East.

I got a referral for the SN dentist via the Community Paediatrician for DS1. Though the letter says it is an assessment appointment so not sure they will definitely keep DS1 on their books as I don't know what the critea is

I had been wondering about this too. Riven's idea sounds very good. I also bought (this is going to sound silly) one of those little Usborne First Experiences books to use as a social story. The one about going on the plane really helped DS understand the whole thing.

Depends where you are in SE, but there is a great one in E.Twickenham/Richmond.

Afaik, there should be a SN dental service everywhere, they're usually hospital-based, and your dentist, hv or gp should be able to refer you, my dd1 was referred to them because of fear or dentists, and they can see my dd2 too because of her sn.

Here they go into the Special schools too for regular checks, and have implemented teeth-brushing in school here.

Hope you find one!

We're in S.E too - Sussex - and went yesterday to the community dentist ' for children that can't be seen by regular dentists sort of thing..' was how it was described to us! Our family dentist that I've seen for years gave up trying to see into dd's mouth and he referred us. They didn't have much success either and she screamed the place down, went completely rigid and wouldn't let the dentist get anywhere near her teeth. I wasn't surprised as we had the same with the optician last week. We've booked to have another go in a few months but mostly she gave us some advice re increasing flouride in her toothpaste and teeth friendly diet. She won't even let me near her to brush her teeth so not very hopeful but sounds like your ds would be ok if he can just about tolerate being examined. They were very nice and sympathetic..
Good luck..

Ask to see the SN dentist x

Half my message disappeared then . typing one handed sorry. Our portage worker referred us but SNHV, HV and GP all offered to do it - pretty much everyone is aware that DS would never cope with a 'normal' dentist.
The dentist we are seeing goes to the Childrens centre, the special schools in the area and specialist unit schools too.

ooh loads of replies thanks very much! Looks like a trip to the GP is in order and I'll see if they will refer us.

After reading Mother of Shrek get as much work done as you can whilst still young!

We also managed to get a referal to a SN dental clinic. Our Paed did it for us.