Special Needs Dentist Beaverton
Gentle Care for Special Smiles
At Caring Smiles Dental, we are prepared to assist those with physical, developmental, or cognitive conditions in the greater Portland area. Many patients with certain challenges find visits to dental offices to be extremely frustrating or frightening. As a special needs dentist in Beaverton, we create a safe environment to ensure optimal comfort and safety from the moment you or your loved one enters our office to the time you walk out the door. We are willing to customize every dental patient’s experience so that it can be a positive one. You can trust us to always take extra care!
Why Choose Caring Smiles Dental for Special Needs Dentistry?
- Dentist Who Is Highly Trained in Special Needs Dentistry
- Partnered with Specialist Who Provides General Anesthesia
- Compassionate & Patient Care Every Step of the Way
What Kinds of Special Needs Patients Can We Treat?
Our team is attentive to the needs of any child or adult living with disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, deaf-blindness, deafness, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, specific learning disabilities, and brain injuries, among others. At Caring Smiles Dental, our goal is to earn that special someone’s trust and confidence. Making sure our special needs patients feel calm, loved, and well cared for is our priority. Our family dental practice offers the best amenities and accommodations, and we are here to meet you and your loved one’s oral health goals.
What Happens During a Special Needs Dental Visit?
Acclimation to our team and office may require an introductory visit and tour of our clinic. By calling us beforehand, we can arrange a date and time for you and your loved one to visit our dental office in Progress Ridge before you set an appointment for a comprehensive exam. We will prepare our office and staff to provide an inviting introduction and secure atmosphere.
When you arrive, our smiling staff will give you a tour of our modern, orderly, and inviting clinic. (Remember to let us know beforehand if lights should be dimmed and window shades lowered. First impressions and reactions are crucial for sensitivity success.) In our lobby, your loved one will find a storybook nook with a child’s favorite characters and toys. As our guests, you are welcome to enjoy our amenities while you become familiar with our lobby.
When ready, you and your loved one will meet Dr. Brooke Appelhans. Our team will first accompany you to the consultation room to talk about any questions or concerns you may have about your loved one’s care. After questions have been answered, a walk down the hallway to see our operatories and the equipment will ensue. We know that becoming familiar with one’s surroundings and seeing and touching the instruments that will be used to maintain one’s oral health is important. Identifying and interacting with unfamiliar objects in an inviting and organized environment will aid in reassurance of the safety and security of one’s dental visit. Feel free to spend the time you feel is necessary in each area of our clinic to best acclimate you and your family.
Most of all, we understand the need for familiarity and consistency in our practice. By offering the patient the same care, in the same room, with the same dentist, he/she will more readily let go of any walls of apprehension and fear and will be more likely to build a caring and trusting relationship with staff. By establishing a solid professional relationship with our special needs patients, through consistency, trust, gentleness, and most importantly T.L.C., both patients and our dental team will succeed.
Sedation Dentistry Available
Sedation dentistry can be helpful for any patient, but it can be especially valuable for special needs individuals. It can turn a scary experience into an easy one! In addition to offering common forms of sedation, such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation, we also work with a local specialist to provide even more powerful relaxation techniques. They come to our practice once a month to assist with procedures that require general anesthesia.