Dental Care for Children with Special Health Care Needs

Gentle, Personalized Dentistry for Children with Special Health Care Needs, Disabilities, and Medical Complexities

At Columbus Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves compassionate, high-quality dental care—especially those with special healthcare needs. Dr. Harvey and our team are proud to provide customized, patient-centered care for children who need a little extra support during their dental visits.

Whether your child has a developmental delay, sensory sensitivity, autism, anxiety, or a medical condition, we’re here to help them feel safe, understood, and celebrated—every step of the way.

What Are Special Health Care Needs?

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, individuals with special health care needs may have physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional conditions that require medical management, health care intervention, or specialized services. These conditions can be congenital, developmental, or acquired through illness, injury, or environmental factors. They may also limit a person’s ability to perform daily tasks or engage in major life activities.

Providing dental care for children with special health care needs is all about adapting our environment, techniques, and communication to fit your child’s individual needs. It requires more than just clinical expertise—it calls for compassion, flexibility, and thoughtful planning. 

We work closely with parents and caregivers to create a care plan that makes dental visits easier and more successful for your child. No matter your child’s background, we’re here to provide supportive, judgment-free care in a space where they feel safe and comfortable.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Visit

Your child’s first visit with Dr. Harvey is all about comfort and connection. We’ll start by learning about your child’s:

• Medical history and sensory preferences
• Communication style and behavioral needs
• Triggers and coping strategies that work best for them

We may also offer:

• Pre-visit office tours to build familiarity
• Private rooms
• Desensitization appointments 
• Visual storyboards 
• Extra time or breaks during the appointment
• Comfort items or tools for reducing sensory overload

Our goal is to make each appointment feel calm, respectful, and empowering—for your child and for you.

Supporting You, Every Step of the Way

We know that navigating dental care for a child with special needs can feel overwhelming. At Columbus Pediatric Dentistry, you’re not alone. Dr. Kaitlynn Harvey and our team are here to answer your questions, provide encouragement, and help your child develop a positive relationship with their oral health.