Executives from KidZaam have announced that their pediatric dentistry group is among the first to train and certify staff members to work with children diagnosed with Autism, Asbergers Syndrome and similar mental illnesses. The certification, which is granted by the Autism Spectrum Disorders Conference, was presented to two KidZaam dental assistants following an intensive two day conference hosted by Autism Conferences and Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. KidZaam, a pioneer and innovator in pediatric dentistry, is the first to offer true DentaltainmentSM for children of Arizona.
“I believe that every child should have a positive and fun experience at the dentist,” noted KidZaam CEO Dr. Albert Higgins. “The KidZaam Dentaltainment experience does that by providing every child with equal access to the best possible dental care, in a crazy-themed environment. We are committed to ensuring our staff has access to the training and resources, such as the recent Autism Spectrum Disorders Conference, which continually elevates the care we provide to all of our young patients.”
Prescott Valley Lead Back Office Assistant, Julie Schindele, and Lead Back Office Assistant in Prescott, Holly Palmer, received Applied Behavioral Analysis Training during the conferences. The program focused on how to speak and react to autistic children in a number of medical settings. Training included ensuring uniformity throughout the child’s first and recurring visits as well as keeping the child in the same room, with the same dental assistant and doctor at all times.
“Implementing a standard, easy to follow, routine for our autistic patients is critical,” noted Dr. Higgins. “For instance, my KidZologistsSM staff created verbal and pictorial cards that guide them through their visit. The cards are in the exact order of the procedures we’re going to perform. Being able to hold and see the cards gives kids a sense of security because it visually reinforces the message they hear. We’ve seen a important improvement in the way autistic patients feel about their dental care at KidZaam since implementing these, and other, proven methods.”