Dental care for adults with special needs
Our patients don’t age out of needing a dentist who takes the time. We care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the same patience we give our youngest patients.
Who we see
Adults with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and other developmental differences, and the parents, guardians and caregivers who support them. Many of our adult patients grew up with us; others come to us after years of visits that never quite worked elsewhere.
Dr. Truong has years of experience treating patients with special needs, in the office and in surgery centers, and Dr. Campbell grew up with a sister who has cerebral palsy and an uncle with Down syndrome. Meet the doctors.
How the visit adapts
A plan built for one person
We create an individualized treatment plan around each patient’s needs, abilities and challenges, and we work closely with the patient and the people who care for them to make it fit real life.
Communication that works
We use clear, simple communication so the patient understands what is happening and feels comfortable throughout. Tell us how they communicate best, and we will use it.
Time to build trust
We don’t rush. Some patients need a slow first visit and a fast second one. We take the time to build rapport so visits get easier over the years, not harder.
Care that fits
Oral health assessments, preventive care such as cleanings, fluoride and sealants, fillings and crowns, home-care coaching for the patient and caregivers, and coordination with specialists when a specific concern calls for one.
For caregivers
- You are welcome chairside. Stay with the patient for the whole visit if that helps them.
- Bring the paperwork. If you make health decisions for the patient, bring any guardianship or power-of-attorney documents to the first visit so consent is simple.
- Tell us the medical picture. Medications, medical conditions, allergies and anything that has affected dental care before. It changes how we plan.
- Tell us what works. Favorite words, routines, things to avoid, how they show they have had enough. We would rather know before we start.
- Support staff are welcome. We’re happy to work with group-home staff, aides and other support people who accompany the patient.
Comfort and sedation options
Most visits happen with patience and time, not sedation. When a patient needs more help to be treated safely and comfortably, we have laughing gas in the office, and for patients who cannot safely receive care in a typical office setting, treatment under general anesthesia, where all needed care is completed in a single visit. We only recommend either after a thorough exam, and you see all the options beforehand.
Questions caregivers ask
Is there an age limit?
We care for adults with special needs at every age. Call us and describe the patient, and we will tell you honestly whether we are the right fit.
Can the patient stay in their wheelchair?
Tell us when you book. We will talk through what the visit will look like and plan around it.
What if the first visit doesn’t go well?
We stop, we note what worked, and we try again another day. There is no pressure and no pushing through.
Do you see children too?
Yes, most of our patients are kids. See our special needs dentistry page and our page for children with autism.
How do we start?
Call or text and tell us about the patient, or send a request through our secure form. We will get back to you to plan the first visit.
Caring for an adult with special needs?
Call us before you book. Tell us what works for them and what doesn’t, and we’ll plan the visit together.