Course Description:
Providing dental care to children and adolescents with special healthcare needs (SHCN) can present unique challenges. From extreme resistance to routine procedures to managing behavioral and sensory sensitivities, dental providers often face situations requiring specialized strategies and empathy.
Dr. Purnima Hernandez, a triple board-certified expert in Pediatric Dentistry, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Health and Wellness Coaching, will share her insights and proven strategies for creating positive dental experiences for individuals with SHCN. Drawing from over 35 years of clinical experience and her personal journey as a parent of a young adult with multiple disabilities, Dr. Hernandez brings a unique and compassionate perspective to this important topic.
This presentation will focus on practical approaches and simple strategies that dental professionals can incorporate into their practice to support individuals with SHCN and reduce stress for both patients and their caregivers.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this course, participants will:
- Understand the unique challenges of providing dental care to individuals with special healthcare needs.
- Learn practical strategies to manage behavioral and sensory sensitivities in the dental environment.
- Apply a whole-body and person-centered approach to promote wellness and comfort during dental visits.
- Enhance communication and collaboration with caregivers to support a successful dental experience.
- Implement simple, effective techniques to improve cooperation and reduce anxiety in pediatric dental patients.
Speaker:
Purnima Hernandez, DDS, MA, BCBA, MA, LBA, NBC-HWC
Dr. Purnima Hernandez is a highly regarded Pediatric Dentist with triple board certification in Pediatric Dentistry, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Health and Wellness Coaching. She earned her degrees from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and Caldwell University. With over 35 years of experience serving the New York and New Jersey communities, Dr. Hernandez specializes in treating children with SHCN, behavioral disorders, and phobias.
Her commitment to a whole-body approach to wellness is evident in her integration of functional medicine principles and her favorite concept of “bio-individuality,” which promotes a personalized, patient-centered approach to care. As a parent of a child with multiple disabilities, she offers invaluable insights from both professional and personal experiences.
Target Audience:
This course is ideal for dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental office managers who provide care to pediatric patients, particularly those with special healthcare needs.
CE Credits:
This course is approved for Continuing Education credits under AGD Code 750: Special Patient Care.