Dentist Saga (Hannah)

I’m not sure I’ve continuously documented Hannah’s dental visits here, but they have been... disastrous. 

We’ve been going since she was three years old and every cleaning we end up restraining her and she loses her ever-loving mind, screaming. It’s awful. 

This week I even told the manager about Hannah’s phobia of the loud buzzing brush - they kindly adapted with a regular toothbrush with fluoride, and sat in my lap facing me, head back in the dentist’s lap (still a little weirded out by that) and I still ended up restraining her. 

I think she just doesn’t want people in her mouth - it’s a control issue. 

The current pediatric dentist is “fine.” Very nice, experienced dentist and staff... however, they are a bit older, so I’m not sure how savvy they are with a lot of kids who have sensory needs and what different strategies can be used. 

I will most likely look into other offices a bit further away who have been recommended and have various strategies for sensory issues; TVs, therapy dogs, etc. I’ve even heard of people laying on the floor for cleanings. 

At the very least we need to take baby steps and friendly visits to get Hannah to a comfortable level. I really don’t want my child to have a fear of the dentist. Nor need to be sedated. Hannah is already going to have several dental issues - small mouth, overcrowded teeth. The current dentist already mentioned expanding her palette. 

It makes me sad and anxious. 

In related news, dental students just now will be trained to care with those for special needs - !

“The National Council on Disability helped push for the change in standards after publishing a report in 2017 showing that adults with developmental disabilities are at higher risk for poor oral health and face multiple barriers to accessing care, including a shortage of appropriately trained professionals.”

Something you never think about, huh?

TEDxCincinnati

TEDxCincinnati Women happened back in early December but the videos were just released - pretty great seeing women from Cincinnati tell their stories. Lots of great thought and fodder. 

One of my favorite speeches was from Jenn Jordan - she’s been the morning on-air talent for 102.9 for many many years. She also has a teenage son with autism, so I love that she has a public voice for not only autism, but kids with disabilities as a whole. 

To Love Under Any Condition

My other favorite speech was from Kara Ayers - some of my fellow DS Moms know her, and has a great speech for understanding ableism and parenting with a disability. 

Disabled Parenting in An Ableist World

I think Kara’s talk is eye-opening, even for me.