Consumer Corner: An annotated list of online resources for promoting tolerance Commented [1]:

of dental care. Not thrilled with this word…maybe promoting success

with dental visits?
David Celiberti, PhD, BCBA-D and Maithri Sivaraman, MSc, BCBA Commented [MS2R1]: I agree..Success with sounds
better!
Resistance associated with dental visits is an all too common challenge for many
individuals with (and without) an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This list of annotated
resources has been created to serve as a helpful reference for families, clinicians, and
educators alike. Included are resources that highlight strategies and information to
address the myriad obstacles surrounding dental care. We hope that this information
shared below will support your efforts, promote cooperation, and help improve dental
outcomes. We will update this annotated list and share with our readers as new
resources are made available.
Resources for Families:
Autism Dental Information Guide for Families and Caregivers In an effort to create
information guides for families with individuals with autism, service providers and dental
professionals, the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) published
this booklet in collaboration with dental experts and academicians. This well organized
and consumer friendly booklet contains background information on the importance of
good oral hygiene and care. It provides a comprehensive list of suggestions for
scheduling the dental appointment including a sample form for use when calling the
dentist to set up the initial appointment. The sections related to preparing for the office
visit and carrying out oral care in the home are particularly detailed and helpful. Finally,
there is information about the use of fluoride and metal fillings (amalgam) to help
parents become more informed about these products.
Taking You Son/Daughter with an Autism Spectrum Disorder to the Dentist This
resource was prepared by the Indiana Resource Center for Autism. The article contains
many helpful tips such as bringing the child’s toothbrush and toothpaste for familiarity Commented [3]:
and having the dental chair already in reclined position for those children who may not to the dental office/visit ??
like to be moved backward mechanically. A Tell/Show/Do strategy is described for
promoting cooperation and participation during dental routines that first involves verbally Commented [4]:
describing the forthcoming step, second displaying the tool or instrument and allowing Split sentence here.
child to see it, and finally carrying out the step. Appendices include a list of books,
sample social story, and a visual schedule for visiting the dentist.

Making Going to the Dentist Easier for Kids with Autism This helpful video blog by Dr.
Mary Barbera describes several strategies you can consider to make dental visits and
oral care easier. Modeling of some these strategies is included in this 11- minute video.

Healthy Smiles for Autism: Oral Hygiene Tips for Children with Autism Spectrum
DisordersThe publication is based on a collaboration of the National Museum of
Dentistry, the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism and Related Disorders, and
the University of Maryland Dental School and showcases best practices related to oral
health care for children with ASD. This booklet highlights the importance of parental
modeling and recommends that time is invested in choosing a toothbrush, toothpaste,
and flossing materials that works best for the child. Guidelinesfor helping children brush
and floss successfully are behaviorally sound and consumer friendly, as are the
suggestions surrounding the accessing of dental care. This booklet includes well Commented [5]:
designed visual sequencing cards, social stories, and a picture dictionary. Not sure what this refers to. Finding a dentist?
Insurance?

Autism and Dental Care: A Guide for Their Oral Treatment.

David will write up

This resource is also available in Spanish, Autismo y el Cuidado Dental.

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Autism Speaks offers a detailed task analysis for toothbrushing. As is the case, with
every task analysis, this should be tailored to target the child’s skills and deficits.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Resources for Dental professionals: (Maithri will finish this section)

https://www.emergencydentistsusa.com/autism-and-dental-care/ Commented [6]:

You may want to include these two resources
Autism Dental Information Guide for Professionals: This guide has been created by the Commented [MS7R6]: This one doesn’t seem to offer
Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC) for dental professionals. anything new compared to the others we picked..it is also
not aimed solely for professionals..I suggest we skip this
Besides information on relevant dental issues associated with ASD, and what to expect
one..
with a patient with ASD, the guide offers valuable input on specific items to include in a
welcome package. One of the most important strategies for success is for the
professional, and the patient to be prepared for the experience. The suggestions in this
guide to include pictures of the dental team, the office, pamphlets (when appropriate),
and parent questionnaires to learn about existing behavioral challenges, and sensory
preferences are an important step towards preparedness.

Autism Speaks Dental Toolkit: The dental toolkit by Autism Speaks is aimed at both
parents, as well as professionals. Specifically, the 10-minute video has advice from
dental experts with experience treating autism patients and highlights the importance of
rapport-building for a successful experience. The toolkit also offers a visual schedule
that dental professionals can adapt to help their patients know the different steps and
activities that will occur during their visit to the clinic.

University of Washington’s Fact sheet for professionals: A fact sheet put together by the
Washington State Department of Health and University of Washington's school of
dentistry outlines the symptoms of ASD, commonly associated comorbid conditions,
and strategies for dental professionals to manage patients with autism. Guidance is
offered for promoting cooperation on the dental chair and specific tips on techniques to
use before and during the appointment are provided. Seizure management during
treatment, and ways to handle signs of trauma that may be observed by the dentist
during the appointment are briefly summarized.
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Resource Center(NICHD): A
handbook for oral care physicians created by the NICHD in collaboration with the
National Association of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The booklet is one in a series
on providing oral care for people with developmental disabilities including ASD,
Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, and intellectual disability. The autism handbook lists
the issues and oral health challenges common in individuals with ASD, and lists care
strategies for the same. Specific ways to prepare for patients who present with “unusual
and unpredictable body movements” and sensitivity to sensory stimuli is offered.

Dental Care – Continuing Education course: Dental Care offers a free continuing
education course for dental professionals, aimed at learners getting a better
understanding of ASD, and preparing them for an experience of handling a patient with
ASD. The course content is extensive, and provides modules on creating a sensory
friendly office, developing an office protocol for patients with ASD, utilizing a visual
schedule, and behavior management strategies to increase appropriate behavior. The
course is intended for all types of dental professionals, and dental students, and is self-
instructional.

Please also see other related ASAT articles:

 Interview with Dr. Purnima Hernandez, DDS will get links once Preeti places
them.
 Clinical Corner: Cooperating with Dental Exams

Cite this:
Celiberti, D, & Sivaraman, M. (2019). Consumer Corner: An annotated list of online
resources for promoting tolerance of dental care. Science in Autism Treatment, 16(2).