HCS Waiver Program and Dental Care

a boy with an intellectual disabilities receives therapy through the HCS Waiver Program in Texas. This photo features the logo for Special Need Dental.

In Texas, individuals with intellectual disabilities or related conditions are eligible to receive free or reduced-cost services through the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program. HCS is a Medicaid waiver program through the State of Texas. Services provided through HCS include group home and companion care services, occupational, physical, and speech therapy, and dental care, among others. HCS is intended … Read More

Parkinson’s and Dental Care

a man with parkinson's and the logo for special need dental

If you have Parkinson’s, you may be wondering how it will affect your dental health. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that can cause a number of problems, including tremors, rigidity, and impaired balance and coordination. While these symptoms may not seem related to dental health, they can actually make it more difficult to take care of your teeth and … Read More

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Dental Care

this photo is used to illustrate a blog post about fetal alcohol syndrome. the photo features a pregnant woman and the logo for special need dental.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a set of birth defects that can result when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. These defects can include physical, mental, and behavioral problems. Dental problems are common in people with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. These problems can include tooth decay, gum disease, and problems with the jaw. Good dental care is important for people with Fetal Alcohol … Read More

Cystic Fibrosis and Dental Care

a boy with cystic fibrosis and the logo for special need dental

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, progressive disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. People with CF have difficulty breathing and absorbing nutrients from food. CF is caused by a defective gene that causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus. This mucus build-up can damage the lungs and block the pancreas, preventing the absorption of essential nutrients. … Read More

Angina and Dental Care

a man with angina looking at the logo for special need dental

Angina is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in the United States. Angina is when the heart does not receive enough bloodflow and thus not enough oxygen and results in pain in the upper body. There are two types of angina: stable and unstable. Stable is predictable: The pain occurs on a schedule, such as during exercise, but reliably … Read More

Fragile X Syndrome and Dental Care

a boy in a yellow shirt with fragile x syndrome and the logo for special need dental

Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems, including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. People with Fragile X syndrome often have distinctive physical features, such as a long face, large ears, and macroorchidism (enlarged testicles). They may also suffer from anxiety, depression, and ADHD. People with Fragile X syndrome are more likely to have … Read More

High Blood Pressure and Dental Care

a man checking his high blood pressure and the logo for special need dental

High blood pressure is a condition affecting more than 116 million people in the United States. Many people with high blood pressure are unaware of the risks involved with going to a regular dentist, especially if they also suffer from dental anxiety. They are at greater risk of adverse events, such as stroke or organ damage, by going to a … Read More

TDAH y cuidado dental

una niña con TDAH y el logotipo para una necesidad especial dental

Los pacientes con trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad (TDAH) necesitan atención dental que satisfaga sus necesidades especiales. Según niños y adultos con trastorno por déficit de atención/hiperactividad, las cavidades son los pacientes dentales más comunes con la cara del TDAH. Esto se debe a que los hábitos de enrutamiento, como cepillarse y usar hilo dental, pueden ser difíciles. También es … Read More

ADHD and Dental Care

a girl with adhd and the logo for special need dental.

Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) need dental care that accommodates their special needs. According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, cavities are the most common dental issue patients with ADHD face. This is because routing habits, such as brushing and flossing their teeth, can be difficult. It’s also the result of the medications many ADHD patients take, which can … Read More

Diabetes en los Pacientes y Anestesia General

Special Need Dental cuenta con anestesiólogos con experiencia en brindar anestesia general a pacientes con diabetes tipo 1 y tipo 2.

Los pacientes con diabetes tipo 1 y tipo 2 a menudo tienen dificultades para encontrar un dentista dispuesto a proporcionar anestesia general para procedimientos como endodoncias y extracciones. Otras opciones de anestesia, como las inyecciones locales o el óxido nitroso, son relativamente fáciles de obtener, ya que la mayoría de los dentistas confían en dárselas a los pacientes con diabetes. … Read More