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twinmommy · 08-30-2010, 05:16 PM

We have not taken the twins to the dentist yet. I can honestly say that I am dreading it and would like to take them to a dentist that specializes in special needs children so that DS will be supported.

Can anyone recommend their dentist or anyone share their experiences?

It took 4 visits to the optometrist before DS would cooperate for an eye exam (even the last time he did not fully cooperate). It has taken numerous visits to the pediatrician for it not to end in a meltdown. It has taken 6 visits to the hairstylist (which is his aunt) not to end up in a meltdown so if you see a pattern here, it takes DS awhile to get used to the situation before he will cooperate with the person.

Please help

*allie* · 08-30-2010, 06:09 PM

I think you need a referral for him, but if you have a dentist yourself, chances are they will refer you if you ask - without putting him through a visit, and putting him in a stressful spot.

DS saw a dentist at Children's Hospital named Dr. Lee. He was fantastic with him. He has the tv screen in the ceiling, and you get to choose from umpteen movies. He is a specialist for special needs children, mostly. That is why he's by referral, I think.Also, he's good moneywise - he told me that he knows he can make way more in his own practice, but he has a nice house, nice car, big tv, etc and would rather be helping kids who really need it than making more and more money. Sure, anyone can say it. But he accepts CINOT, (through the health unit) which pays a lot less than insurance; and he is very open and compassionate about money concerns, so I tend to believe him.

He's also good at taking the time with a parent to listen and to explain, which impressed me. AFter ds's surgery he stood there about fifteen minutes explaining stuff and then answering my questions.

I can pm you his info if you want to ask your dentist.

twinmommy · 08-30-2010, 06:44 PM

My pediatrician could make this referral, right?

million$momma · 08-30-2010, 08:17 PM

The dental office in the plaza by Scholar's Choice at Masonville specializes in pediatrics and special needs patients.

tansie · 08-30-2010, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by million$momma

The dental office in the plaza by Scholar's Choice at Masonville specializes in pediatrics and special needs patients.

I've heard this one is good. Many friends use them.

We were referred by our dentist to Dr Friedman. Just remember that a paed dentist charges more and those charges are usually NOT covered by insurance plans. But, they do have more experience with kids with extra needs. My DS meltsdown everytime. They do what they can, and have also gone as far as to allow his IBI therapists to make a DVD that DS could watch. His favourite therapist was the patient, and the other filmed it at DS's eye level. They went through the entire appt from pulling in to the parking lot, to picking a toy at the end. Dr Friedman NEVER CHARGED FOR THEIR TIME in making this video! The hygenist is also supposed to be sending me pic syms to make a social story with. And, I used to take DS by myself and he was on and off. Last time he went, DH took him and DD was also there. They asked DD to “model“ for DS, and it was his best appt yet. They have asked she comeback everytime... and that DH take him until he has a meltdown and then switch back to me.

We were slightly put off by them at first - 4 years ago - because we felt chastized because of DS's bad dental hygiene. But over the years they have gotten to know us, and know that we do the best we can. We now get kudos for when it is working instead. If you can get past his initial bedside manner (I think he tests your toughness

) I highly recommend him.

MrsSunshine · 08-30-2010, 08:25 PM

Dr. Plotzke?

twinmommy · 08-30-2010, 08:34 PM

My sister went to Dr. Payne beside scholar's choice but I wasn't sure if they did special needs.

I have heard Dr. Friedman's name come up quite often. Well, if he is good with DS then I will just have to deal with his bedside manner. I hope he isn't too tough or the meltdown won't be DS, it will be me

mama_jess · 08-30-2010, 08:50 PM

I like Dr Richmond across from the Children's hospital. DD really likes it there and they've been super patient with her. He's a paediatric dentist as well. My regular dentist referred us and though we have to pay up front it hasn't been too bad with the benefits.

mom to r and c · 08-30-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tansie

We were referred by our dentist to Dr Friedman.

We were slightly put off by them at first - 4 years ago - because we felt chastized because of DS's bad dental hygiene. But over the years they have gotten to know us, and know that we do the best we can. We now get kudos for when it is working instead. If you can get past his initial bedside manner (I think he tests your toughness

) I highly recommend him.

I agree with what tansie said. We have had a similar experience with him.

*allie* · 08-31-2010, 12:08 AM

DS's entire surgery - xrays, cleaning, 'being put under', 5 caps and a filling were all done for $1230. I found that incredibly reasonable.

The first appt we went to with Dr.Lee, we were laid off, so he did not even charge us for it. He asked if we had coverage, I said not right now but I can pay you cash, and he said no, there is no charge then. I guess I'm just loyal lol because he was so good with ds. And me.

D's Mummy · 08-31-2010, 01:23 PM

Allie
I would have to agree with you Dr Lee is fabulous but I may be a bit biased because I worked with him at Vic and he IS all that he appears to be!!!!!!

A bit of a downfall though for Dr Raymond Lee because he is sought out by most dentists for his speciality sometimes thiir is a bit of a wait list to get in to see him.

SweetyPi · 08-31-2010, 01:29 PM

We used to see Dr. Plotzke. Great Dr. Kinda not keen on him myself but that's why DH takes her. She now sees Dr. Beattie in the same office. Great guy. She watching the tv the whole time. The only sedation used was the laughing gas. Not picks, not needles, no novocaine. She did great. He was wonderfully calm and she picked up on that immediately. I find going earlier in the morning when it's less hectic to be great for our girl. Seems to carry her through. Once she hears someone going through the roof, she starts. That's just my observations for our girl though. I hope you're able to find one. We got referred by our dentist to the paed office. Now she goes there for everything.

Tanya-Mae · 08-31-2010, 03:44 PM

Dr. Kathrine Zettle is Guelph is super fabulous. She is a pediatric dentist who does alot with special needs kids. She accepts CINOT, has privileges at the Guelph General Hospital and is very reasonably priced. You do not need a referral to see her. This is the dentist I take Taylor to and have recommended her to many other happy families.

Sick Kids has a dental clinic. This is where I take Daegan who has very specialized dental needs. You do need a referal from your family doctor (or pediatrcian) to get in her as they only accept special need patients.

To be perfectly honest, with all the dentists I have dealt with at Sick Kids and elsewhere, I like Dr. Zettle the best. She is simply awesome... and I don't say that very often about medical professionals.

dressage mom · 08-31-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mama_jess

I like Dr Richmond across from the Children's hospital. DD really likes it there and they've been super patient with her. He's a paediatric dentist as well. My regular dentist referred us and though we have to pay up front it hasn't been too bad with the benefits.

We were just there today for our first visit. I really liked him. Dd did, as well. Super friendly people there. Not sure how he deals with special needs children, but he seems very patient and kind.

ButterflyEffect · 08-31-2010, 08:04 PM

We just received our appt. for Dr.Richmond in the mail today. I called our paed on Thursday and we have an appt in one week! I thought it would take much longer than that!
He sent 3 pages of information for us to read along with a sticker for dd

The info is very thorough and re-assuring, he obviously works with alot of special needs kids.
We'll see how it goes, he is going to earn his money at her appt lol!