Special Needs Dentistry
Woden Dental Care is one of only a few clinics in Canberra and nearby NSW regions to promote the inclusion of those with special needs within the general dental community.
Special Needs Dentistry in Woden Valley, Canberra
At Woden Dental Care, we believe everyone deserves access to safe, respectful, and high-quality dental care. Our Special Needs Dentistry services are designed to support patients in Woden Valley and across Canberra who may require additional care, time, or specialised approaches during dental treatment.
We provide compassionate, patient-centred dentistry for individuals with dental anxiety or phobia, complex medical conditions, cognitive or intellectual disabilities, and other special care requirements.
Inclusive Dental Care You Can Trust
Caring for patients with special needs requires understanding, flexibility, and experience. Woden Dental Care is proud to be one of the few dental clinics in Canberra and nearby NSW regions that actively promote the inclusion of patients with special needs within a general dental practice setting.
Our experienced dental team is trained to adapt techniques, environments, and treatment plans to ensure every patient feels safe, respected, and supported.
Personalised Treatment Planning
No two patients are the same. Our dentists take time to understand each individual’s unique circumstances, including:
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Oral hygiene ability
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Medical history and medications
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Cognitive or physical challenges
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Sensory sensitivities
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Emotional and social factors
​Treatment planning often involves close collaboration between:
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Our dental professionals
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The patient
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Family members or carers
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Treating doctors or specialists
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This team-based approach ensures safe, effective, and appropriate care.
Sedation Options for Comfort and Safety
To help patients feel relaxed and comfortable, Woden Dental Care offers a range of sedation options depending on individual needs and treatment complexity.
Available Sedation Services
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Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Happy Gas): A gentle and safe option to reduce anxiety during dental treatment.
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Intravenous (IV) Conscious Sedation: Helps patients remain calm and relaxed while still responsive.
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General Anaesthesia: Provided for complex or extensive procedures when treatment cannot be safely completed under local or conscious sedation.
👉 Nitrous oxide and IV sedation are available in our clinic. Treatment under general anaesthesia is performed at John James Private Hospital, commonly for procedures such as multiple or wisdom teeth extractions.
Conditions We Commonly Support
Our special needs dentistry services in Woden Valley support patients with:
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Autism and sensory sensitivities
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Intellectual or developmental disabilities
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Anxiety disorders and dental phobia
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Neurological or cognitive conditions
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Chronic medical conditions requiring extra precautions
We also work closely with our preventive dentistry, general dentistry, and sedation dentistry services to ensure continuity of care.
Why Choose Woden Dental Care?
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Local, trusted dental clinic in Woden Valley, Canberra
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Experienced team with a compassionate approach
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Full range of sedation and anaesthesia options
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Strong collaboration with families and healthcare providers
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Hospital access for complex procedures
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Inclusive, judgement-free environment
Special Needs Dentistry
FAQs – Special Needs Dentistry
What is special needs dentistry?
Special needs dentistry provides adapted dental care for patients who require extra support due to medical, physical, cognitive, or emotional conditions.
Do you treat both children and adults with special needs?
Yes. Woden Dental Care provides special needs dentistry for children, adolescents, and adults.
Is sedation safe for special needs patients?
Yes. Sedation options such as nitrous oxide and IV conscious sedation are carefully assessed and administered by trained professionals, following strict safety protocols.
Can treatment be done under general anaesthesia?
Yes. For complex cases, treatment under general anaesthesia is performed at John James Private Hospital in Canberra.
Do carers or family members need to attend appointments?
We encourage carers or family members to attend, as they provide valuable insight and support during treatment planning and appointments.
How do I book a special needs dental consultation?
You can contact Woden Dental Care directly to arrange a consultation. Our team will discuss your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.
Our Services
Preventative Dental Care
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Crowns & Bridges
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Dental Emergency
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Root Canal Treatment
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Restorative Dentistry
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Dentures
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