Maya Howard
Dr. Kerr
EN101
16 February 2013
A Different Kind of Dentist
When people think of dentistry for "special needs" they think of just the disabled. Being disabled includes autism, shaken baby, and Down’s syndrome. These patients have to be dealt with in different ways. Some can't control certain ticks, or twitches, that they have so it is essential to be careful. This is a field that includes mainly science and math classes. Being a dentist for people with special needs includes more than just dealing with the disabled. There are different ways to handle the patients, and multiple class requirements.
A dentist for people with special needs deals with more than just people who are considered to be disabled. They can deal with the patients who have phobias, anxiety, diabetes, and asthma ("Special Care for Those in Need"). Then there is the disabled; including autism, Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Alzheimer's. For some of these patients anesthesia is necessary. This requires an anesthesia permit for the dentists so nothing goes wrong. Sometimes it's necessary for certain procedures to take place in a hospital if they need to be put to sleep. (“Special Care for Those in Need”). Dentists for Special Needs can be a misconception for many people because of being told that it is for the disabled only.
The patients may need to be handled differently than what could be called "normal" patients. Some dentists put their patients in a strait jacket if it becomes necessary. If the patient starts to freak out and there is a possibility of the patient becoming violent, then restraints may become necessary. Some people need to use Sleep Dentistry, or anesthesia, if they have problems receiving and dental treatment ("Special Care for Those in Need"). This could be necessary if they have a phobia of the dentist or if they have severe anxiety. This kind of procedure usually takes place in a hospital. This way an anesthesiologist is available (“Special Care for Those in Need”). Dentists are trained to deal with these situations and to be gentle and kind with their patients.
This is also a field that involves a lot of science and math. While some colleges may have different requirements; these are the ones for Dartmouth University in Vermont. Like all majors, two terms of English and math are required. A total of nine terms of different sciences are also required. This includes two terms of biology with labs and different chemistries; general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. Two terms each of the general and organic chemistry and one term of biochemistry. ("Required Courses for Medical, Dental, or Veterinary Schools"). Science is a big part of this profession because of the materials, medication, and the understanding of the human body, but other classes could be helpful. Human Growth and Development covers how the body develops and how the brain works. It also describes different disabilities. Psychology would be helpful when it comes to people with phobias and anxiety.
Dentistry for people with special needs is a profession that takes patience and understanding. It is more than just patients that have physical disabilities. (“Special Care for Those in Need”). You have to be able to be kind and gentle with the patients to be sure that they’re comfortable with you and trust you. You have to be able to handle their outbursts or whatever else comes with their condition. Knowing and having a good understanding of their condition is essential in this profession. If you do not know how to react or what to expect when dealing with a certain patient then it will be uncomfortable for both the patient and dentist. Dentistry for people with special needs is a job that takes passion, patience and dedication.
Bibliography
"Required Courses for Medical, Dental, or Veterinary Schools." Required Courses for Medical, Dental, or Veterinary Schools. Dartmouth University, 6 Sept. 2012. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://www.dartmouth.edu/~ugar/premajor/faculty/handbook/premedcourses.html>.
"Special Care for Those in Need" Www.specialneedsdentists.com. Fort Lauderdale Special Needs Dentist, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2012. <http://specialneedsdentists.com/>.
