Protocol For Visiting the Dentist with an Autistic Child

This protocol is designed to familiarize an autistic child with going to the dentist and to make the child more comfortable with the experience. A visit to the dentist can be an overwhelming experience for a child with autism. However, with some effort, a child can learn to tolerate and actually enjoy going to the dentist. This protocol involves repetition and patience on behalf of both the parent(s) and the dentist. Like most types of learning with autistic kids, progress can be made and success is very probable. This protocol assumes that the child has very limited tooth-brushing skills. The following is an example of a series of visits to the dentist and accompanying goals.

1st Visit
Parent and Cutie Pie visit the dentist's office for the first time. The dentist is ALWAYS called DENTIST and not doctor. We do not want to associate an unpleasant experience with a medical doctor with going to the dentist. Mom and child sit in the dentist chair together with the chair in the upright position. Child is in parent's lap. Dentist counts ten teeth and brushes a few.

2nd Visit
Cutie Pie sits in the chair alone in the upright position. Parent is on one side and dentist is face-to-face (not above child.) Dentist counts teeth again and brushes. This time a few more teeth are brushed.

3rd Visit
Cutie Pie is in the chair alone, and the chair is reclined to the extent the child will tolerate it. Dentist puts hand partially in mouth and puts polisher on one tooth to expose the child to this new sensation. Dentist gives polishing attachment to parent to take home so child can get used to this new instrument.

4th Visit
Cutie Pie is in chair alone with the chair reclined even further than prior visit. Dentist is now over the child and attempts to brush and count teeth for an even longer period. This can be done for as long as the child will allow. Dentist turns on tooth polisher without toothpaste, and exposes child to this new sensation of sound touch.

5th Visit
Cutie Pie is in the chair fully reclined and the dentist performs a brief polish with toothpaste. By this time, the child is comfortable with going to the dentist and is used to the experience.

A few additional notes…

This is not medical advice, but merely an example of how an autistic child can adapt to going to the dentist. Any dental plan and procedures should be thoroughly discussed with your medical professional