
Special Needs Dentistry In Henrico, va
We’re passionate about building an inclusive pediatric dental home where all smiles are welcome. That’s why we get to know your kiddo, learn what makes them feel at ease, and tailor appointments to meet their unique needs — no matter their condition.
Why should I choose a pediatric dentist for my child?
Every child is different. If your little one has health problems that make their treatment difficult for any reason, our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Shreya, can help. Pediatric dentists have specialized training to treat children with special health care needs of all types. From kids with sensory sensitivity, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Down Syndrome, Cleft Lip and Palate, and a variety of other conditions, our experienced team can ensure your little one gets the care they need in the most comfortable way.


Stress-Free Care
If fear is keeping you or your little one from scheduling an appointment, we're delighted to offer nitrous oxide with your child's treatment! Laughing gas can help them relax during their visit, and allows them to resume daily activities with a smile without lengthy down times afterwards.
Helps Your Kiddo Relax
Reduces Anxiety & Discomfort
Wears off Fast
The Benefits of Special Needs Dentistry
Better Patient Accommodations
Your child’s dentist can do things like adjust office lighting and sound for patients with sensory issues, use special equipment to treat patients, and provide additional staff to ensure that special needs patients get the personalized care they need.
Expert Care For Every Patient
Pediatric dentists know how to treat patients with a wide variety of physical, mental, and developmental impairments. They will know how to keep them safe and comfortable as they get the dental care they need.
Comfort With Sedation
A wide variety of sedation options are available, which allow patients to rest, relax, and even sleep soundly through their appointment. Sedation is a very useful tool for patients who may otherwise have trouble being treated in a traditional dental environment.
The Special Needs Dentistry Process
Initial Health Discussion
To begin, your pediatric dentist, Dr. Shreya Desai will meet with you and your child and review their medical history, medications they're taking, and any other relevant information. Every special needs patient is different, so it's important for Dr. Shreya to develop a full understanding of their health and disabilities.
Oral Exam & Teeth Cleaning
The first step toward better oral health is a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning. This gives our team the opportunity to learn more about your child’s health, identify potential oral health issues, and understand the next steps for a healthier mouth.
Personalized Treatment Plan
After their consultation, Dr. Shreya will discuss their oral health with you. She will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan - including any necessary in-office care, discuss options for sedation if needed, and recommendations for at-home oral hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

Conditions that may affect your child’s dental care include:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Cleft Lip & Palate
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Down Syndrome
- Epilepsy
- Hearing Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
When you call to inquire about an appointment, let our team know your child’s condition and needs, and we’ll work together to determine if our practice is the right fit for your family.
Your child’s oral health may be affected by therapies or medications that have been used to treat their condition. The condition itself may also affect how the teeth and oral structures grow, how much calcium is in the body (affecting tooth enamel), how much saliva your child produces (saliva helps clear away food particles), and your child’s diet.
Nutrition plays a critical role, not only in the health of our bodies, but in the health of our teeth. Even your child’s ability to chew solid foods will affect their dental health, as the pressure of chewing creates stimulation in the jaw bone and the friction helps clear away tartar and plaque build up.
Several kid-friendly, liquid medicines contain a syrup base with added sugar so children will actually take the medication and benefit from its effects. However, these sugars can cause cavities if they’re not properly rinsed or brushed away after use.
Other medications can cause a reduction in saliva, or dry mouth. And since saliva helps clear away food particles, sugars and bacteria from the mouth, dry mouth can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or infection. It’s important that you share a list of medications your child uses, so our team can provide oral care recommendations that work around your child’s medical needs.
Sometimes children with physical, emotional, behavioral, intellectual or communication disabilities may find it difficult to properly brush their own teeth. They may not possess the fine motor skills needed, and will need your help to maintain good oral health. Here are a few tips to help you brush your child’s teeth:
- Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that’s made for children. Your child may be more interested in brushing if the toothbrush has their favorite character on the handle or if it’s their favorite color.
- Use oral hygiene aids, like brushes with larger handles. If your child has trouble holding their toothbrush, try fastening the toothbrush with a string, strap or your own hand and guiding them on the right technique.
- Pick a fluoride toothpaste that your child likes. They come in many different flavors and colors, so you should be able to find one that they enjoy.
- Monitor the amount of toothpaste used. You should apply the toothpaste to the brush, so they don’t use too much, and monitor your child as they brush, so they don’t swallow the toothpaste.
- Make it fun! Sing songs, count, or say the alphabet while your child brushes so they get a sense of how long they should brush, and stay entertained while brushing.
Special needs dentistry is a branch of dental care that focuses on providing tailored dental services for individuals with physical, developmental, or cognitive conditions that may require specialized approaches to dental treatment. This includes patients with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other conditions that might make traditional dental visits challenging. The importance of special needs dentistry cannot be overstated. It ensures that every individual receives the appropriate dental care in an environment that is sensitive to their unique needs.
At RVO Pediatric Dentistry in Richmond, VA, Dr. Shreya Desai and her team are dedicated to creating a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere for all patients, ensuring that dental health is accessible to everyone. By focusing on individualized care plans and utilizing specialized techniques and equipment, special needs dentistry helps prevent dental issues, promotes oral health, and enhances the overall quality of life for patients with special needs.
Every child deserves a bright and healthy smile, and we are committed to making dental visits as comfortable and stress-free as possible for our patients with special needs. We’re fully equipped with the latest technology and tools designed to cater to the unique requirements of special needs dentistry.
Our team is trained in various behavioral management techniques to help ease anxiety and make the experience positive and enjoyable. We take the time to understand each patient's specific needs, preferences, and triggers, allowing us to tailor our approach accordingly. Our office environment is designed to be sensory-friendly, with considerations for lighting, noise, and space, ensuring a calming atmosphere.
We also offer flexible scheduling to allow for longer appointment times if needed, providing ample opportunity for patients to become comfortable with the dental setting. Through open communication and collaboration with caregivers, we strive to deliver personalized care that respects and supports the well-being of each patient.
Every child is different, and we honor that! We can offer:
- Practice visits to help your child get familiar with our office
- Visual aids and social stories to explain procedures in a way that makes sense to them
- Positive reinforcement to celebrate their victories, big and small
- Gentle, no-drill treatment options when possible
- Various sedation choices for complete comfort
- Kid-friendly ways to prevent cavities without shots
Dr. Shreya Desai and our caring team will explain everything in clear, simple terms, making sure both you and your child understand each step. We use the most minimally invasive techniques possible, often finding ways to treat teeth without drills or shots.
Preparing your child for a dental visit can significantly improve their experience and help alleviate any anxiety they may have. Start by introducing the concept of a dental visit through books or videos that depict positive dental experiences. Explain the purpose of the visit in simple, reassuring terms, emphasizing that the dentist is there to help keep their teeth healthy and strong.
If possible, arrange a pre-visit to the dental office to familiarize your child with the environment and meet the staff. Practice relaxation techniques at home, such as deep breathing or visualization, which can be used during the appointment to help manage stress. Consider bringing comfort items, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to the appointment to provide a sense of security.
Additionally, maintain a positive attitude about the visit, as your demeanor can greatly influence your child's perception of the experience. At RVO Pediatric Dentistry, we are more than happy to offer additional guidance and support to help you and your child prepare for a successful dental visit.
