Special Needs Dentist
The dental specialty where the worlds of medicine, dentistry and social work/advocacy collide
Dr. Lydia See
Specialist in Special Needs Dentistry
Her areas of interest within Special Needs Dentistry are patients who:
- Are medically complex
- Have a history of head and neck cancer
- Have dental anxiety and phobias
- Have intellectual disability
- Are from the geriatric populations
Since graduating as a general dentist from the University of Western Australia, Lydia quickly discovered her passion laid within three distinct areas: special care dentistry, dental education and community dentistry.
To ensure she was able to deliver the best possible care in these areas, she completed a Master of Geriatric Dentistry at the University of Southern California, Diploma in Special Care Dentistry with The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and then became a dental specialist after completing a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry) at the University of Queensland. Additionally she has undertaken further education in health professions education and became a fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She has also been recognised by her peers and is a fellow of the International College of Dentist and Pierre Fauchard Academy.
Lydia’s professional journey spans across diverse settings, including public, hospital and private clinical practice. She has actively contributed to tertiary education and research. She also has extensive experience in dental volunteering and working with not-for-profit organisations.
Outside of her professional commitments, Dr Lydia See enjoys exploring culinary delights, especially when searching for the best vegetarian restaurants. She also enjoys music and theatre.
Special Needs Dentistry
A patient centred approach to oral health care
What is Special Needs Dentistry?
Special Needs Dentistry is a specialty in dentistry that is specifically designed to address the oral health requirements of individuals facing various challenges. These may include age-related issues, illnesses, trauma, intellectual disabilities, multiple medical conditions or emotional challenges. The main objective is to offer personalised and accessible dental care, promoting optimal oral health for those with unique healthcare needs. Dr Lydia, to enhance care and customise her management plans for her patients, she may engage other medical and allied health care professionals who are also involved with their care.
Special Needs Dentistry involves a comprehensive and collaborative approach. Where required, Dr Lydia collaborates closely with other healthcare professionals to customise treatments for each patient. This may involve making adjustments to dental procedures, equipment, employing sedation techniques or using effective communication methods to ensure comfort and efficacy. Her primary goal is to improve oral health and prevent dental issues for individuals who may face challenges accessing traditional dental services.
The different areas of Special Needs Population
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual disability can mean having trouble learning and doing everyday tasks because of challenges with thinking and understanding. It starts when a person is young and can affect how they learn and handle day to day activities in life. People with intellectual disability may need extra help and support to do things, and it is important to treat them with respect and include them in society.
Dr Lydia See throughout her training has enjoyed treating individuals with intellectual disabilities. She has found that each individual requires customised chairside management techniques and their own special ways of undertaking oral health care. She uses her role as a special needs dentist to encourage each individual to find their independence and empowers their carers and guardians to assist in their daily oral health care. Dr Lydia is a firm believer in chairside acclimatisation and only exploring sedation techniques when there are any difficulties in achieving oral health care. Where required, Dr Lydia will often engage medical and allied health professionals as well as carers for a multi-disciplinary approach to dental treatment.
Physical disabilities
Dr Lydia understands that those with physical impairments may require special modifications to the dental treatment set ups. She is flexible in her treatment styles and will consider the special requirements of individual needs. She is comfortable working with patients in wheelchairs, on beds and those who have swallowing difficulties and need to be sat upright. She may engage other medical and allied health professionals for assistance to plan the most ideal strategy in physical modifications of the dental environment to allow for safe dental treatment to be undertaken.
Psychiatric conditions
Psychiatric conditions are mental health issues that affect how a person thinks, feels or behaves. These conditions can include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, among others. People with psychiatric conditions may experience challenges in managing their emotions or daily activities, and they may benefit from therapy, medication or other support to help them cope and lead fulfilling lives.
Dr Lydia’s approach to patients with psychiatric conditions is patient centred and will often involve trauma informed care. Having worked with individuals with severe anxiety and dental phobias, trauma and abuse cases, she utilises a patient centred approach that allows the patient to drive the dental treatment at their comfort level. Dr Lydia believes that part of a patient’s recovery and rehabilitation from trauma involves a compassionate and empathetic approach. She utilises chairside managements, acclimatisation techniques and nitrous oxide (happy gas) to cater to the patient’s requirements and comfort levels.
Medical complexity
Medical complexity refers to having multiple health problems or conditions that require ongoing medical care and attention. It can involve having several illnesses or disabilities at the same time, which may affect different parts of the body. Individuals with medical complexity often need frequent visits to doctors, specialists, and sometimes hospital stays to manage their conditions. Providing comprehensive and coordinated care is crucial to ensuring their health and well-being.
Dr Lydia has experiences in managing individuals with complex medical conditions. These may include cancer (such as head and neck cancers, multiple myelomas and leukaemias), haematological conditions (such as congenital bleeding conditions), transplant recipients, organ failures palliative care and bone diseases requiring active treatments. She has experience working with medical professionals, especially during her training and her previous roles in hospital dentistry treating inpatients and those with acute health care needs. Her philosophy of providing oral health care to patients with medical complexities often involves considerations of the most suitable dental treatment in the context of the patient’s medical needs, that is, medically indicated dentistry. This is undertaken in close discussion with medical and allied health professionals and the patient.
Geriatric dentistry
The geriatric population refers to older adults, typically aged 65 and above. As people age, they may experience changes in physical health, cognition and overall well-being. Geriatric care focuses on addressing the specific needs and challenges of older adults, including managing chronic conditions, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life. Providing comprehensive healthcare, social support and access to services tailored to the needs of older adults is essential for promoting healthy aging and ensuring their well-being.
Dr Lydia has experience in working with society’s older adults. It was her affinity to treating the geriatric population that led her to explore a degree in geriatric dentistry. She recognises that the older adult has unique oral health needs and requires comprehensive care considering age-related conditions and medications. Dr Lydia works in conjunction with doctors, family members and carers in achieving the best strategies in combating oral diseases prominently found in the elderly. She is a firm believer in anticipating her patient’s trajectory and tailoring the best approach to dental treatment suitable to maintaining a quality of life based on patients’ beliefs, values and needs.