Dentistry For Patients With Special Needs
By Dr. Spencer Hornstein | Published on May 3, 2011 | 0 Comments
At Dentistry of Bethesda, Dr. Spencer Hornstein and his team treat all types of patients, including those with special needs. Because he is known for treating patients with autism, Alzheimer’s, and cerebral palsy, Dr. Hornstein says people often ask him how working with patients with special needs is different from working with any other patients. The answer, explains Dr. Hornstein, is that it really isn’t.
As a laser dentistry specialist in Bethesda, Dr. Hornstein says his goal is to mainstream his special needs patients as much as possible. That means that Dr. Hornstein and his staff do everything they can to treat their patients with special needs just like they would treat any of the other patients who visit Dentistry of Bethesda.
Whether he is filling cavities or practicing laser dentistry at his office in Bethesda, Dr. Hornstein has been treating patients with physical and developmental challenges since 1991. Not only is his office handicap-accessible, but his treatment rooms have been built in a way that makes it as easy to as possible to transfer physically challenged patients from their wheelchairs to the dental chair.
One of the reasons why Dr. Hornstein is such a sought after dentist for patients with autism, Alzheimer’s, cerebral palsy, and those in wheelchairs, is because he is on the board of the Maryland Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped. He has developed a reputation as a dentist who provides excellent care for all types of patients.
According to Dr. Hornstein, people with special needs have historically had problems with their dental work because they have been unable to visit many general dental offices. Instead, these patients in wheelchairs were directed to hospitals for their dental needs.
Having to go to a hospital for dental checkups and exams tends to create an aversion to dentistry, and it plays a large role in the reason why many patients with special needs have an overwhelming fear of the dentist. By mainstreaming these patients and building a practice that is accessible to everyone, Dr. Hornstein has made it possible for many patients to get the help they desperately need, without having to visit a hospital.
As a laser dentistry expert in Bethesda, Dr. Hornstein says he tries to keep his patients away from the hospital setting whenever possible. If he has to use general anesthesia on a patient, then he will bring in an anesthesiologist and handle the case in-office. This makes it less emotionally debilitating for the patients.
Overall, Dr. Hornstein says the key to working with patients who have physical and developmental challenges is to offer a lot of TLC, and a lot of hands on care.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.