Comfortable Dental Care

Tell us what helps

Before your visit, let us know what would help you feel more comfortable. You might want to discuss:

• how you prefer us to explain things
• sounds, lights, tastes, textures, or other sensory triggers
• mobility or positioning needs
• difficulty remaining in one position
• previous difficult dental or healthcare experiences
• whether you would like a caregiver or guardian involved
• whether you need breaks during treatment
• whether you prefer us to explain each step before we begin
• medication preferences or concerns
• anything else that has helped during previous healthcare visits

You do not need to fit into a particular diagnosis or category to ask for an accommodation.

Sensory-friendly dental care

Dental offices can involve bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, vibration, water, suction, tastes, smells, and people working close to your face.

For patients with sensory sensitivities, knowing what to expect and having more control over the appointment can make a significant difference.

Depending on the patient and the treatment, we may be able to adjust how we communicate, introduce instruments gradually, provide breaks, change positioning, reduce unnecessary stimulation, or modify the pace of the visit.

Dental anxiety and difficult past experiences

Some patients have avoided dental care for years because of fear or a previous bad experience.

You do not need to be embarrassed about that.

We can start by talking about what concerns you, examining only what you are comfortable addressing, and developing a plan from there. Oral conscious sedation may also be available when additional help with anxiety is needed.

Trauma-informed dental care

We try to make treatment understandable and predictable, ask permission before proceeding, explain what we are doing, respect a patient's ability to stop or pause, and avoid unnecessary surprises.

If there is something you do not want discussed, a particular way you prefer to communicate, or something that would help you maintain a greater sense of control during treatment, tell us.

Autism, developmental disabilities & special healthcare needs

Canobie Dental welcomes patients with autism, developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory needs, and other special healthcare needs.

A first visit does not always need to accomplish everything.

For some patients, becoming familiar with the office, meeting the team, sitting in the dental chair, or completing only part of an examination may be useful progress.

Parents, guardians and caregivers often know which approaches help. Please share what has worked well and what we should avoid.

Physical disabilities & mobility needs

Please tell us about mobility, transfer, positioning, wheelchair, balance, or other physical-access needs before the appointment when possible.

We can discuss the planned treatment and determine how it can be provided safely and comfortably within our office.

Caregivers and guardians

Caregivers and guardians may play an important role in communication, decision-making, transportation, home care, and helping a patient feel comfortable.

We welcome appropriate caregiver involvement while continuing to speak directly with and involve the patient to the extent possible.

Patients in recovery

Patients in recovery from substance use disorder, or anyone who prefers to avoid particular medications, are welcome to discuss those concerns with us.

Dental pain and anxiety can often be managed in more than one way. Tell us about your preferences so they can be considered when developing a clinically appropriate treatment plan.

When care needs exceed our office setting

Some patients need resources, specialized behavioral support, complex medical coordination, or an anesthesia setting that is not available in a general dental office.

If a particular treatment cannot be provided safely in our office, we will explain that clearly and help you understand the next step.

Preparing for your visit

Contact our Newport team before your appointment if you or someone you care for needs extra support. We can talk through your concerns and plan the visit together.

• Contact our team
• Directions to the Newport office