Strategies for Successful Dental Visits for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Oral health care is a significant unmet need among children, including those with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD face notable challenges during dental procedures, resulting in fewer routine dental visits and increased oral disease risks. Furthermore, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as ASD encounter difficulties in accessing dental care due to the lack of skills and training among dentists to address their specific needs. This paper highlights the common challenges faced by children with ASD that hinder successful dental visits. While sedation is commonly used as a treatment approach for individuals with ASD, we propose the adoption of research-informed strategies as effective and safer alternatives to facilitate dental treatment. Early childhood teachers play a vital role not only in implementing dental care education for young children as part of their instruction, but also for collaborating and sharing practical strategies with families to provide caregiver education on oral hygiene practices, ultimately improving oral health outcomes in all children, including those with ASD.