Dentist!

I can totally relate to dental anxiety. I recently moved to a new city, and on my second day, I experienced sharp dental pain. I was terrified! But luckily, I found a great clinic using the dentist nearby [link removed by Moderator] option online. It's essential to find a dentist you feel comfortable with. Regarding your situation, understanding why your child refused the dental appointment is crucial. Exploring ideas to overcome anxiety is a great approach. Perhaps starting with open communication, gradual exposure, or finding a dentist experienced with ASD could help. It's worth exploring these options before considering the hospital referral.

It has been a while since I posted and the good news is that my daughter has managed to get to our dentist. It is learning curve, but it is all about giving her plenty of notice to prepare mentally and get a time in the day that they feel is OK. They have a similar response to other appointments such as the opticians, but now we know we can plan. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

This thread is from a year ago, but I wanted to offer some suggestions in case you're still dealing with the dental check-up challenge. It can be tough when anxiety gets in the way, especially for someone with ASD. Before considering the hospital referral, you could explore ways to understand and overcome the anxiety with your local dentist.
You can also consider using distractions like headphones with favorite music or practicing relaxation techniques to help reduce anxiety. If you're looking for dental services, you might want to check out [link removed by moderator]. They offer a range of treatments and may have insights on managing dental anxiety.

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It seems that you should create an association that a doctor is not scary and does not hurt. For example, after visiting a doctor, you can do something your son likes, like a luna park or a new game for a console. I do this with my daughter when we visit a doctor at [link removed by moderator]  She already knows that mom will buy her something cool after the reception and does not worry in the doctor's chair. This is a simple association, but it works very well for a child, so I advise you to try it.

Yep! And thet are brilliant. Just see a regular dentist and ask for a referral. Then, tell 'special care' dentistry you are autistic and as much as you can about your concerns. 

That is great advice. I’m in my fifties too and I find going to the dentist so difficult and upsetting. I’ve got a problem with my teeth now and keep putting off going. I feel sick every time I even think about it, I didn’t know there were special services available like this - they sound really good. 

Thank you. Yes it is my child, they haven't liked going (but what kid does) for check ups, but never refused before this appointment. She had similar experiences with opticians but we are managing that for now. I know how important seeing a dentist is, and realise going makes her anxious so am keen to get her somewhere where she will feel less anxious. Your reply has helped to understand how going to the community hospital may well be the best option.

Thank you !

Oh Boy, I have the full blown adult version of this.

By "hospital" I hope they mean community dental services, often known as "special care"..they treat in hospital where necessary. GO!!! They are fab. They often have specialist autism clinics too.

Dentistry is way ahead of general medicine in recognising the needs of people on the spectrum. Mine have been patient and kind, are better psychologists in dealing with dental phobias (common in ASD) than most mental health practitioners and will take a real softly, softly approach around the sensory issues and anxiety.

I take it this is your kid you are talking about. Please, please take them and let them get help now. If they get to middle age with this unaddressed, like me, it can turn into not only poor dental health but a mental health crisis.

You know it was a dental issue that tipped me in to a MH crisis which in turn led to my ASD diagnosis at the age of 56. MH services were appalling, my special care dentist never gave up on me. If I could have had a service like that as a kid, I may never have had the meltdowns with treatment in middle age or medical/dental phobias dominating my life to the point of suicidal ideation.

Let the specialists in autistic dentistry handle the anxiety now, so they don't go through what I have.

Hiya,. My experience. 
they don’t mean the hospital dentist where one goes to get teeth out under sedation.  Ours are located in the smaller hospitals around here. These types of dentist have time for the patients, there will be a assessment first, but it’s not a in and out dentist. You’ll be the only one in the waiting room etc. 30min-1hr appointments