At Epic Dentistry for Kids in Aurora, we believe that every child deserves personalized, compassionate dental care, especially those with special needs. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Patterson, is committed to providing care that respects each child’s unique circumstances, ensuring they feel safe, understood, and well taken care of. We understand that children with physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities may need extra attention during dental visits, which is why we go above and beyond to create customized treatment plans that meet their specific needs.
Building Trust with Compassionate Care
Establishing a strong, trusting relationship with our patients is one of the cornerstones of our approach at Epic Dentistry for Kids. For children with special needs, this trust is even more essential. Many children with special healthcare needs, whether they have autism, physical disabilities, or behavioral disorders, may have heightened anxiety or sensory sensitivities. At Epic Dentistry for Kids, we take the time to ensure that every child feels comfortable and understood during their visits. Our goal is to build a relationship that allows your child to feel confident in their dental care provider, making each appointment smoother and more positive.
Dr. Patterson, our pediatric dentist, is deeply committed to providing the best dental care for children with special needs. After completing a general practice residency and specializing in pediatric dentistry at NYU-Lutheran Medical, Dr. Patterson gained expertise in working with children who have disabilities. His training in communication techniques and behavior management allows him to offer individualized, effective care tailored to each child’s needs.
Who We Treat: Tailored Care for Every Child
At Epic Dentistry for Kids, we treat children of all ages and abilities, from infants to teenagers. Our team is specially trained and equipped to work with children who have a variety of physical, mental, and behavioral challenges. These challenges can include autism, developmental disabilities, and physical or mental health conditions, all of which may require different approaches when it comes to dental care. We are proud to serve:
- Infants (younger than 1 year)
- Toddlers (1 – 3 years old)
- Children (4 – 12 years old)
- Teenagers (13 – 18 years old)
- Kids with Special Healthcare Needs
- Kids with Behavioral Disorders
- Kids with Mental Disabilities
- Kids with Physical Disabilities
- Autistic Children and those with Sensory Processing Disorders
Each of these groups requires different strategies for making their dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, and at Epic Dentistry for Kids, we are prepared to provide the individualized care needed to meet these unique challenges.
Focused Care for Children with Autism
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face additional challenges when it comes to dental visits. These can include sensory sensitivities, anxiety about unfamiliar environments, and difficulty with social interactions. At Epic Dentistry for Kids, we understand the importance of taking these factors into consideration during every visit. Dr. Patterson and our team are well-versed in providing care for children with autism, and we tailor our approach to ensure a positive experience.
For autistic children, a visit to the dentist can be overwhelming due to bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, and strange smells. We work closely with parents to create a plan that minimizes sensory overload and ensures your child feels comfortable throughout their appointment. This may include using noise-canceling headphones, allowing your child to bring a comfort item from home, or giving them time to adjust to the office environment before the appointment begins. We also take extra care to explain the process in simple terms, walking your child through every step of the visit to reduce anxiety.
Autistic children often face challenges with maintaining oral hygiene at home as well. Establishing a consistent and calm routine is key to ensuring good dental health. At Epic Dentistry for Kids, we can work with you to develop strategies to make brushing and flossing easier and less stressful for your child. Our team can provide tips on setting a routine that works for both you and your child, ensuring they keep their smile healthy and bright.
Behavioral and Mental Disabilities: Personalized Care for Every Challenge
For children with behavioral disorders or mental disabilities, each dental visit may require a unique approach. Whether a child has ADHD, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, we take the time to understand their needs and create a treatment plan that accommodates them. Our staff is trained to work with children who may have trouble sitting still, focusing, or following instructions. We use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage cooperation and help children feel comfortable in the dental chair.
Dr. Patterson also employs a variety of techniques to make dental visits easier for children who may struggle with dental anxiety or behavioral challenges. From using visual aids to offering breaks during appointments, we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs of each child. Our goal is to create a stress-free environment where children feel supported, and parents can trust us to provide the best possible care.
Supporting Children with Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can also present unique challenges when it comes to dental care. Children with mobility issues, sensory impairments, or other physical conditions may require specialized equipment or modifications to ensure they can receive the dental care they need. At Epic Dentistry for Kids, we are equipped with the tools and expertise necessary to provide care for children with physical disabilities.
We offer wheelchair-accessible treatment areas, and our team is trained to work with children who may need assistance getting into the dental chair or maintaining a comfortable position during procedures. Whether your child requires adaptive equipment or extra time to adjust to the dental environment, we are committed to making sure they receive the highest quality care in a setting that supports their individual needs.
Dental Anxiety and Sedation Dentistry
For many children, including those with special needs, dental anxiety can be a significant barrier to receiving care. If your child has dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options that can help them relax and undergo necessary procedures without fear or discomfort. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective option for children who experience severe anxiety or who need to undergo more complex procedures.
Sedation allows your child to remain calm and comfortable during their visit, making it easier for them to receive the care they need. We will work with you to determine if sedation dentistry is the right option for your child, always prioritizing their safety and well-being.
Preparing for Your Visit
We understand that every child with special needs is different, and preparation is key to ensuring a smooth visit. Whether your child is on the autism spectrum, has a physical disability, or experiences behavioral challenges, we can help you prepare for the visit in ways that minimize stress and make the process easier for both you and your child.
Before the visit, we encourage parents to talk to their children about what to expect. Using visual aids, role-playing, or reading books about the dentist can help familiarize your child with the process. Our team is happy to discuss any concerns you may have and can provide tips on how to ease your child’s anxiety before their appointment.
Schedule a Consultation Today
At Epic Dentistry for Kids, we are dedicated to providing customized dental care that meets the unique needs of each child. Whether your child has special healthcare needs, autism, or other physical or mental challenges, our team is here to provide compassionate, professional care. If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist who specializes in treating children with special needs, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Patterson today.
Contact Epic Dentistry for Kids in Aurora, CO, to learn more about our approach to specialized dental care and how we can support your child’s health and well-being. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure your child’s dental health journey is a positive one!
