Berkeley Parents Network: Dentist for Autistic Child

Berkeley Parents Network

Dentist for Autistic Child

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > Dentists > Dentist for Autistic Child

July 2008

It's time to finally take our 4 year old son to the dentist for the first time. He is on the mild end of the autism spectrum, so we're interested in finding a dentist with some experience with children who have special needs and sensory challenges. Any suggestions or positive dentistry experiences for quirky kids? Christa

My son has autism and we see Dr. Khalil (''Dr. Bob'') at the Pediatric Dentistry office in North Berkeley off Solano (510 528-1546). They have an hour every week or so that they set aside for the special needs kids. Usually they have one room full of kids, but in this hour the kid gets the room to him/herself. They also have a hygienist there who has an adult son on the spectrum and she totally ''gets'' it, if you know what I'm sayin'. I'm not entirely sure about Dr. Bob's ASD experience, other than with my son, but I've liked him very much and my son has always had a great experience there. Jill

Neil Katsura successfully treated 2 of my children and my niece after tooth accidents when they were under 2. My daughter, who definitely qualifies as a quirky kid, although not for the autism spectrum, thought he was great, and was very cooperative with him. My children have seen all of his partners throughout the years as well, and never a complaint. The practice seems to know how to cope even with scary procedures like drilling. (http://www.alohakidsdds.com/ ; they have 3 offices, but you can reach any of them from 848-6494). Mother of 3

I know this challenge sooooo well and I'm very happy to pass along this excellent resource to you. My 11 yr old autistic son was absolutely terrified of dentists and doctors and we had several nightmarish experiences trying to get his teeth checked/cleaned. Each visit ended with a complete meltdown and no work done. I finally lucked into finding the Blende Dental Group in San Francisco. They are a special needs practice with wonderful staff who really get autism. They are sensitive and caring, paying attention to every detail of my son's needs and I'm thrilled that he's finally able to get great dental care. Its worth the drive into the city. They're located at 390 Laurel Street, Suite 310, SF, 94118 (near Laurel Village Shopping Center). Phone is (415) 563-4261. There's alot of helpful information at their website too. www.drblende.com Hope this helps. Meg

My friend with a 9 yr old son on the autism spectrum has previously waxed poetic about his son's dentist in San Francisco. This dentist has a special understanding of the needs and concerns of kids on the spectrum. Here is what my friend says: ''It's Dr David Rothman and he's on both Ocean and Union St. (in San Francisco) 415-333-6811. And he's terrific.'' signed - a friend of kids on the spectrum, and their parents

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