Special Dental Care for Kids with Special Needs
We know that your child is unique. That’s why we don’t just accommodate–we seek to understand and support your child's individual needs.
Mini Miners was built by parents of a child with special needs. We’ve put our heart into creating a positive dental experience that is comfortable and welcoming to all kids.
Working with Parents to Understand Individual Needs
At Mini Miners, care for kids with special needs begins with listening to parents.
We want to understand your child’s journey so we can create a unique plan for them. We recognize that parents are the experts for their children, so we take time to understand:
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Specific sensory sensitivities
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Communication preferences
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Behavioral triggers
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Previous healthcare experiences
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Comfort measures that work at home
A “Happy Visit” helps kids get comfortable at the dentist before their first treatment appointment!
Personalized Appointments
We don’t force children into a standard appointment format. Instead, our Mini Miners team adapts to each child's needs:
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"Happy Visits," where the initial goal might simply be to explore the space
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Gradual introduction to dental equipment and procedures
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Patient-led pacing and modified appointment lengths based on individual tolerance
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No pushing beyond comfort levels
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Scheduling during quieter times when needed
FLEXIBLE Treatment Options
The dental team offers flexible treatment options to accommodate different needs:
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Multiple sedation levels available when appropriate
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Non-invasive techniques like the Hall Crown method that don't require drilling
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Flexible positioning during treatments
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Staff trained in gentle restraint techniques only when absolutely necessary and with parental consent to deliver treatment in a safe manner
Staff Training and Expertise
The Mini Miners team is specifically prepared to work with special needs children:
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Specialized training in various conditions and accommodations
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Understanding of common medications and their dental implications
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Patient, unhurried approach to care
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Communication techniques for different ability levels
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Partnership with other healthcare providers
Family-Centered Support
We aim to make dental care in our office and at home easy for your family. We do this through:
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Education for parents about realistic home care techniques
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Specialized tools and product recommendations
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Coordination with other healthcare providers
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Community resource connections
How does Mini Miners accommodate children with sensory sensitivities?
We want your child to feel comfortable, so we offer lots of options for sensory sensitivities:
- Private treatment rooms rather than overwhelming open bay layouts
- Adjustable lighting options and sunglasses to reduce visual stimulation
- Ability to control sounds and music based on individual preferences
- Option to bring comfort items from home
- Flexible scheduling during quieter times of day
- Exam chairs that can be positioned for optimal comfort
Every child's sensory needs are unique, so we work with you to create a customized environment that works best for your child.
FAQs: SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS
Will my child with special needs be rushed through their appointment?Absolutely not. We schedule additional time for children with special needs to ensure a patient-led, unhurried approach. We follow your child's pace and comfort level, breaking procedures into manageable steps.
Do I need to stay with my child during the appointment? Parents are always welcome in our treatment rooms. For most children with special needs, having a parent present provides valuable comfort and support. You know your child best, and we consider you an essential part of the treatment team.
What if my child can't sit still for dental treatment?
We understand that sitting still can be challenging for many children with special needs. Our team is trained in various approaches:
- Breaking treatment into shorter segments
- Providing appropriate breaks as needed
- Offering various seating options beyond the traditional dental chair
- Using engaging distractions like ceiling-mounted TVs
- Considering sedation options when appropriate
We'll work with you to find the best approach for your child's specific needs.
What types of sedation are available if my child needs it?
Mini Miners offers multiple sedation levels:
- Mild sedation (nitrous oxide/laughing gas)
- Moderate oral sedation
- Deep sedation (general anesthesia) when necessary
The appropriate option depends on your child's specific needs, the treatment required, and their medical history. We'll discuss all options thoroughly so you can make an informed decision. You can learn more on our sedation page.
How do you handle communication with non-verbal children? We'll work with you to understand your child's unique communication style and adapt accordingly. We closely observe non-verbal cues and also are comfortable using other tools to help your child feel heard, whether that is digital communication devices, picture cards, or parent interpretation.
Can Mini Miners handle children with complex medical conditions? Yes. Our team is experienced in caring for children with a wide range of medical complexities. We coordinate with your child's medical providers when needed and take all necessary precautions based on their specific health needs. Please inform us about your child's medical conditions, medications, and specialists so we can provide the most appropriate care.
How does insurance work for children with special needs who may need more frequent visits? We accept multiple insurance types. Our insurance coordinator is experienced in navigating the complexities of special needs coverage and can help determine what services are covered. For children who medically require more frequent visits or additional services, we work with insurance companies to document this necessity. Visit our billing and insurance page for more information.
Creating Positive Dental Visits One Success at a Time
For special kids, we celebrate every small progress—whether it's simply entering the office without distress, tolerating the sensation of exam tools, or completing their first successful cleaning.
By prioritizing progress over perfection, we'll build a foundation for lifelong oral health.
