patients with disabilities

often soothes the child. As the child ages, a weighted blanket may be used if it is not more than 10% of their body weight. Weighted blankets may decrease anxiety and allow the patient to calm down and cooperate. According to physical and occupational therapists, patients with IDD tend to respond to deep pressure more favorably than light touch, which may be why weighted blankets have a positive effect and a firm touch is more pleasing than a soft touch. Light touch often triggers the fight or flight response.6

Smells are a unique challenge. Patients with IDD love to make choices just like neurotypical patients do. This is a great time to introduce some options and allow the patient to choose. Consider purchasing a few flavors of prophy paste, floss and fluoride varnish and letting them choose which flavor they want. If possible, let him/her smell it. Let him/her choose the flavor of topical anesthetic if applicable for restorative procedures. Be sure to practice “tell-show-do” with any procedure. If appropriate, allow the patient to see and touch the instrument, handpiece or material being used. Patients prefer to avoid surprises, which may violate the trust the dental provider is attempting to build. Use short phrases when communicating, such as “look at me” and “hands-on your tummy.” Use the picture board if needed. Use specific positive reinforcement, such as “thank you for looking at me,” “good job keeping your hands on your tummy” and “keeping still helps me work faster.” Consider using distraction when having to complete tasks such as administering anesthetic. Using information gained during the pre-visit about what the patient likes, the provider can create a happy place to help them focus on a more positive event. It is recommended to have the patient see the same provider at each visit. This helps establish a routine and build trust. When transition in staff is necessary, consider having a familiar face present during the visit to provide a “warm handoff.”

In summary, the people of Florida need your help. Please consider expanding your scope of practice to include children, patients on Medicaid and those with IDD. Early prevention is vital, however, using the above techniques can build trust in many older children and adults who need your help. He/ she need to know you care. Treatment in the office allows resources to be used more effectively, with only those needing sedation referred to by a specialist. After the referred dental treatment has been completed, routine visits are essential to minimize future sedation needs. For more resources, please visit the AADMD at aadmd.org/, Penn Dental Medicine Center for Persons with Disabilities Presentation Series - Penn Dental Medicine at bit.ly/3H4xHuZ, and the American Dental Association developmental disabilities continuing education courses Search Results | American Dental Association at bit. ly/3iYruc5

References

1. autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd

2. cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

3. Data and Statistics for Cerebral Palsy | CDC at cdc.gov/ncbddd/cp/data.html

4. Facts about Down Syndrome | CDC at bit.ly/3WxuQAk

5. Learning Disabilities Statistics and Prevalence | HealthyPlace at bit.ly/3XWOZ3P

6. Overview (aapd.org) at bit.ly/3Rek6FZ

7. FDA Advisory on Anesthesia and Sedation Medication in Children - Society for Pediatric Sedation (pedsedation.org) at bit.ly/3Hbsb9E

8. Autism Statistics and Facts | Autism Speaks at bit.ly/3WFuDLk

9. Optimizing Comfort — AADMD at aadmd.org/optimizing-comfort

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