She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. There are approximately 400,000 deaf people in the United States today. Dentists should understand the special needs and limitations of these patients in order to create a comfortable working environment and relationship. The first appointment may be one in which your son and his dentist just get acquainted. They will need to establish a rapport.
Proper communication is key.
You or your son should tell the dentist his preferred method of communication. If your son prefers communication through sign language, it would be helpful to have an interpreter present. If you or the dentist do not know sign language, you should bring your usual interpreter or request that the dentist provide one. Writing notes is a cumbersome way to communicate during dental procedures. Treatment should proceed slowly.