The ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations suggests the following tips:
- Inform the dentist about your special health or financial conditions.
- Ask if the dentist has training and/or experience in treating patients with your specific condition.
- Ask if the dentist has an interest in treating patients with your specific condition.
- Find out if the dentist participates in your dental benefit plan (dental insurance program.)
- Ask if the dental facility is accessible to the disabled.
In addition, the Council suggests that patients with special needs:
- Call or write the dental director at your state department of public health. In Sacramento, the phone number is (916) 552-9896.
- Contact the nearest dental school clinic or hospital dental department, especially if it is affiliated with a major university.
- Contact the Special Care Dentistry (Formerly Federation of Special Care Organizations in Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for a referral.
- Contact the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH), a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association since 1988. The NFDH, via several programs, facilitates the provision of comprehensive dental care for needy disabled, elderly, and medically compromised individuals.
Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave questions or comments below. To learn more about my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com
Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
July 22, 2010
Source: http://ada.org/3030.aspx?currentTab=1
Hi Dr. Po
I don’t remember if my letter got sent yesterday; my apology if this is a repeat.
I have a 26 yr old son with autism who I believe is ready to progress form hospital anethestized dental surgery to in-office sedation. This may take some visits that are just visual exams to help him learn to relax in the office setting.
He has not only needs dental exams complete with x-raying and possible fillings, but still has beautiful teeth that need to be straightened. I am very interested in the 6 month brace straightening!
Please email me if you are interested in helping him.
Sincerely,
Linda Lynch
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your email. I tried to respond to the email account you provided but it bounced back.
Yes, I would be happy to help with your son’s dental treatment. In my practice, IV sedation patients are seen conjunctly by my colleague Dr. Monica Crooks and myself. The first step would be for us to meet for a consultation where we can learn more about your son’s dental history and medical condition. We can then give you information on what we can offer. Please call my office at 916-922-2027 and ask to speak with my office manager Kelly. She will set up a consultation visit so you can meet me and Dr. Crooks, and we can proceed from there. I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah Po
I’m still learning from you, as I’m improving myself. I certainly love reading everything that is posted on your website.Keep the information coming. I loved it!