Dentist question

[Jessie]

Has anyone ever had a hard time finding a dentist that will take a special needs child? For the past year, on and off, when I get a chance to make those types of calls, I have been trying to get Jason into the dentist. I cannot find anyone in this area that will take him. I'm so upset right now. The last dentist I just spoke with has been advertising this wonderful program for kids up to age 16. I called and was up front that Jason has Ds and that it's been awhile since he's been to the dentist so the first couple of appointmentst may be a struggle. I wanted to be honest about what might happen. This "kid friendly" place turned us down. Let's just say that they got an earful from me and I told them that their ad should read "kids up to age 16 that are perfectly normal - no defects allowed". They probably weren't very happy, but I don't really give a crap right now.

I have now actually been referred to go to University of Michigan - an hour & a half drive to go to the dentist!

And, we have regular dental insurance, so that's not the issue.

What to do, what to do? Maybe just make an appointment with any pediatric dentist and not tell them that Jason has Ds?

I'm so disgusted with these people right now.


Jessie

[Jessie]

Ok, in answer to my own question I just placed a call into the Michigan Dental Association to find someone that will take Jason . . . and also to submit a little teeny tiny complaint . . .


Jessie

[Connie]

Jessie,

I have seen my dentist for the last 22 years (we will leave it at that and not say how old I am!!! ;D ). I started taking my kids to him when they were 3 but for some reason I thought Collin needed to see a Pedeatric Dentist. He saw him 1x at 18 months and that was it because I switched him to see my dentist and things have worked out wonderful. Everyone loves him.

Things have gotten better each time we go to the dentist. This last time he did a complete cleaning with no problems. They only push him as far as he is willing to tolerate them because they don't want to tramatized him or scare him.

He has never had any cavities or other problems except for some minor wearing of his front teath. But, I figure we if he does we will try our dentist and if it doesn't work we will look for someone who has more experience with children that can be difficult at times...my dentist will not sedate children because he doesn't want to be made out to be the bad guy!!!

So, my suggestion is if he doesn't need anything more than a cleaning try your own dentist and don't freak out if they don't do a whole cleaning. Have them start like a normal cleaning with the tools and counting his teeth (the metal tools sometime freak Collin out...he doesn't like the feeling in his mouth but he is getting better) the go on to the spinny brush, etc....1 baby step at a time.

Connie

[Jessie]

Connie - although I really love my dentist, they won't take him either!

[Connie]

Jesse,

What is their reasoning behind this? If he's not a problem why aren't they willing to work with him and atleast give him a chance? It may take a few regular visits before they are able to do a complete cleaning but what's wrong with that?

Connie

[justinsmom]

Jessie that was our problem as well no one would even consider seeing Justin around here. We just had our second visit to U of M dental school this time for a cleaning and xrays and next week to work on 3 of his ground down teeth. We also have private dental but still no one would take him, I even begged them to at least try but kept hitting the same brick wall grrrrrr. Like I said we have been there twice and so far both times we were in the waiting room for maybe 10 minutes tops, the staff has been awesome with Justin.

[Connie]

Jessie,

I wanted to make sure you didn't think I was questioning YOU because I'm not I'm just asking general questions as I hate things like this!!!

In reference to being honest upfront ant telling them he has DS, I agree honesty is the best policy but I am beginning to think there are times when we as parents need to release information on a need to know basis. Then let them discriminate to our faces because not having that phone line as protection I think they would change there tone really quick.

Connie

[Mary_L.]

I had a hard time finding a dentist for Patrick, who is 6, and happened on a pediatric dentist who specializes in children with special need~even wrote a book about it for other dentists! I really lucked out. I was a little put off when the dentist who saw my other boys didn't want to see Patrick but I'll tell you, after taking Patrick to the dentist he has now I can see why the "regular" dentist didn't feel comfortable seeing him. Patrick needed a lot of work done and I had to sit in the chair and wrap my arms and legs around Patrick to keep him still~this was even with medicine to sedate him. I am gald we found someone who felt comfortable with Patrick and understood how he was reacting.

I was lucky to have found someone in my area but would drive an hour and a half to go to someone who was comfortable treating Patrick if that's what I had to do. It sounds like you have someone you like now~hopefully he wont need too many visits and you wont need to make the trip too often.

[Chester]

Wow! I'm surprised that it has been such an ordeal. Back in WI we didn't have a problem at all.

We've basically done what Connie suggested, JT goes in every 6 months, but so far hasn't had much other done than just a quick look and lots and lots of praise.

I suppose I better start looking here in KY for a dentist now. Finding a dentist is one of the last things I thought I'd have problems with.

Good Luck!
Dawn

[AnnieC]

I take Raven to a pediatric dentist........they are wonderful with her & I noticed an adult with DS in there this morning when I took the 2 younger girls for their checkup.

Are there any pediatric dentists in Michigan? Might be worth a try.

good luck!

Raven dislikes the dentist as well....daddy has to take her, because she is too strong for me! low tone my a$%!!!!

[CC]

Sorry to hear that Jessie. We have lots of Ped Dentists up here that would LOVE to have Jason

Just a thought girl but since Jason goes to a school just for ones with exceptional needs how about asking some Mom's from the school where they all go with their kids.

Best of Luck

CC ~

[Pat]

Jessie sorry you're having to go thru this. My dentist said just bring him in when you have your visit & we'll play around in his mouth to see how he handles it. Of course our dental ins changed & I had to look for another. So I too looked for a ped dentist & there was one who worked with kids with DS It's an hour away but I don't mind because were on the same page as far as not scaring him. (I hate dentists! Yes, I go) I don't want my kids to feel the same way I do. I did tell them he had DS, but I didn't say how he would react because I didn't know.
Connie.. you must have started with your dentist when you still were still gumming it LOL
Pat

[drseven]

Hi Jessie,

I would try Dr. Richard Jankowski, DDS he is located on Pennsylvania Ave in Lansing. He was the president of the Michigan Dental Association at one time and is a nice man. My sister worked for him a while back and the last I knew he was still taking new patients.

Take care and good luck!

Dawn

[Jessie]

Ok, I've been out of town for a few days so I haven't been able to respond to you Connie. I have been telling them up front that he has Ds and that the first couple of visits might be a little tough. I guess I felt like they should know that it won't be an easy visit because actually between you, me and the rest of the internet world, it will probably be more reminiscent of an exorcism!

I spoke to Jason's pediatrician today (he's at Michigan State University so I figured he could tell me if there is someone at MSU) and he said we would have to take him to University of Michigan because they are about the only pediatric facility that will use sedation (as a side note: I never asked if they did sedation and not one dentist I called said this was the issue). And, unfortunately, he will most likely need sedation even for a cleaning. I tell ya, it's not going to be pretty.

So . . . I guess I have to give up being a mean complainy person towards the local dentists here - dang, it was such a good outlet too!!! LMAO

BTW, never did hear back from Michigan Dental Association. Nice.

Thanks everyone!

Jessie

P.S. Hi Dawn!

[Chris]

This is for Justinsmom. We go to a pediatric dentist who specializes in kids with special needs. His name is Jason Golnick and he and his father have a practice in Taylor. I think they have a second office in Oakland county.

Chris