At McLevin Dental, we believe that oral health is a vital part of overall well-beingand for many children with special needs, it should be an integral part of their Personalized Education Plan (PEP). Whether a child has autism, ADHD, developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, or physical disabilities, incorporating oral care goals into their educational support plans can make a profound difference in their long-term health.
Collaborating with schools, educators, and caregivers ensures that oral hygiene skills are taught, reinforced, and supported not only at home and in the dental office but also in the classroom or learning environment.
In this blog, well discuss how to include oral care in PEPs, why it matters, and how families, educators, and dental professionals can work together to support the childs success.
Why Oral Care Belongs in a PEP
For children with learning differences or disabilities, oral care can present unique challenges:
Difficulty with fine motor skills required for brushing and flossing
Sensory sensitivities to textures, tastes, or the feel of a toothbrush
Communication barriers that make following multi-step tasks difficult
Anxiety around routines like toothbrushing or dental visits
When oral hygiene isnt consistently supported, it can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, pain, and even missed school days. Including oral care in a childs PEP ensures it becomes part of their learning goals, giving them the opportunity to develop this essential life skill over time.
How Oral Health Can Fit Into PEP Goals
Oral care can be part of:
Self-care skills goals: Teaching the child to independently brush and floss.
Motor skills goals: Developing the hand coordination needed for brushing effectively.
Sensory integration plans: Gradually increasing tolerance to the sensations of brushing or dental visits.
Communication goals: Learning to express discomfort, ask for help, or follow multi-step oral care routines.
Behavioral supports: Using visual schedules or positive reinforcement to build consistent oral hygiene habits.
Examples of Oral Care Goals in a PEP
By the end of the term, the student will independently brush teeth for 2 minutes using a visual timer with 80% success.
The student will participate in guided toothbrushing after lunch using step-by-step picture prompts.
The student will tolerate toothbrushing with mint-flavored toothpaste for 30 seconds, gradually increasing duration over the term.
The student will verbalize when assistance is needed during oral care routines.
Strategies Schools and Families Can Use Together
1. Visual Supports
Use picture cards that show each step of brushing and flossing.
Place visual cues in bathrooms at school and home.
Utilize apps or videos that model oral hygiene routines.
2. Sensory Accommodations
Allow the child to choose toothbrush textures (soft, silicone, electric).
Offer different toothpaste flavors or use flavorless options.
Integrate sensory breaks before or after oral care routines.
3. Modeling and Guided Practice
Use peer modeling or staff-led demonstrations to show proper brushing techniques.
Practice brushing as part of daily school routines, such as after lunch or snack time.
4. Positive Reinforcement
Create a reward chart for successful toothbrushing sessions.
Offer praise, stickers, or other motivators tied to oral care milestones.
5. Collaborative Communication
Teachers, therapists, families, and dental professionals can share strategies that work at home, school, and in the dental office.
Document oral care progress as part of the childs ongoing IEP/PEP meetings.
How McLevin Dental Supports Oral Care in Education Plans
Our team is committed to supporting families and educators in:
Providing written recommendations for oral hygiene routines tailored to the childs needs.
Offering step-by-step brushing guides, social stories, and visual aids that can be used at home and in the classroom.
Communicating with occupational therapists, speech therapists, and school teams when appropriate.
Scheduling regular checkups that align with the childs educational and developmental goals.
Benefits of Including Oral Care in PEPs
Improved oral health: Reduces risk of cavities, infections, and pain.
Greater independence: Builds confidence in managing daily hygiene tasks.
Fewer missed school days: Prevents dental emergencies that can lead to absences.
Increased comfort with routines: Helps reduce anxiety around both dental care and self-care in general.
Long-Term Impact
When oral hygiene is part of a childs educational goals, it creates lifelong habits that contribute to better health, confidence, and well-being. These skills empower children as they grow, ensuring they are prepared to manage their dental health independently in adulthood.
McLevin Dental: Partnering with Families and Educators
At McLevin Dental, we dont just treat teethwe partner with families, educators, and support teams to help every child achieve their highest potential in oral health and self-care. If youre navigating a Personalized Education Plan and would like dental guidance included, our team is here to help.
Together, lets build brighter smiles and brighter futures.