For many autistic children, a dental visit is a lot: bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, new smells, someone close to their face, and things happening inside their mouth. If your child has had a hard time at the dentist, or you've been told they're "too difficult," you're not alone, and it doesn't have to stay that way.
Here's how we plan visits for autistic children and kids with sensory differences, and what you can do at home to help.
Why dental care matters, and why it's harder
Children on the autism spectrum can be at higher risk of dental problems. Sensory sensitivities can make brushing a daily battle, some children have restricted diets or graze throughout the day, and some medicines can cause dry mouth. At the same time, a stressful visit can make every future visit harder.
That's why the goal isn't just to get through one appointment. It's to build a routine your child can tolerate, and ideally trust, over years.
Our approach
Dr. Morgan Morrow completed her pediatric dental residency at the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. That training included extensive clinical work with autistic children, and her residency research focused on dental treatment for children on the spectrum. At First Smile, special needs care isn't a side service. It's central to how the practice was built.
It starts with a phone call
Before the first visit, we invite you to call us so we can hear about your child: what triggers distress, what calms them, how previous visits went, how they communicate, and what you hope this visit will be.
A plan built around your child
Together we decide what the first appointment includes. Sometimes the right first visit is just walking through the office and sitting in the chair. Sometimes it's a full exam. We pace it for your child, not for the schedule.
The visit itself
Tell-show-do at every step: we explain, show, then do
Sensory tools such as sunglasses for the light, noise-reducing headphones and weighted items
A parent in the chair or right beside it
Breaks whenever needed
Visual supports and predictable routines, visit after visit
Following your child's cues, and stopping when they need us to
After the visit
We talk through what worked and what we'd change next time. When treatment is needed, we build it into the rhythm we've established together. If sedation might help, we discuss options openly. You can read more on our sedation page.
About restraint: we never use physical restraint without your informed consent, and never as a first option. Behavioral support, sensory accommodations and sedation options always come first.
How to prepare at home
Use a social story or visual schedule. Walk through each step: car, waiting room, chair, light, counting teeth, going home. Photos help.
Practice "open wide." Make it a game with a mirror, a toothbrush or a favorite toy.
Let your child explore a toothbrush and mirror on their own terms.
Pick the best time of day for your child, and tell us about routines that matter.
Bring comfort items: headphones, a tablet, a chewy, or a favorite toy.
Tell us what works. You know your child best, and we'll follow your lead.
Making brushing easier
If brushing is a daily struggle, try:
A soft or silicone brush, or a three-sided brush that cleans more teeth at once
Unflavored or mild toothpaste if strong mint is too much
A consistent spot and time, with a timer or song so your child knows when it ends
Standing behind your child or sitting together on the floor for better reach and comfort
Small wins: a few seconds more each week counts
Families are welcome here
We see autistic children and kids with sensory processing differences, ADHD, anxiety, Down syndrome and complex medical histories. We accept Delaware Medicaid (DMAP) plans. If a previous office couldn't give your child a calm visit, please call us before booking.
Learn more about our autism-friendly dentistry and special needs dentistry, or call Middletown (302) 376-3750 or West Dover (302) 734-0330.