Special Needs and Toddler Care
We struggled for years to find a dentist for our autistic son. We saw numerous dentists in DC and Maryland and they all concluded that the only way to treat him, even for minor procedures like cleanings and x-rays, was to completely sedate him, usually in a hospital setting. We finally found Dr Rishita Jaju - a gifted dentist who knows how to approach kids with special needs. She come up with a plan of how to best prepare him for the treatment, and we practiced with our son at home, so he will know what to expect and how to behave during his visit. Since we first saw Dr. Jaju and her amazing staff at her new clinic, our son has had several full cleaning sessions with Cayleigh Smith- the amazing hygienist – as well as a panoramic ex-ray, several regular ex-rays, and three fillings (using laser). All this was achieved with no sedation or medication of any kind, and without need for physical restraining. We find the huge benefit for our son’s health worth the drive from our home in DC to Reston.
Courtney W.
Why Smile Wonders?
Proper dental care is even more important for children with special medical, physical or behavioral conditions that require special needs dentistry. A special needs dentist utilizes adaptations to dental care beyond routine.
Dr. Rishita Jaju has gained a unique perspective into the lives and treatment of children with medical or behavioral special needs during her time as a Children’s Hospital LEND Fellow (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities).
Her experience and passion lies in providing collaborative and comprehensive oral health care for patients with craniofacial anomalies such as Cleft Lip and Palate, Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Down Syndrome, Neural Tube defects, Epilepsy, traumatic brain injury and various other congenital conditions.
Our office is located on the ground floor level with exterior entrance that is wheelchair accessible. We accommodate our appointment lengths and times to best suite our patient cooperation.
Customized Accommodations
We offer customized accommodations for our beloved special needs children
A Social Schedule is available for children that would benefit from a familiar routine.
Appointments can be scheduled in the same room, same time, same dental assistant at each visit to establish routines and familiarity.
Visits can be split to make short quick visits to reduce anxiety or longer appointment times allowed for children that need a little bit longer to get settled and able to cooperate.
Mid-morning appointment for a child that has a history of Asthma to help them after their morning airway congestion is cleared.
Collaboration With Other Providers
Our team works with area Developmental Pediatricians, Occupational therapists, or Speech Language Pathologists to provide a ‘Visual Social Schedule’, at home ‘Oral stimulatory exercises’ or coordinates appointment with ‘Sensory Diet’ prior to dental appointments. This personalized activity plan gives children the sensory input they need to reduce anxiety, remain attentive, focused, and organized throughout their day.
Appointments
Desensitization Appointment
We encourage the family to attend a desensitization appointment as a “meet and greet” consultation to allow the child to experience the dentist in a non-threatening first meeting and prepare for their upcoming dental appointment.
Customized Scheduling
When dental procedures such as cleanings, cavity fillings or other work are needed, we customize them to the child’s tolerance and needs. We find that scheduling more-frequent low-pressure visits are easier to handle than one large appointment. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to accompany their child in the treatment areas for comfort and familiarity. Some patients may benefit from early morning appointments so that they are fresh, most rested, and relaxed. Some patients do better mid-day as their normal medications may get a chance to work and we do not interrupt their morning routine. While, some patients would like to come at a time when there are no other patients in the reception area. We take all the preferences in consideration to set up for the most successful dental visit.
Quiet Room
Many children with special needs feel safe in their own room and defined safe space at Smile Wonders. There are no other children playing and distracting or causing over stimulation. They can wear headphones and connect to televisions mounted to the ceiling or listen to their favorite music. It helps them to relax and avoid having to listen to the normal sounds associated with a dental office. They are also free to enjoy our other play areas.
Specialized Equipment & Recommendations
Our dental equipment and techniques are also adapted for children with special needs – such as those who cannot stand or sit motionless. Our goal is to create a more pleasant experience when they visit.
Recommendations for modified brushing routine and tricks, as well as frequency schedule are provided for each child.
Complex Medical Conditions
Many children are referred to us with most complex medical conditions. When restorative treatment is needed, Dr. Rishita Jaju has ability to provide dental care in various modalities.
Connect With Us
We look forward to meeting you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.