Special Needs Dentistry
Special needs dentistry is dental care thoughtfully adapted for children with physical, developmental, sensory, behavioural or medical needs. At Tooth Town, we take pride in treating children with special needs. Our goal is to do all we can to provide a comfortable environment that will make every patient feel relaxed while getting their dental needs taken care of. Our interior is designed to be fun and kid-friendly, and we have quiet rooms where we can begin familiarising children who require a gentle introduction to a new environment. We always work together with parents to give children everything they need from their dental home.
Care built around your child
Children with special needs require special attention when it comes to oral hygiene and dental care. To come up with an effective strategy, it is important to identify the specific factors that affect each child’s dental health — the physical state of their teeth and oral structures, their diet, and even how they ingest their food. All of these factors, along with any underlying conditions, come together to give a cohesive picture of how to best maintain oral health for a child with special needs. The paediatric dentists consulting at Tooth Town are specifically trained to understand these comprehensive needs and work closely with other members of your child’s medical team to ensure they receive comprehensive, integrated care. We treat special needs children with the love and care they deserve.
Led by Dr Candy Fung
Our special needs dentistry service is led by Dr Candy Fung, with telehealth appointments available where appropriate — a helpful option for families for whom travel is difficult, or as a gentle first introduction. Please contact our team to arrange a time that works for your family.
Taking it at your child’s pace
Some children benefit from a few visits to familiarise themselves with the practice before any treatment happens — and we genuinely welcome these visits. Other children require sedation or general anaesthesia for treatment to be done comfortably and safely. We are passionate about working together with every child’s carers to ensure children are as comfortable as possible. Our team takes the time to make sure your child progressively gains confidence in our environment, and that parents and carers understand how to care for their child’s teeth at home. By working together, we can make sure a child with special needs gets high-quality dental treatment that keeps their teeth strong and healthy.
Preparing for a visit
We have created a Social Story around check-ups for children who need a bit more of an introduction before stepping into a dental practice — a picture-based walkthrough you can read together at home so nothing at the visit comes as a surprise. Our guide to preparing for a special needs dental visit has more practical suggestions, and if there is anything that would help your child — a particular room, a quiet time of day, a favourite toy — tell us when you book and we’ll make it happen wherever we can.
Frequently asked questions
My child won’t manage a normal appointment. Can you still help?
Yes. Appointments are shaped around your child — familiarisation visits, quiet rooms, extra time, and sedation options where needed. There’s no such thing as a child “too difficult” for us; we simply find the approach that works for them.
What should I tell you before our first visit?
Anything you feel helps us know your child: diagnoses, medications, sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. The more we understand, the better we can prepare — you know your child best, and we listen.
Can we visit before any treatment happens?
Absolutely — familiarisation visits are often the best possible start. Your child can meet us, explore the space and build confidence over one or several visits, with no pressure to do anything more until they’re ready.
Is telehealth available?
Yes, telehealth consultations are available where appropriate — they can be a gentle way to start, or a practical option when travelling is hard. Contact our team and we’ll help you decide whether telehealth or an in-person visit suits your situation best.
Can the Child Dental Benefits Schedule help with costs?
Eligible children can use the CDBS for check-ups, X-rays and preventive services. Specialist care may involve a gap, and our team will explain costs clearly before treatment. Our CDBS guide is a good starting point.
Every child deserves a dental home
Contact Tooth Town to talk about your child’s needs — we’ll take it from there, together, at whatever pace suits your child.
