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Special Needs Dentist in Manhattan, NYC

Suppose someone in your family has special needs – whether developmental disabilities, physical limitations, or behavioral and emotional needs, our caring team at Park Smiles NYC offers a calming atmosphere with the latest tools in technology to provide a safe and stress-free experience. Our skilled team at Park Smiles NYC understands the concerns of patients with special needs and is here to provide superior dental care and peace of mind for all families.

Dental Treatment for Children and Adults with Special Needs

What about dental treatment for adults and the elderly with special needs?

Our experienced team is well-prepared to treat anyone of any age with special needs, including children, adults, and infants, with conditions such as:

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety

  • Autism spectrum disorders

  • Other emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues

  • A hearing or vision impairment

  • A mobility problem that may require a walker or wheelchair

  • Other physical limitations or medical complications

  • Medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, respiratory disease, Parkinson’s disease, MS, Down Syndrome, epilepsy, autism, dementia, and more

Based on the needs of each patient, we’ll make any required adjustments to treatment planning for their safety and well-being, including communication and coordination with family members, caregivers, and their physician(s) if need be. Our dedicated dental office creates a welcoming environment where every patient feels comfortable during their dental visits.

How Safe is Sedation Dentistry for Someone with Special Needs?

Under the close supervision and guidance of the patient’s dentist, physician, and anesthesiologist, his or her comfort and safety — and your peace of mind — are our top priorities. Before administering any form of sedation, we carefully assess the unique needs of the patient and thoroughly discuss the options, including oral sedation, IV dental sedation, or nitrous oxide. You can rest assured that our experienced anesthesiologist and dentist will work together to maximize the safety and comfort of the patient.

For your added convenience and peace of mind, we have a state-of-the-art operating room in our office, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF.org) – just like any accredited hospital or outpatient surgery center. In addition, we have an anesthesia machine to perform General Anesthesia when required for dental procedures.

Our skilled team – including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, anesthesiologists and oral surgeons – works in the same office, so there’s no need to be referred elsewhere if the patient needs a specialist. All procedures are done in the convenience and comfort of our state-of-the-art operating room in the heart of Manhattan, New York City.

special need dentistry

What Qualities Should You Look for in a Special Needs Dentist?

As of 2019, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) now requires all dental programs to include education and specialized training on working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While this specialized training is now standard practice for dentists, dental hygienists, and orthodontists, dental professionals can choose to receive additional training in special needs populations.

Education and Specialized Certifications

New York requires all dentists to complete 60 hours of continuing education every three years. This allows dental professionals to stay up to date on the latest advancements in the dental field and seek additional certifications to meet the needs of a diverse population. One avenue that a dentist can take during their continuing education is building the skills necessary to work with special needs patients.

It is important to understand that no two patients are the same, and special needs don’t just mean intellectual or developmental disabilities. These patients might also have physical limitations or extreme anxiety. An experienced and well-educated dentist will understand the diversity in the special needs population and how they can adapt to help create a positive experience for each unique patient.

Communication and Adaptability

Two of the most essential traits a dentist can have when working with special needs patients are their ability to communicate with care and compassion, and their ability to adapt to meet the needs of their patients. Some ways in which your dentist can adapt to meet your special needs might include:

  • Providing clear communication before and during each step of the dental appointment

  • Allowing extended time to get comfortable in the new space and taking pauses during the procedure when needed

  • Using visual aids and allowing the patient to explore the tools being used

  • Offering flexible seating options and positive reinforcement

  • Providing a calm and patient demeanor

  • Creating an inviting space by reducing stimulation

  • Communicating with caregivers to understand any specific needs of the patient

The dentist can be scary for anyone, especially those with special needs. It is essential that you find a dentist who tailors their treatment plans to each individual patient and takes the extra steps to ensure you have a positive experience regardless of your condition or disability.

Welcoming Environment

While the skills and temperament of your dentist are a priority when seeking dental care for you or your special needs family member, the office environment can also be crucial in creating a positive experience. Some patients with special needs can get overstimulated or require additional time to get comfortable in a new space. You should look for a dental office that provides opportunities to reduce stimulation by creating a calm and relaxing environment.

Some techniques that might be used to achieve this include:

  • Quiet rooms

  • Noise-canceling headphones

  • Light dimmers

  • Advanced technology

  • Flexible seating

  • Wheelchair accessible rooms

  • Sedation options

  • Knowledgeable staff trained in special needs patients

Park Smiles NYC understands the unique needs of our diverse patient population and strives to create a welcoming environment where every patient’s comfort and care come first.

Supporting Good Oral Health for Children with Special Needs

Establishing routine dental visits early helps children with special needs develop positive associations with dental care. Our pediatric dentistry team works closely with parents and caregivers to ensure each child’s first visit is comfortable and stress-free. Regular dental exams help prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health throughout their life.

For children with special health care needs, we offer flexible scheduling and extended appointment times to accommodate their unique needs. Our dental environment is designed to minimize anxiety and create a positive experience for kids of all abilities.

Financial Support for Children with Special Needs

We are a proud dentistry partner of the Grottoes of North American Humanitarian Foundation, a non-profit charity that brings affordable dental care to children with special needs. The program helps cover the cost of dental care and anesthesia, whether done in a hospital setting or a dental office. The Foundation’s Children with Special Needs Program is designed for children under the age of 18 who have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Muscular Dystrophy and related neuromuscular disorders

  • Intellectual disabilities, including Down Syndrome

  • Organ Transplant recipients (before or after surgery)

 

PARK SMILES NYC

Creating world-class smiles with a universal approach to empathetic dental care

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Expertly Reviewed by

the Medical Staff at Park Smiles

June 18, 2024

Our skilled team at Park Smiles NYC, led by Dr. Aryeh Mahana, is highly skilled and dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental services in New York City. We use our extensive expertise in crafting the highest level of quality care.

Schedule an Appointment with a Highly-Qualified Cosmetic Dentist in Carnegie Hill at Park Smiles NYC

 

If you are ready to enhance your smile and achieve a beautiful smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey. Schedule your visit today to experience compassionate dental care in Manhattan, NY.

Schedule an Appointment with a Highly-Qualified Cosmetic Dentist in Carnegie Hill at Park Smiles NYC

If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.

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