Pilot dental program for people with autism produces great results

GOING to the dentist for many people can be challenging, but if you have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it can be extremely difficult.
Bellarine Community Health is piloting a program that provides a personalised dental service for people with autism.
The project, the first of its kind in Victoria, is already producing great outcomes.
Three-year-old Ethan Pavlovic has ASD and recently used the personalised dental program.
Mum Samantha said Ethan normally didn’t cope well with anything medical, but because of the communication and supports put in place before they visited the BCH Dental Clinic, the outcome was fabulous.
“Before the appointment the dental team went through everything with us that could make it easier for Ethan,” Samantha said.
“We agreed on a plan that would work for him like having his favourite TV show on the iPad, toys if he needed them and not reclining the chair back.”
The family were sent a pack containing the sorts of things used at the dentist like gloves and facemask, along with a social story and visual schedule with pictures that Ethan could follow.
The week prior to his appointment, Ethan played with the things in his pack and got familiar with the social story and schedule.
“As soon as we walked in, we showed Ethan the schedule and said this is where you are up to, so now it’s time to sit in the chair and he was happy to do it,” Samantha said.
“It all just flowed, and the Dentist and team were so patient.”
Samantha was thrilled with how positive the experience was for Ethan that she is making an appointment for her other son, who also has ASD.
The personalised dental program is not only for children, anyone with a diagnosis of ASD from across Geelong and the Bellarine can access the program.
Bellarine Community Health Project Lead and qualified Speech Pathologist Nicki Goodwin said BCH was committed to providing care for everyone in the community.
“Dental care and good oral health are important to our overall health and wellbeing but going to the dentist can be very challenging for people on the spectrum.”