Special Healthcare Needs
Dr Maria Kalkani specialises in treating children and adolescents with special needs and provides personalised dental care that accommodates the unique challenges these children may face. She is trained to manage a wide range of physical, developmental, behavioural, or emotional conditions that can make routine dental visits more complex.
Dentistry for Children with Special Healthcare Needs
Children with special healthcare needs may include those with behavioural (e.g., anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder- ADHD, autism spectrum disorder), congenital (e.g., trisomy 21, congenital heart disease), developmental (e.g., cerebral palsy) or cognitive (e.g., intellectual disability) disorders, and systemic diseases (e.g., childhood cancer, sickle cell disease).
Dental care for children and adolescents with special needs requires specialised knowledge, as well as increased awareness and attention, adaptation, and accommodative measures beyond what is considered routine care in a general dental practice setting.
To reduce the risk of developing oral or dental disease, we aim at creating an appropriate environment conducive for the child to receive care, providing comprehensive oral health education and anticipatory guidance to the child and parents or caregivers, and providing preventive and therapeutic services including behaviour guidance and a multidisciplinary approach when needed.
What Makes Paediatric Dentistry for Special Needs Different?
Customised Care Plans:
Paediatric dentists for children with special healthcare needs develop individualised treatment plans that consider the child’s medical history, cognitive and physical abilities, and emotional needs.
They might suggest shorter or more frequent visits, gradual exposure to the dental environment, or a combination of in-clinic and at-home care strategies.
Specialised Tools and Equipment:
Clinics are typically equipped with modified dental chairs, mouth props, or other tools to accommodate children with mobility issues or sensitivities.
For children who struggle with sensory issues, dentists may use quieter tools, weighted blankets, or dimmed lights to make the environment more comfortable.
Desensitisation Techniques:
Dentists use various techniques to help children become more comfortable with dental care, such as introducing them gradually to the dental setting and tools, or allowing them to explore the clinic before treatment to reduce fear and anxiety.
Use of Sedation or General Anaesthesia:
In some cases, if a child is unable to tolerate a procedure due to severe anxiety, behaviour challenges, or medical conditions, the dentist may recommend sedation dentistry or general anaesthesia.
This allows the dentist to perform dental work while the child is relaxed or asleep, ensuring their comfort and safety.
Collaboration with Other Care Providers:
Paediatric dentists often work closely with a child’s other healthcare providers (such as paediatricians, therapists, or specialists) to ensure dental care is part of the child’s overall healthcare plan.
The dentist may also work with parents and caregivers to develop an at-home oral hygiene routine tailored to the child’s abilities and needs.
Preparing for the Dental Visit.
Discuss in Advance: Let the paediatric dental clinic know about your child’s specific needs before the visit. This helps the dentist and staff prepare for accommodations.
Bring Comfort Items: Bring familiar objects, such as a favourite toy or blanket, to help your child feel more at ease during the appointment.
Practise at Home: Before the appointment, practise sitting in a chair, opening their mouth, or using a toothbrush to help your child get used to the dental experience.
What Parents of Our Patients Think
We had a fantastic experience with Dr Kalkani, both the routine care and complex procedures that my child with Autism needed. Highly professional, kind and caring.
— Mrs D.