This course is offered by the University of British Columbia. It is designed to assist dentists, dental hygienists, certified dental assistants, dental technicians, denturists, dental therapists, dental office staff, and anyone interested in dentistry to learn practical and useful strategies on how to support autistic and neurodivergent clients of all ages in the dental setting.
Course Description
This course is designed to assist dentists, dental hygienists, certified dental assistants, dental technicians, denturists, dental therapists, dental office staff and anyone interested in dentistry to learn practical and useful strategies on how to support autistic and neurodivergent clients of all ages in the dental setting. In fact, many of the strategies presented will help all clients have more successful dental visits.
This program includes a series of four self-paced, interactive modules filled with useful activities and videos and is available to anyone, anywhere for free.
Module 1: Understanding Autism and Neurodiversity
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the key features of autism and address common myths and stereotypes
- Learn about the neurodiversity framework/movement
- Learn about common oral health conditions observed in autistic and neurodivergent clients
Module 2: Preparing for the Appointment
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to create a sensory adapted dental environment
- Learn about scheduling, pre-assessment and familiarization strategies to set clients up for success
- Learn how to share positive pre-visit imagery with your clients
Module 3: During the Appointment
Learning Objectives:
- Learn strategies to create an inclusive and welcoming waiting area
- Learn strategies to support effective communication
- Learn how to use visual supports in the dental setting
- Learn how to use systematic desensitization in the dental setting
- Understand the issues surrounding protective stabilization and restraint
Module 4: After the Appointment
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to provide an individualized at-home oral hygiene plan based on a family-centered approach
- Learn what at-home strategies and oral hygiene products to recommend
- Learn about visual supports that can help with at-home oral care
Upon completion of all 4 modules, learners will receive a “Certificate of Completion” that can be used to apply for continuing education credits.
For questions about this course, contact Vicki Knight at the University of British Columbia Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism.