According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the definition of someone who may have special health care needs is someone with any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. The condition may be congenital, developmental, or acquired through disease, trauma, or environmental cause and may impose limitations in performing daily self-maintenance activities or substantial limitations in a major life activity.
Oral health care, or any sort of health care, for individuals with special needs requires specialized knowledge and compassion as well as increased awareness, attention, adaptation, and accommodative measures beyond what are considered routine. This population is one that we are very passionate about serving, and hope you will give us a chance to prove that to you!
Oral Conscious Sedation
In addition to specializing in the area of pediatric dentistry at Indiana University School of Dentistry, Dr. Wiley has a unique passion for, as well as specialized training and experience, in working with individuals with special healthcare needs. During his residency at Riley Hospital for Children, he was nominated by his faculty to participate in Indiana’s Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) LEND Program. He received advanced training in family-centered planning, as well as caring for those with special healthcare needs in a multidisciplinary cohort.
After Sedation
On a personal level, Dr. Wiley has a family member that he is close to with special healthcare needs. His lifelong friendship and bond led to his passion for and special fondness for working with individuals with these types of conditions. Due to his personal experience, he knew from the beginning that he wanted to help this population in any way he could, and our patients and families love him for it!
We See A Lot Of Patients With Special Healthcare Needs
From the inception of our practice, we have placed a great deal of importance and passion on those who have special healthcare needs which, in many cases, includes seeing a lot of adult patients. In many ways, adults with some of these conditions often respond like someone of a much younger age, which makes the treatment process feel very similar in nature. In many of these types of cases we find that trust and desensitizing the patients to our office and team to be very effective. Sometimes the use of sedatives like nitrous oxide and oral medications are a more effective tool than using any sort of restraining devices or restraining techniques. The safety and comfort of our patients during any and all procedures is our top priority, and we will work with you to ensure that both their safety and comfort are taken seriously and treatment is completed effectively!
Higher Risk
Children and young adults with special healthcare needs are oftentimes at an increased risk for oral diseases throughout their lifetime. Oral diseases can have a direct and devastating impact on the health and quality of life of those with certain systemic health problems and / or conditions. Individuals with compromised immunity like leukemia, malignancies, human immunodeficiency virus or cardiac conditions associated with endocarditis, may be especially vulnerable to the effects of oral diseases. In most cases, individuals with mental, developmental, or physical disabilities who do not have the ability to understand, assume responsibility for, or cooperate with preventive oral health practices are susceptible as well. Rest assured, we will do our very best to equip you and your family in how to best compensate and adjust for your loved ones with special healthcare needs in Indianapolis, IN.
