Finding a Pediatric Dentist Who Treats Children With Special Needs in the Lehigh Valley
Some children walk into a dental office, climb into the chair, and open their mouths without much hesitation.
Others need more time.
A child with autism, sensory sensitivities, ADHD, developmental differences, or a complex medical history may experience a dental visit differently. Sounds, unfamiliar people, new surroundings, bright lights, or simply not knowing what will happen next can make an appointment harder.
That does not mean dental care has to be off the table.
It does mean that finding the right pediatric dentist matters.
For families in the Lehigh Valley, Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry in Allentown provides dental care for children with special needs and works with parents and caregivers to understand what each child needs before and during the appointment. The practice also works with a child's medical specialists when additional information is helpful for planning care.
What should you look for in a pediatric dentist for a child with special needs?
The first question is not simply, "Does this dentist see children with special needs?"
Ask what that actually looks like.
A good starting point is to look for a pediatric dentist with specific training in treating children and patients with special healthcare needs. Pediatric dentists receive additional training after dental school focused on infants, children, teenagers, and patients with special healthcare needs. Dr. Bret Lesavoy completed his pediatric dental residency at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Children's Hospital and is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
You can also ask how the office handles differences in communication, sensory needs, appointment pacing, and treatment planning.
Those details often matter more than a generic statement that an office is "kid-friendly."
What questions should parents ask before the first appointment?
A phone call before scheduling can tell you quite a bit about how an office approaches special-needs dental care.
Consider asking:
- Does the dentist treat children with autism or sensory sensitivities?
- Can parents or caregivers explain their child's specific needs before the appointment?
- Can the appointment be adjusted if a child needs more time?
- How does the team communicate with children who have difficulty with traditional instructions?
- What happens if my child becomes overwhelmed during the visit?
- Can the dentist coordinate with my child's medical specialists when necessary?
- What should I bring or tell the office before the first visit?
There is no need to wait until the child is sitting in the dental chair to mention something important.
At Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry, parents are encouraged to tell the staff about specific concerns when they first contact the office. That gives the team an opportunity to prepare for the child's arrival and make appropriate accommodations.
What can accommodations look like?
There is no single accommodation that works for every child.
One child may need a slower introduction to the dental chair. Another may need changes in how information is explained. Someone else may benefit from additional time or a different approach to communication.
The goal is not to force every child through the same appointment.
At Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry, the team considers individual needs and may adjust the pace, communication style, and approach to the visit when possible. The practice specifically notes that children with sensory sensitivities, physical challenges, developmental differences, and medical needs may require different considerations.
Parents can help by sharing details ahead of time.
For example, let the office know if your child:
- Is sensitive to certain sounds or sensations
- Has difficulty with unfamiliar environments
- Uses a particular communication method
- Becomes anxious when routines change
- Needs additional time to become comfortable
- Has medical information the dental team should know
- Has had a difficult dental experience in the past
These details give the dental team a better starting point.
Why does pediatric dental training matter?
Pediatric dentistry is more than general dentistry performed on smaller patients.
After dental school, pediatric dentists complete additional specialty training focused on children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. Board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is also an additional professional credential.
That training can be particularly useful when a child has needs that affect how dental care is delivered.
A pediatric dentist is accustomed to working with children at different stages of development and can help parents understand what is happening, what treatment may be recommended, and what the next steps look like.
For children who need additional support, that experience can make the planning process easier for everyone involved.
Should parents stay involved during the appointment?
Ask the office about its policy.
At Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry, parents are welcome in the exam room. The practice's approach emphasizes communication with parents and caregivers so they can discuss concerns, understand what the dentist sees, and participate in treatment decisions.
For some families, that involvement is especially useful when a child has difficulty communicating discomfort or explaining what feels overwhelming.
Parents know the small details that may not be obvious during a short dental visit.
Sharing those details can help the dental team understand the child more fully.
What if my child has a complex medical history?
Make sure the dental office knows about relevant medical conditions, medications, specialists, and other information before treatment.
Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry notes that its team works with parents, caregivers, and a child's medical specialists to gather information that can help guide dental care.
That communication can be especially important when dental treatment needs to be planned around other aspects of a child's care.
If you're unsure what information the dentist needs, ask when you schedule.
What if my child has had a difficult dental experience before?
Tell the office.
A previous difficult appointment is useful information, not something to hide.
Explain what happened. Was the problem the noise? The examination? An unexpected change? Difficulty understanding what was happening? A particular sensory trigger?
The more specific you can be, the more useful that information becomes.
A pediatric dental team can then consider how to approach the next visit differently.
There may not be a perfect appointment every time. Some children need several visits to become comfortable with a new environment. That is okay.
The important thing is having a dental office willing to listen, communicate, and adjust when appropriate.
Finding special-needs pediatric dental care in the Lehigh Valley
For families in Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown, and surrounding Lehigh Valley communities, choosing a pediatric dentist may come down to more than distance.
The right office should be prepared to listen to your child's individual needs and communicate with you before treatment begins.
Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry is located in Allentown and welcomes children with special needs, including children with autism, ADHD, sensory sensitivities, developmental differences, and other medical needs. The practice encourages parents and caregivers to share concerns before the appointment so the team can plan appropriately.
If you're looking for a pediatric dentist for a child who needs a different pace, communication style, or level of support, start with a conversation.
The questions you ask before the first visit can help you determine whether the practice is a good fit for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry treat children with autism?
Yes. The practice welcomes children with autism and other developmental or medical needs. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss their child's needs with the office before the appointment.
Does the practice treat children with sensory sensitivities?
Yes. Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry specifically addresses sensory sensitivities and explains that the team may adjust the pace, communication, and approach to the appointment when appropriate.
Can parents stay with their child during the dental visit?
Parents are welcome in the exam room at Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry, allowing them to stay involved and discuss concerns with the dental team.
Does a pediatric dentist have special training?
Yes. Pediatric dentists complete additional training after dental school focused on treating infants, children, teenagers, and patients with special healthcare needs. Dr. Bret Lesavoy completed pediatric residency training at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Children's Hospital and is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
What should I tell the dentist before my child's appointment?
Share anything that could affect the visit, including sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, developmental or medical needs, previous difficult dental experiences, and concerns about the dental environment. Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry encourages families to provide this information when scheduling so the team can prepare for the visit.
Where is Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry located?
Lesavoy Pediatric Dentistry is located at 1150 Glenlivet Drive, Unit C40, Allentown, PA 18106. The practice serves families throughout the Lehigh Valley, including communities such as Bethlehem and Easton.