The Multisensory/Snoezelen Environment to Optimize the Dental Care Patient Experience

Dent Clin North Am. 2022 Apr;66(2):209-228. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2021.12.001.

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of how the environment can affect behavior and that well-designed spaces can affect how patients handle stress. The application of the Snoezelen multisensory interactive calming strategies and devices that were installed in all facets of a community dental practice are described. These principles of creating a calming dental home improved behavior, cooperation, and satisfaction with care in persons with disabilities and reduced the need for sedation or general anesthesia. It is proposed that the creation of similar clinics with multisensory calming features could improve community access to dental care for persons with special needs.

Keywords: Dentistry; Environment; Multisensory; Sensory; Snoezelen; Special needs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dental Care
  • Disabled Persons*
  • Humans
  • Patient Outcome Assessment