This course is built around a simple belief: every child deserves to walk into a dental office and feel like the people caring for them are prepared to understand them. For children with autism and their families, something as routine as a dental visit can become overwhelming because of bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, unexpected touch, changes in routine, or simply not knowing what comes next. Many of those challenges can be made easier when a dental team knows what to look for and how to respond.

Throughout these five modules, you’ll learn how autism and sensory processing differences can shape a child’s experience at the dentist, how to recognize common barriers within your own office, and how to make practical and effortless accommodations that can have a meaningful impact. You’ll also learn strategies for communication, preparation, and working alongside caregivers, as well as how Dentcue is being developed to help families share their child’s individual needs before an appointment begins. 

By the end of this course, our hope is that you leave with more than an understanding of autism. You should feel prepared to recognize when a patient may be overwhelmed, know what changes you can make, and approach each autistic child with greater confidence, patience, and flexibility. The goal is not to make every visit perfect. It is to make sure every family who walks through your doors can tell that your team took the time to understand what their child needs—and is willing to meet them there.