Doctor & Dentist Desensitization
Occupational therapy sessions focused on helping children manage anxiety and become comfortable with medical and dental procedures through medical play and sensory-based interventions (e.g., cleanings, fillings, check-ups, blood work).
Medical & Dental Treatments
These treatments/procedures and more can be addressed through our program!
Physicals
Dental Cleanings
Blood Draws
Shots
Cavity Fillings
The OT Process
1
Consultation
We offer complimentary phone consultations to discuss your child's specific needs and allow families to meet with our therapist to determine if our services are the right fit.
2
Evaluation
Our comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations combine direct observations of your child's abilities, and detailed interviews with family members to develop a complete understanding of your child's strengths and areas for growth.
3
Treatment
Based on evaluation results, your child will receive weekly occupational therapy treatment sessions targeting their goals via fun and unique activities and games.
Estimated 4-6 one-hour sessions before scheduled doctor/dentist treatment.
About the Program
During her time at the University of Florida, Jessica developed an occupational therapy intervention program to help children overcome their fears of routine dental and medical treatments through medical play and sensory-based activities. This meaningful project stemmed from her own personal experiences navigating healthcare-related challenges and fears, driving her passion to help other children face similar situations with greater confidence.
To prepare for this evidence-based initiative, Jessica conducted an extensive literature review and collaborated directly with dentists and pediatricians to understand their approaches to care, common fears experienced by young patients, and trauma-informed practices currently implemented in healthcare settings.
The results of her project demonstrated that the interventions were highly effective in increasing children's cooperativeness and tolerance during dental and medical treatments. Significant improvements were observed during actual dental and medical procedures in both neurotypical children and those with special needs. The combination of these positive outcomes and existing research confirms that occupational therapy interventions incorporating sensory processing strategies and medical play are beneficial in helping children become more comfortable with medical equipment and environments, ultimately increasing their participation during healthcare visits. This work highlights how occupational therapy practitioners are uniquely positioned to foster participation in healthcare activities, as they possess specialized understanding of the sensory, motor, and behavioral challenges patients encounter during medical appointments.
Father of Child with Sensory Processing Disorder - Age 7
"Previously, my son was very scared of the dentist and would scream on the way to the office and during his entire cleaning. He didn't like lying back in the chair or people touching his mouth. After working with Jessica, he completed his entire cleaning lying in the chair with no complaints!"
Mother of Child with Down Syndrome - Age 8
"The dentist has gotten harder and harder as my son has gotten older. After working with Jessica, my son did so good at the dentist for his cleaning! He didn't protest or fight at all - just laid there. He used to clamp his mouth closed and try to get out of the chair. Thank you so much, Jessica!"
Mother of Daughter with Autism - Age 8
"My daughter is mostly okay with routine check-ups with her doctor, but starts to panic and resist if she needs a shot or blood draw. She works herself up so much that she refuses to go. After a few sessions with Jessica, she did amazing at her blood draw. We were in and out of the doctor office in 10 minutes! Her doctor was blown away by how great she handled everything."
Let’s Work Together
Get in touch for more information or to schedule your initial phone consultation.