YSU students give dental treatment to autistic kids

November 10, 2016 at 12:04a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Rita Nicholas was proud of how her 6-year-old son, Logan, handled his first dental experience – especially since he had never visited a dentist and is on the autism spectrum.

“I told him, ‘You will get your teeth counted,’” the Liberty Township woman said. “This will keep your teeth healthy.”

Logan, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and had many sensory, verbal and social issues, was one of eight students from the Rich Center for the Study and Treatment of Autism at Youngstown State University who received free dental-care services. The effort Wednesday in YSU’s Cushwa Hall was courtesy of several YSU seniors in the university’s Dr. Madeleine Haggerty Dental Hygiene program.

Many children with autism have a variety of sensory problems, so a trip to the dentist can be very daunting and challenging for them, explained Teresa Peck, the Rich Center’s school nurse.

Seniors in the bachelor’s-degree program provided the free preventive offerings to the students, which included cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments and radiographs (images produced on plates and typically used in medical exams).

For his part, Logan received cleaning and fluoride treatments, his mother said, adding that she appreciated how the YSU students used language he was able to relate to.

As a main thrust of the program, the students are enrolled in a class called “Patients with Special Needs,” which requires them to work with youngsters who have health, emotional and psychological issues, including those on the autism spectrum, noted Ruth Palich, clinical coordinator.

“Teresa [Peck] lectured to my students regarding tips and strategies for kids with autism,” Palich said.

She also noted that the Rich Center youngsters had opportunities to tour and become more familiar with the clinic before participating in Wednesday’s free services.

Among the student hygienists was Bobette Antonell, a dental-hygiene major.

“It was different, because he was

nonverbal,” Antonell said, referring to another Rich Center student she had worked with. “I took what I learned in the classroom, so he understood [the procedures] and was not afraid.”

Antonell did a bit of improvising as well. Before performing the dental work on the student, she allowed him to inspect the equipment, then told the youngster each piece’s function, which helped him feel more at ease, Antonell continued.

“I gave him the upper hand, really,” she added.

Providing the chance for Logan to receive his first session of dental care was another reason his mother is thankful to the Rich Center. In addition, though, the facility has paved the way for her son to have a lot more than healthy teeth: Specifically, he has made vast improvements with his social and cognitive skills, she added.

“They’re a godsend for us. The teachers have so much experience and knowledge about ABA [applied-behavior analysis], which is so vital,” Nicholas said.