What is Special Needs Dentistry?
Why is Special Needs Dentistry Important?
The Affinity Dentistry Approach
At Affinity Dentistry, our practice is particularly designed to ensure a calm and comforting environment. This includes large treatment rooms, natural lighting, and state-of-the-art maneuverable dental chairs. We spent time in designing our clinic to ensure it is aesthetically pleasing, comforting yet modern.
We understand the importance of feeling at ease during dental visits and one of our associate dentists Dr Natasha has focused her training in special needs care, leading our team in offering special needs dentistry for all. From detailed oral health analyses to personalised treatment plans, we prioritise preventive care and patient comfort. We also offer on-the-spot health fund rebates, making our comprehensive and compassionate dental care convenient for every member of our community. We provide optimal care to all our patients no matter the situation, focusing on treating the individual and their specific needs.
What Provisions Can We Make for Special Needs Dental Patients?
Customised Treatment Plans
We know that every one of our patients has their unique circumstances and that's why we personalise our treatment plans to address any specific dental and emotional needs that you may need.
Calm Office Environment
We've developed our clinic in Deakin with a calm and soothing design in mind as we believe that a relaxed environment plays an important role in reducing dental anxiety and discomfort for patients with special needs.
Specialised Techniques and Tools
Many patients with special needs and otherwise may experience sensitivity towards certain dental procedures so we utilise methods that are minimally invasive and more comfortable.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
For patients who experience significant dental anxiety or discomfort, we provide nitrous oxide sedation to help with relaxing patients, making their dental treatment more manageable and stress-free.
Experienced and Empathetic Staff
Our team, composed of skilled and empathetic clinicians, dental nurses, and receptionists, is trained to address the unique challenges of special needs patients, providing a compassionate treatment experience.
Accessibility Features
We ensure that our clinic is accessible to everyone, including our patients with mobility challenges. This includes wheelchair-friendly facilities and easily navigable spaces.
On-the-Spot Health Fund Rebates
To make the process as stress-free as possible, we offer on-the-spot health fund rebates, helping to simplify dental visits, and making it more convenient for patients and their families.
In addition to providing exceptional dental care, Affinity Dentistry is committed to raising awareness about Special Needs Dentistry. We provide educational resources to patients, families, and caregivers. This includes information about oral hygiene practices, tips for maintaining oral health at home, and guidance on how to address specific dental challenges associated with certain conditions.
Why See a Special Needs Dentist?
Patients with unique requirements for dental care may need to see a special needs dentist. Oral health is an essential component to overall health and well-being. Dentists with training and experience in treating special needs conditions such as physical or intellectual disabilities, complex medical conditions and dental anxiety, can provide a calming and supportive environment for these patients.
Special needs dentists can use certain techniques and sedation options that can make the process of dental care much more manageable and anxiety-free. The empathetic approach that they can provide, combined with the right communication and preventive care makes each visit less intimidating and more and more accessible.
