By Dr. Jiyoung Jung, Central Park Dental & Orthodontics
“Save Teeth. Save Lives.”
Key Takeaways
- Children with special needs often face unique challenges during dental visits, including sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and anxiety, but with the right approach, dental care can become a positive experience
- Our practice uses advanced technology including 3D CBCT imaging and laser dentistry to minimize discomfort while providing comprehensive airway-focused evaluations that address both oral health and breathing concerns
- We approach each child as an individual, taking time to understand their specific needs and adapting our techniques, environment, and communication methods to create a comfortable, predictable experience
- Our whole-body wellness philosophy recognizes that oral health connects to overall development, which is why we work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to support your child’s complete health journey
When families come to Central Park Dental & Orthodontics in Mansfield, they often tell me they’ve struggled to find a dental home where their child with special needs feels truly welcomed and understood. As a dentist who has worked extensively with special needs patients throughout my career, including during my Advanced Education for General Dentistry program, I’ve seen firsthand how the right approach can transform dental visits from stressful ordeals into positive experiences.
Every child deserves quality dental care delivered with patience, understanding, and respect. Children with special needs including autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, developmental delays, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other conditions often require a different approach to dental care than what’s offered in traditional dental settings. At our practice, we don’t just accommodate these differences – we embrace them as part of our commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Understanding the Unique Challenges
Children with special needs may experience dental visits differently than neurotypical children. The dental environment presents numerous challenges that can feel overwhelming. Bright overhead lights, unfamiliar sounds from dental equipment, the sensation of having hands and instruments in the mouth, the taste of dental products, and the unpredictability of what comes next can all create anxiety and discomfort.
Many children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing differences have heightened responses to sensory input. What might seem like a minor stimulus to one person can feel intensely uncomfortable to someone with sensory sensitivities. The fluorescent lighting commonly found in medical offices, the mechanical sounds of dental instruments, the feeling of the dental chair reclining, or even the texture of gloves can trigger distress.
Communication differences also present unique considerations. Some children may be nonverbal or have difficulty expressing discomfort or pain. Others might struggle to understand verbal explanations of what’s happening during their appointment. These communication challenges can make it difficult for children to feel safe and understood during dental visits.
The unpredictability of dental appointments can be particularly challenging for children who thrive on routine and predictability. Many children with special needs feel most comfortable when they know exactly what to expect. The variables inherent in dental appointments – different staff members, varying appointment lengths, unexpected findings that require additional procedures – can create anxiety.
At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, we’ve developed our approach specifically to address these challenges. We understand that traditional dental protocols often don’t serve children with special needs well, so we’ve adapted our methods, our environment, and our philosophy to create a truly inclusive dental home.
Our Patient-Centered Philosophy: Meeting Children Where They Are
My approach to caring for children with special needs is rooted in what I call the Three Legs of the Healing Stool philosophy. This comprehensive framework recognizes that true healing and optimal health require balance across three interconnected areas: structural alignment, chemical balance in the body, and emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing.
For children with special needs, this philosophy means we look beyond just the teeth and gums. We consider how their oral structures support proper breathing and airway function, how their overall physical and chemical balance impacts their dental health, and how their emotional state and comfort level affect their ability to receive care.
Just as a three-legged stool requires all legs to remain stable, your child’s health depends on addressing all three of these essential pillars. This holistic approach guides every decision we make about their care.
The most important principle in our practice is this: we meet every child exactly where they are. We don’t expect children to conform to a standard protocol or timeline. Instead, we adapt our approach to fit each child’s unique needs, abilities, and comfort level. This might mean taking multiple visits just to build trust before we begin any treatment. It might mean allowing a parent to stay close throughout the appointment. It might mean using alternative communication methods or making environmental modifications.
Whatever your child needs to feel safe and comfortable, we’re committed to providing it. This patient-centered approach has been recognized through our features on NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, CBS, and my TEDx talk, as well as through D Magazine’s Best Dentists recognition from 2021 through 2025.
Creating a Comfortable and Predictable Environment
The physical environment plays a crucial role in how children with special needs experience dental care. At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics in Mansfield, we’ve thoughtfully designed our space to minimize sensory overwhelm and create a calming atmosphere.
We understand that walking into a new environment can be stressful for many children with special needs. That’s why we welcome families to visit our office before their first appointment. These pre-visit tours allow children to see the treatment rooms, meet our staff, sit in the dental chair, and become familiar with the space without any pressure to receive treatment. This gradual introduction can significantly reduce anxiety when they return for their actual appointment.
During appointments, we’re flexible about environmental modifications. We can minimize background noise and keep our voices calm and quiet. We understand that some children find comfort in bringing items from home – a favorite blanket, a stuffed animal, headphones with preferred music, or other comfort objects. These are always welcome in our treatment rooms.
Predictability is equally important to creating comfort. We use visual schedules and step-by-step explanations to help children understand what will happen during their visit. For children who benefit from visual supports, we can provide picture sequences showing each stage of the appointment. This allows them to know what’s coming next and reduces the anxiety that comes from uncertainty.
We also maintain consistency whenever possible. We try to schedule appointments with the same team members so your child can build familiarity and trust. We follow similar routines during each visit to create predictable patterns that help children feel more secure.
Our Gentle Clinical Techniques
The techniques we use during dental examinations and treatments are specifically adapted for children with special needs. We understand that traditional approaches often need modification, and we’re skilled in providing comprehensive care while minimizing distress.
One of the most important aspects of our approach is pacing. We never rush. Some children need time to process what’s happening and adjust to each new sensation or step in the procedure. We build this time into our appointments, allowing children to move at their own pace. If a child needs to take breaks during treatment, we accommodate that. If they need multiple visits to complete what might typically be done in one appointment, we structure our care that way.
We use a graduated approach that builds on small successes. For a child’s first visit, we might simply count teeth and let them see the dental mirror. The next visit might add gentle cleaning with minimal time in the chair. We celebrate each accomplishment and use positive reinforcement to build confidence and cooperation over time.
Our communication is always adapted to each child’s needs and understanding. For some children, detailed verbal explanations work well. For others, showing rather than telling is more effective. We might let a child touch and explore instruments before we use them. We might demonstrate procedures on a parent’s hand or a stuffed animal first. We use simple, concrete language and avoid dental jargon that might be confusing or frightening.
For children with sensory sensitivities around their mouth and face, we use desensitization techniques. We might start by having them touch their own face, then gradually introduce touch from our gloved hand, then dental instruments. This gradual exposure allows children to become more comfortable with oral sensations at their own pace.
Advanced Technology That Reduces Discomfort
Technology plays a significant role in our ability to provide gentle, effective care for children with special needs. At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, we’ve invested in advanced diagnostic and treatment tools that minimize discomfort while maximizing the quality of care.
Our 3D CBCT imaging technology allows us to capture detailed three-dimensional images of teeth, jaws, airways, and surrounding structures. This comprehensive imaging is particularly valuable for children with special needs because it provides extensive diagnostic information in a single, quick scan. The CBCT scanner is less invasive than traditional x-rays and many children tolerate it better.
The detailed airway visualization provided by CBCT imaging is especially important because many children with special needs also experience airway or breathing concerns. We can assess the size and shape of the nasal passages, identify any structural issues affecting breathing, and evaluate how the oral structures support proper airway function. This information is crucial for developing comprehensive treatment plans that address both dental health and breathing.
We also utilize specialized medical imaging visualization and analysis software that helps us thoroughly evaluate the diagnostic images. This technology allows us to identify issues that might be missed with traditional examination methods and to plan treatments with exceptional precision.
Our laser technology represents another advancement that benefits children with special needs. Laser dentistry can be gentler and less intimidating than traditional methods. The laser is quieter than a dental drill, which helps reduce auditory stress for children with sound sensitivities. It often requires minimal or no anesthesia for certain procedures, eliminating the discomfort and anxiety associated with injections. The precision of laser technology also means less tissue disruption and faster healing times.
These technological tools allow us to provide high-quality, comprehensive care while minimizing the aspects of dental visits that many children with special needs find most challenging.
Our Comprehensive Airway-Focused Approach
One of the distinctive aspects of our practice is our emphasis on airway health and breathing function. This airway-focused approach is particularly relevant for children with special needs, as breathing issues and sleep disturbances are common in this population.
Many children with developmental differences experience sleep-disordered breathing, including mouth breathing, snoring, or sleep apnea. These breathing issues can significantly impact their development, learning, behavior, and overall health. Poor sleep quality affects attention, emotional regulation, growth, and immune function. For children who already face challenges in these areas, addressing breathing concerns becomes even more critical.
During every comprehensive evaluation, we assess airway function and breathing patterns. We look at whether your child breathes through their nose or mouth, evaluate tongue posture and position, examine the size and shape of the dental arches, assess the tonsils and adenoids if visible, and look for signs of sleep-disordered breathing.
Our 3D CBCT imaging provides detailed visualization of the airway, allowing us to identify structural concerns that might be affecting your child’s breathing. We can see whether the nasal passages are adequate, if there are any obstructions in the airway, and how the jaw position and dental arch development are impacting airway space.
When we identify breathing concerns, we don’t just note them – we address them as part of our comprehensive treatment approach. This might involve orthodontic interventions to expand narrow dental arches and create more room for the tongue and airway. We may recommend myofunctional therapy to help retrain oral muscles and establish proper breathing patterns. When appropriate, we use specially designed oral appliances that support proper jaw position and encourage nasal breathing.
This airway-focused approach aligns with our whole-body wellness philosophy. We recognize that breathing is fundamental to every aspect of health and development. By addressing airway concerns in children with special needs, we’re supporting not just their dental health but their overall wellbeing, learning ability, and quality of life.
Collaborative Care: Working with Your Child’s Healthcare Team
Children with special needs typically receive care from multiple healthcare providers – developmental pediatricians, therapists, specialists, and others. At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, we understand the importance of collaborative care and we actively work to integrate our dental services with your child’s broader healthcare team.
We believe that the best outcomes happen when all of a child’s healthcare providers communicate and coordinate their care. That’s why we’re committed to collaboration. We communicate with your child’s other providers when appropriate, sharing relevant findings and coordinating treatment approaches. This might include working with speech therapists when oral structure issues affect speech, coordinating with occupational therapists around sensory strategies, collaborating with sleep specialists when breathing concerns are identified, or consulting with developmental pediatricians about overall care plans.
This collaborative approach is particularly important when we identify airway or breathing concerns. These issues often require a multidisciplinary team to address effectively. We may work with ear, nose, and throat specialists to evaluate enlarged tonsils or adenoids, consult with allergists about chronic nasal congestion, or coordinate with sleep physicians when sleep-disordered breathing is suspected.
Our commitment to collaborative care extends to keeping you, as the parent, at the center of all decisions. We understand that you know your child best. You’re familiar with their communication style, their triggers, their comfort strategies, and their medical history. We rely on your expertise and input to provide the best possible care. We see ourselves as partners in your child’s healthcare journey, not as the sole decision-makers.
This collaborative philosophy has been shaped by my extensive education and training. My background includes a certificate in education for healthcare professionals from the Texas A&M School of Graduate Studies, experience teaching dental students as an adjunct assistant professor, and ongoing commitment to continuing education. I’ve earned my Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, an honor achieved by only six percent of dentists nationwide. This dedication to learning and collaboration ensures that we’re providing the most current, comprehensive care possible.
Addressing Common Oral Health Concerns in Special Needs Children
Children with special needs face higher rates of certain dental problems compared to neurotypical children. Understanding these common concerns helps us provide proactive, preventive care.
Many children with special needs have difficulty maintaining consistent oral hygiene. Motor skill challenges might make brushing difficult. Sensory sensitivities might make the sensation of toothbrushing uncomfortable. Behavioral concerns might lead to resistance to the brushing routine. These factors can contribute to increased cavity risk and gum disease.
At our practice, we work with families to develop realistic, achievable oral hygiene routines. We provide education on techniques that might work better for your child – whether that’s using an electric toothbrush for children who seek sensory input, trying different toothpaste flavors or textures, establishing visual schedules for the brushing routine, or finding the most comfortable position for brushing.
Some children with special needs take medications that affect oral health. Many medications cause dry mouth, which increases cavity risk and can make the mouth more susceptible to infection and irritation. We take all medications into account when developing preventive care plans and may recommend additional fluoride treatments or other protective measures.
Dietary patterns can also impact oral health. Some children with special needs have limited diets due to texture sensitivities or food preferences. Others might prefer soft, processed foods that tend to be higher in sugars and stick to teeth more readily. We work with families to understand dietary patterns and develop strategies to minimize their impact on dental health.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is common in children with special needs. This can be related to stress, sensory seeking behavior, or structural issues with jaw alignment. Left unaddressed, bruxism can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches. We can provide protective appliances when appropriate and work to address underlying causes.
Malocclusion, or misalignment of teeth and jaws, occurs at higher rates in children with certain conditions. Proper alignment is important not just for appearance but for chewing function, speech, and airway health. Our orthodontic services can address these concerns while accommodating your child’s special needs.
Building Trust and Reducing Anxiety Over Time
For many families, one of the greatest challenges is simply getting through dental appointments without significant distress for their child. At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, we’re committed to making each visit a positive experience that builds trust and reduces anxiety over time.
Trust doesn’t happen instantly. It develops through consistent, positive interactions where children feel safe, respected, and understood. We’re willing to invest the time required to build this trust relationship with your child. This might mean that early visits focus entirely on building comfort rather than on completing dental procedures. That’s okay. We view this as an investment in your child’s long-term dental health and wellbeing.
We use positive reinforcement throughout appointments. We notice and acknowledge your child’s cooperation, bravery, and efforts. We celebrate small successes and help children feel proud of their accomplishments. This positive approach helps build confidence and makes children more willing to cooperate during future visits.
We’re also honest with children in age-appropriate ways. We don’t use misleading language or make promises we can’t keep. This honesty helps build trust. When children learn that we tell them the truth about what to expect, they’re more likely to feel secure during appointments.
For children who experience significant anxiety, we can discuss various anxiety reduction strategies. While our practice focuses primarily on behavioral approaches and environmental modifications, we can discuss options with you and, when appropriate, coordinate with your child’s physician regarding anxiety management approaches that might be helpful.
The goal is always to make dental care as positive and stress-free as possible while still providing the comprehensive services your child needs for optimal oral health.
Why Families Throughout Mansfield, Midlothian, and Beyond Choose Our Practice
Families from Mansfield, Midlothian, Arlington, Burleson, Alvarado, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Lillian, Dallas, Fort Worth, and throughout the region bring their children with special needs to Central Park Dental & Orthodontics because they know their child will be treated with respect, patience, and genuine care.
Parents tell us they appreciate our willingness to take whatever time is needed to help their child feel comfortable. They value our flexibility in adapting our approach to their child’s unique needs. They’re grateful for our comprehensive approach that looks beyond just teeth to consider their child’s overall health and development.
Our commitment to serving children with special needs has been part of my practice since my earliest training. During my Advanced Education for General Dentistry program, I gained extensive experience providing dental services to medically compromised patients and special needs patients. That experience shaped my understanding of how important it is to provide care that’s truly individualized and that considers each child’s complete health picture.
This commitment continues through my ongoing education and professional development. I’m a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, the Dallas Academy of General Dentistry, and The American Academy for Oral and Systemic Health. These memberships reflect my dedication to staying current with the latest research and techniques in comprehensive dental care.
The recognition we’ve received – including being featured on national media outlets like NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, and CBS, my TEDx presentation, and receiving D Magazine’s Best Dentist recognition for five consecutive years – reflects our commitment to excellence in dental care. But what matters most to me is the trust families place in us and the positive outcomes we see for children in our care.
Getting Started with Care at Our Practice
If you’re looking for a dental home for your child with special needs, we welcome the opportunity to meet your family and discuss how we can support your child’s oral health.
We encourage you to call our office at 817-466-1200 to discuss your child’s specific needs and any concerns you might have about dental care. During this conversation, we can answer your questions, explain our approach in more detail, and schedule an initial visit.
For many families, we recommend starting with a pre-visit tour of our office. This allows your child to see our space, meet our team, and become familiar with the dental environment without any pressure to receive treatment. These tours can be invaluable in reducing anxiety about the first official appointment.
During your child’s first comprehensive appointment, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation that includes assessment of teeth and gums, evaluation of oral structures and development, airway and breathing assessment using our 3D CBCT technology when appropriate, discussion of your child’s medical history and any special considerations, and development of a personalized care plan.
We’ll take whatever time is needed during this first visit to ensure your child feels as comfortable as possible. We won’t rush through the appointment or try to complete more than your child can comfortably handle. Our goal is to establish a positive foundation for future care.
Our Location and Service Area
Central Park Dental & Orthodontics is conveniently located at 1101 Alexis Ct, Suite 101, Mansfield, TX 76063. Our office is easily accessible from Mansfield, Midlothian, Arlington, Burleson, Alvarado, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, and Lillian. We understand that families sometimes travel significant distances to find a dental practice that truly meets their child’s special needs, and we’re honored to serve families throughout the region.
Our office hours are designed to accommodate busy family schedules, and we do our best to be flexible about appointment timing to meet your child’s needs. Some children do better with morning appointments when they’re fresh and alert. Others are more comfortable later in the day. We’ll work with you to find appointment times that set your child up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Special Needs Dental Care
How do you handle children who cannot sit still for dental procedures?
We’re experienced in working with children who have difficulty remaining still. We use a gradual approach that builds tolerance over time. Early visits might be very brief, allowing the child to become comfortable with shorter periods in the chair before we extend appointment length. We provide breaks as needed during appointments. For some children, having a parent present providing gentle support can help. We’re patient and understanding, recognizing that stillness may develop gradually as trust and comfort increase.
What if my child is nonverbal or has difficulty communicating?
We’re skilled in working with children who have communication differences. We rely heavily on your input as a parent since you know your child’s communication style and cues best. We’re attentive to nonverbal signals that might indicate discomfort or distress. We can use alternative communication methods including visual supports, picture cards, or communication devices if your child uses them. Our focus is on understanding your child’s needs and ensuring they feel heard and understood, regardless of their communication method.
Can you provide care if my child needs to be seen by other specialists for their medical conditions?
Absolutely. We’re experienced in providing dental care for children with complex medical needs, and we’re committed to working collaboratively with your child’s other healthcare providers. We can coordinate care with specialists, share relevant medical information, and ensure that our dental treatments align with your child’s overall healthcare plan. Our comprehensive approach recognizes that oral health connects to overall health, particularly through our airway-focused evaluations.
How often should my child with special needs visit the dentist?
The recommended frequency varies depending on your child’s specific oral health needs and risk factors. Some children benefit from more frequent visits – perhaps every three or four months – while others do well with standard six-month intervals. More frequent visits can be beneficial for children at higher risk for cavities, those who struggle with home oral hygiene, or those who benefit from the additional exposure to the dental environment to maintain comfort. We’ll develop a personalized schedule that’s appropriate for your child’s needs.
What makes your practice different from other dental offices in caring for special needs children?
Our practice combines several distinctive elements. Our comprehensive, whole-body approach considers not just dental health but overall wellness, including detailed airway evaluations using advanced 3D CBCT imaging technology. We’ve invested in technology that minimizes discomfort while providing exceptional diagnostic information. Our patient-centered philosophy means we truly adapt to each child’s needs rather than expecting children to conform to standard protocols. My extensive training in treating special needs patients, combined with my Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, ensures you’re receiving care from a highly qualified provider. Most importantly, we genuinely care about making dental visits positive experiences that support your child’s overall health and development.
Do you accept medical insurance for special needs dental care?
We work with most dental insurance plans and will help you understand your coverage and benefits. Coverage varies significantly between plans, and some aspects of care may be covered while others are not. Our front office team is experienced in navigating insurance questions and can work with you to maximize your benefits and understand your out-of-pocket costs. We believe financial considerations shouldn’t prevent children from receiving necessary dental care, and we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s financially manageable for your family.
How do you handle dental emergencies for children with special needs?
Dental emergencies can be particularly stressful for children with special needs and their families. We prioritize emergency appointments and will make every effort to see your child quickly when urgent care is needed. During emergency visits, we focus on addressing the immediate problem while being especially sensitive to your child’s stress level and special needs. We understand that emergency situations don’t allow for the same gradual, patient-paced approach we typically use, but we still adapt our care as much as possible to minimize distress while addressing the urgent dental issue.
What should I do to prepare my child for their first visit?
Preparation depends on your child’s age, developmental level, and learning style. For many children, visual preparation is helpful. We can provide pictures of our office, or you can use social stories that walk through what happens during a dental visit. Talk positively about the upcoming visit without creating anxiety by over-explaining. Let your child know they’ll meet friendly people who will help keep their teeth healthy. Consider scheduling a pre-visit tour so your child can see the office without the pressure of an appointment. Bring comfort items from home if they’ll help your child feel more secure. Most importantly, communicate with our office about your child’s specific needs so we can be fully prepared to welcome them.
A Partnership in Your Child’s Oral Health Journey
At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, we view our relationship with families as a partnership. We’re not just providing dental services – we’re supporting your child’s overall health, development, and quality of life through comprehensive oral care.
We understand that finding the right dental home for a child with special needs can be challenging. You may have had difficult experiences in the past at other dental offices. You may feel anxious about how your child will respond to dental care. These concerns are completely understandable, and we’re here to address them with patience, expertise, and genuine care.
Every child deserves access to quality dental care delivered in a way that respects their unique needs and supports their dignity. Children with special needs are capable of achieving excellent oral health when they receive care from providers who understand their challenges and are committed to meeting them where they are.
We invite families throughout Mansfield, Midlothian, Arlington, Burleson, Alvarado, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Lillian, and the surrounding areas to experience the difference that truly patient-centered, comprehensive care can make. Our practice has been built on the foundation of respecting each individual, taking time to understand their needs, and providing care that supports their complete health and wellbeing.
If you’ve been searching for a dental home where your child with special needs will be genuinely welcomed, understood, and cared for with patience and expertise, we’re here for you. We look forward to partnering with your family on your child’s oral health journey.
Take the Next Step Toward Compassionate, Comprehensive Care
You don’t have to continue struggling to find dental care that works for your child. At Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, we have the training, experience, technology, and most importantly, the heart to provide exceptional care for children with special needs.
Call our office today at 817-466-1200 to schedule a consultation or to arrange a pre-visit tour. During this conversation, we’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and explain how our approach can support your child’s unique needs. We’re located at 1101 Alexis Ct, Suite 101, Mansfield, TX 76063, conveniently serving families throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Your child’s oral health matters, and with the right approach, dental visits can become positive experiences that support their overall health and development. We’re honored to serve children with special needs and their families, and we look forward to welcoming you to our dental family.
Remember, at Central Park Dental & Orthodontics, we meet every child where they are and support them on their journey toward optimal oral health and overall wellness. Where ever you are in your child’s dental care journey, we will meet you there and take it step by step together.
Proudly serving families in Mansfield, Midlothian, Arlington, Burleson, Alvarado, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Kennedale, Lillian, and surrounding communities.
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