I could not believe it when I found out how dental work usually gets done for kids with autism.  The dentist told me that they would be putting Anna under a general anesthetic to give her a filling and that it was likely that they would always have to do that.

Longfellow Pediatric Dentistry’s Dr. Padilla had a great idea.  She asked us to come and see her every three months, even though Anna didn’t need to.  Every time we came, she put Anna in the chair, had her lean back, opened her mouth to look in, and then lavished her with praise.  I would then take her out for a treat immediately after.  We have not had to put her under since then, and she’s relatively good with the dentist.

However, Anna has also needed extensive orthodontic work.  The orthodontist is fine, but not gifted at working with Anna.  She does ok with the various procedures, but sometimes we have to lie on top of her to get her to hold still.  This sounds worse than it ends up being, since Anna finds the pressure quite calming and immediately ceases any resistance and becomes quite calm, still, and cooperative in opening her mouth, shutting it, and biting down when requested by the orthodontist.

Do you know any good providers in the east valley?  Do you have any successful practices to share?