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Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Special Needs Dentist Near Hurst, TX

 

Does My Child Have Special Health Care Needs?

The definition of a special health care need may be broader than you think. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines a special health care need as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs.” Children with such special needs often have unique concerns when it comes to their oral health, and specialized knowledge is needed to provide them with proper dental care.

Are Children with Special Needs More Likely to Suffer from Oral Diseases?

Research suggests that children with special health care needs may have a higher risk of developing oral diseases and/or suffering from oral trauma than other children. Intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities and other special health care needs can increase the risk of dental disease and trauma in children for a variety of reasons, including the following:

  • An intellectual disability may make it difficult for a child to understand how to practice proper oral hygiene or the importance of doing so.
  • A physical disability may make it difficult or impossible for a child to implement proper oral hygiene practices without assistance.
  • A child with special health care needs may experience greater levels of dental anxiety than other children, leading the child to visit the dentist less frequently.
  • Seizures or impaired motor skills may increase a child’s risk of oral trauma.
  • Certain medical conditions can affect the development of the teeth and jaws.
  • Certain medical conditions, such as epilepsy, ADHD and sleep apnea, can be associated with teeth grinding (bruxism), which can wear down and damage a child’s teeth.
  • Medical conditions and treatments that suppress the immune system, such as HIV and cancer therapies, can increase the risk of oral fungal infections like oral candidiasis.
  • Some medical conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and diabetes, can cause dry mouth. Saliva is your child’s natural tooth-cleaning agent – it washes away food particles and helps your child’s teeth to regain minerals and reverse damage caused by cariogenic (cavity-causing) bacteria. As a result, decreased saliva production increases your child’s risk of developing cavities and other oral diseases.
  • A child with special health care needs may need to take a medication that causes dry mouth.
  • A child’s special health care need may require frequent and/or expensive medical appointments. When time and financial resources are limited, other health concerns may be prioritized over dental care.

Why Special Needs Children Should See A Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists are dental specialists who receive extensive training in areas such as special needs dentistry, child psychology, child pharmacology, and pediatric sedation dentistry and behavior management. As a dentist for special needs child patients, they know how to explain procedures using developmentally-appropriate language, strategies for managing dental anxiety, and how to properly coordinate care with patients’ pediatricians and other care providers.

Pediatric Dentistry for Special Needs Patients in Hurst, TX

Dr. Lin is a board-certified pediatric dentist for special needs children, with extensive experience treating children with special health care needs. He completed his pediatric dental specialty training at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine/Boston Children’s Hospital, where he worked with children with a wide variety of special health care needs, including children with Down syndrome, cancer, and rare syndromes. He now serves patients from Hurst and the surrounding areas, including Euless, Bedford, Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, North Richland Hills, Arlington and Irving. Call our office today at (817) 587-0495 to speak with our staff or request an appointment for your child online.

Aaron AstonAaron Aston
22:02 09 May 24
Love this dentist for kids! They are very calm and patient with little ones, and take the time to discuss with parents any concerns or suggestions.
Friendly staff. Dr Lin is awesome and great with my kiddo! Highly recommend !
Lindsey ManleyLindsey Manley
01:16 07 May 24
Dr.Lin and his staff are so quick and effective with my toddlers dentist appointment. Makes everyone feel comfortable, and never scary. The office is very kid friendly and I am glad we found them!!
TylerGabbieKylohTylerGabbieKyloh
19:37 06 May 24
Excellent team! Our kids were always taken care of! Dr. Jin is the best!
Emily ProctorEmily Proctor
15:56 06 May 24
The best dentist we have ever been to! My son is actually excited to come here. Highly recommend to anyone with nervous children. Doc goes above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable!
Jordan BettingerJordan Bettinger
18:20 30 Apr 24
Dr. Lin is a godsend. He's incredible with kids and so good at calming them as they face "the chair". So kind, so patient...he even sings to them! The hygienists and office staff are very friendly and fantastic with children as well. Can't imagine a more ideal place for young ones to get their teeth (and their hearts!) cared for.
Laura WoodsideLaura Woodside
14:36 30 Apr 24
Today was our 4th visit to Hurst Pediatric Dentistry and my almost 5 year old daughter left saying “Mom I had so much fun at the dentist!!” I am continually blown away by the care, kindness and expertise from Dr. Lin and the whole office staff. Truly a unique pediatric dentist office and I could not recommend them more!!!!!
Lobat JamshidnejadLobat Jamshidnejad
15:07 28 Feb 24
I recently had the pleasure of taking my 3 years old baby to Hurst Pediatric Dentistry, and I couldn't be more impressed with the level of care and professionalism we received. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming. Once inside, Dr. Lin and his assistant, Ashley, were fantastic with my baby. They were patient, gentle, and made sure my child felt comfortable throughout the entire appointment. I highly recommend Hurst Pediatric Dentistry to any parent looking for a dentist who truly cares about their little patients.
Alexandria TaylorAlexandria Taylor
01:43 06 Feb 24
I don’t have enough adjectives to describe how amazing this place is! As an adult who has past dental trauma, I prayed for a better experience for my daughter and I found it here. Dr. Lin was patient and easy-going with my daughter who can be quite stubborn. He made both of us so at ease and was so thorough. The entire experience from walking in to walking out was amazing. Kudos to the entire team and doctor. Can’t wait for her next appointment!
Krystal EaglesonKrystal Eagleson
16:28 29 Jan 24
Dr. Lin and staff are the best!My daughter had to have 4 baby teeth removed. They went above and beyond making her feel comfortable. My daughter couldn't even feel them being extracted. Everyone is so patient and nice! The best pediatric dentist ever! They have cool prizes for the end of the visit and movies to help kids stay occupied during the cleaning.We've been coming here for over 2 years. They always get us seated right away and are fast and efficient. Definitely recommend!
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