ASD and Habituation to Dental Examination

"The habituation will be performed by dental hygenists working in the public dental service in Rogaland or Vestland counties. The dental hygenists have completed a 2-day educational course consisting of both theoretical and practical information specifically adressing dental examination of children with autism spectrum disorder. The habituation will be done at the dental office.~The intervention consists of five structured habituation sessions with the trained dental hygienist where the different elements of a clinical dental examination will be introduced stepwise in a controlled manner. Parents/guardians will also receive a toolbox with visual aids and a dental examination mirror with instructions for use during home preparations prior to the habituation sessions."

"Participants in the augmented control group will receive a toolbox with visual aids and a dental examination mirror. The parents/guardians of these participants will receive written information on how to use these tools at home to prepare for a clinical dental examination."