# How do I prepare my autistic child for the dentist?

> Choosing a dentist, preparing with pictures, practice visits, and what to ask for on the day.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/dentist-visit-autistic-child
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-28

**Short answer:** Look for a pediatric dentist experienced with autistic children, and tell them what helps before you go. Prepare with photos of the office and a short social story, practise opening wide and counting teeth at home, and ask for a first visit that's just a look around. On the day, bring headphones, sunglasses for the bright light, and a comfort item, and ask the team to show and tell before each step.

**Key takeaways**
- Choose a **pediatric dentist** who knows autism.
- Prepare with **photos** and a **social story**.
- Ask for a **practice visit** first.
- Bring **headphones, sunglasses** and a **comfort item**.

## How do I find the right dentist?

Ask other autism parents or your pediatrician for names. Pediatric dental guidance encourages individual plans for patients with special health care needs, so ask how the office adapts visits.[1][2]

## How do I prepare my child?

1. **Write a social story** with photos of the office.[3]
2. **Practise at home**: open wide, count teeth with a finger, look with a mirror.
3. **Book a practice visit** to sit in the chair and meet the team.
4. **Show picture steps**: chair, light, count teeth, brush, rinse, done.

## What helps on the day?

**Try:**
- Sunglasses for the bright light
- Headphones for noisy tools
- Asking staff to 'tell, show, do' before each step
- The first appointment of the day

**Skip:**
- Long waits in a busy waiting room
- Surprise tools
- Promising 'it won't hurt'

**Send a one-page note.** A short note about your child's communication, triggers and calming strategies helps the whole team.

Free printable: [Free printable: social narrative template](https://theautismkit.com/printables/social-narrative-template.pdf)

## What can I try this week?

- [ ] Ask for a practice visit
- [ ] Practise 'open wide' at home
- [ ] Pack sunglasses and headphones

Read next: [My autistic child hates brushing teeth. What can I do?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/brushing-teeth-autism)

## Common questions

### When should my child first see a dentist?

Pediatric dentists generally recommend a first visit by the first birthday. It's never too late to start.

### What if my child can't cope with a cleaning?

Ask about shorter visits, a step-by-step plan over several appointments, or other options your dentist offers.

### What should I tell the dentist?

How your child communicates, sensory triggers, what calms them, and what's worked before.

## Sources

1. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Management of dental patients with special health care needs. https://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies--recommendations/management-of-dental-patients-with-special-health-care-needs/
2. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: Resources for parents. https://www.aapd.org/resources/parent/
3. Carol Gray Social Stories. https://carolgraysocialstories.com/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.