Everyone has the right to good-quality dental care.

Autistic people may face extra challenges at the dentist, often due to communication differences and sensory sensitivities.

With understanding, planning and simple adjustments, dental visits can be made much less stressful.

What is autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition. It affects how a person communicates, interacts with others and experiences the world.

Every autistic person is different. What feels manageable for one person may be overwhelming for another.

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Why can dental visits feel stressful?

Dental appointments often involve:

• New environments.

• Unfamiliar people.

• Bright lights.

• Loud or unexpected sounds.

• Sensations inside the mouth.

These experiences can feel intense or distressing, especially when the purpose of the visit is unclear or unpredictable.

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Can dentists make adjustments?

Yes. Dentists and dental teams can make small adjustments where possible.

Make sure to talk to the team before the appointment, so they know how to help. Sharing information in advance helps the dental team prepare and adjust the appointment.

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How can I prepare before the visit?

Preparation can reduce anxiety. Helpful steps include:

• Looking at the dental practice website to see photos of the building and staff.

• Asking for leaflets or visual guides about what will happen while you are at the dentist and during the appointment.

• Letting the team know about specific sensitivities that you might experience at a dental visit, such as:

• Bright lights.

• Noise and noisy environments.

• Avoiding touch or needing personal space.

• Smells like cleaning products.

• Cold water.

• Injections and scratch-like pain.

• Mouthwash taste (plain water can be used instead).

• Bringing comfort items or stim toys such as stress balls, fidgets, headphones or earbuds.

• Listening to music to block out noise. You could also bring and wear earplugs if you find these helpful.

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Does timing matter?

Yes, appointment timing can affect stress levels.

Some people find it easier to:

• Book the first appointment of the day.

• Be seen straight after lunch to avoid waiting.

Dentists may also:

• Allow longer appointments.

• Break treatment into shorter visits.

• Take things step by step.

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What can help during the appointment?

During the visit, it may help to:

• Wait outside or in a quiet space and be called or messaged when the dentist is ready.

• Bring a parent, carer or trusted person into the treatment room.

• Have the dentist explain each step clearly before doing it.

• Let the dentist know if you need a break. Agreeing a signal before they start, like raising your hand if you need a time-out, can be helpful.

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How can future visits be improved?

Keeping notes helps make future appointments easier. You and the dentist can note down:

• What causes stress.

• What adjustments work well.

• Preferred communication methods.

This avoids having to repeat information and helps build trust over time.

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Need advice or support?

If you or someone you care for is autistic and feels anxious about dental visits, speak to the dental team in advance.

With the right understanding and planning, dental care can be a positive experience.

The National Autistic Society also has lots of resources available for autistic people about dental visits.