Our Special Needs Services

The field of Special Needs Dentistry is still relatively new in Australia and often patients and their families are not aware of the treatment that could be available to them. We provide a full range of dental treatment for persons with special needs including treatment under general anaesthesia.

Dental care for people with a physical disability

We provide accessible, comfortable dental care for patients with physical disabilities. Our clinic has been specifically designed to be mobility-friendly with carts and chairs which all move out of the way to allow for wheelchairs and beds to come in. Our team is trained to make you the most comfortable. We focus on tailored prevention, gentle treatment, and long-term oral health for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy, spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and other physical conditions.

Common procedures include:

Preventive Cleanings (Scale and Polish):
Modified positioning and supports are used to safely clean teeth and remove plaque, preventing decay and gum disease.

Comprehensive Oral Examinations:
Includes visual inspection, charting, and sometimes imaging (e.g., handheld or portable X-rays) to identify issues early.

Fluoride Treatments and Fissure Sealants:
Applied to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities, especially important for patients who may have difficulty with at-home brushing.

Dental Fillings:
Restorative treatment for decay using minimally invasive techniques with extra time and physical support.

Tooth Extractions:
When necessary, extractions are performed with special care in managing head and neck posture or involuntary movements.

Custom Mouthguards or Bite Splints:
For patients with traumatic biting habits and bruxism (teeth grinding), custom appliances protect teeth and soft tissue.

Modified Oral Hygiene Instruction for Carers:
Tailored advice and demonstrations to help carers manage daily oral care for patients with limited dexterity or movement.

Wheelchair-Accessible Procedures:
Our unique flexible setup allows for treatment to be performed in the patient’s wheelchair using portable mobile equipment.

Sedation or General Anaesthesia (when appropriate):
For patients unable to tolerate treatment while awake, care can be provided under sedation or general anaesthesia in a controlled, medically safe environment.

Learn More

Oral Care for People with Anxiety

Dental anxiety and dental fear is real and should never be downplayed. We provide compassionate care for individuals with dental anxiety, creating a calm and supportive environment. We tailor each visit to you by understanding triggers and building trust via a trauma-informed approach. Our aim is to work with you so we can make dental care a more positive and manageable experience. This might be via desensitisation, working with your psychologist, happy gas, gentle sedation or treatment under general anaesthesia. We are one of the only clinics in Australia to offer the full range of management options.

Common procedures include:

Desensitisation Appointments:
Gradual, short visits to help you get familiar with the dental environment, sounds, smells, and staff before any treatment is done.

Tell-Show-Do Technique:
A step-by-step approach where each part of the procedure is explained and demonstrated before it’s performed, reducing fear of the unknown.

Trauma-informed Approach:

We recognise the widespread impact of trauma and how it presents in the dental setting. This is why we emphasise physical and emotional safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. Our aim is to create an environment that minimises re-traumatization and promotes healing.

Oral Examinations and Check-Ups:
Conducted gently, often using mirrors or cameras to help you see and understand what’s happening, with plenty of pauses and reassurance.

Professional Teeth Cleaning:
Performed with minimal discomfort and adjusted pacing to accommodate the your tolerance and anxiety level.

Fluoride Application and Preventive Treatments:
These simple preventive procedures are so powerful at building your confidence and protecting you against future dental disease.

Use of Nitrous Oxide (Happy Gas):
Safe, mild sedation to reduce anxiety during routine treatments while keeping you awake and responsive.

Sedation Dentistry or General Anaesthesia:
For patients with severe dental phobia, procedures may be completed under sedation in rooms or general anaesthesia in a day surgery setting.

Comfort Aids and Distraction Techniques:
Weighted blankets, noise-cancelling headphones, calming music, and visual distractions are often used to reduce sensory overload.

Customised Treatment Plans:
Treatment is often broken into shorter, manageable visits to build familiarity and confidence over time.

Support for Carers and Guardians:
Guidance and reassurance are provided to caregivers to help them prepare patients for dental visits and support them during appointments.

Learn More

Oral Care for People with an Intellectual Disability

Our team specialises in gentle, patient-centred care for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We adapt our communication and approach to suit each patient's cognitive and behavioural needs, ensuring a calm, respectful, and empowering experience. Familiarisation visits, visual aids, and sensory-friendly environments support trust and cooperation, helping patients receive the dental care they need safely and confidently.

Common procedures include:

Familiarisation and Orientation Visits:
Short, low-pressure appointments help patients become comfortable with the dental setting, staff, and routines before treatment begins.

Simplified Oral Examinations:
Examinations are tailored to the patient's level of understanding, often using visual aids or mirrors to involve and reassure them.

Professional Teeth Cleaning (Scale and Polish):
Gentle cleanings are done using patient-friendly language, consistent routines, and regular breaks to reduce distress.

Preventive Treatments (Fluoride, Fissure Sealants):
Applied to help protect teeth, especially where daily oral hygiene may be difficult due to cognitive or motor challenges.

Dental Fillings and Minor Restorations:
Performed with behaviour guidance techniques, such as positive reinforcement or visual scheduling, and possibly mild sedation if required.

Tooth Extractions:
Only performed when necessary, with additional behavioural and medical supports in place to ensure safety and comfort.

Oral Hygiene Instruction for Carers:
Carers are trained in daily brushing and flossing techniques suited to the patient’s abilities, often using adaptive aids.

Use of Behaviour Support Strategies:
Techniques such as "tell-show-do", social stories, and visual communication boards are used to guide and prepare patients.

Sedation or General Anaesthesia (when appropriate):
For patients unable to tolerate care while awake, treatment may be completed under sedation or general anaesthesia in a hospital setting.

Regular Recall and Maintenance Visits:
Consistent follow-up visits help build routine, familiarity, and allow for proactive care to prevent dental emergencies.

Learn More