April 15, 2026
A trip to the dentist can be a stressful experience for everyone — especially for children with autism or neurodivergence. A systematic review from the Journal of Dentistry states that a third of children experience Dental Fear and Anxiety (DFA).
Despite the fear of going to the dentist, maintaining good dental and oral health are among the most important life-long health practices for a child to learn. Early support of a child’s comfortability with dental visits promotes behaviors that reduce tooth decay and other dental problems throughout life.
At Fraser, our sensory program offers child-friendly self-regulation tools that help the youngest dental clients feel at ease during dental appointments. “Fidget Goes to the Dentist” is a powerful storytelling tool that helps reduce DFA and make dental visits more accessible for children with autism and neurodivergence.
Using a book, a plushie, and an animated video, Fraser helps children understand what to expect, ahead of an appointment, reducing fear and anxiety. These materials use the character Fidget, a dog that visits the dentist’s office for a checkup. The story and plushie help children feel at ease by providing a book to discuss their upcoming appointment with a caregiver and a comforting plushie to hold as a self-regulation tool during their appointment. The accompanying video also offers a fun, step-by-step animated guide to a dental visit.
The Fraser Sensory Program is part of the Sensory-Friendly Minnesota — 10,000 Ways to Belong movement to create more sensory-friendly experiences, where everyone feels welcomed and included.
Dental offices that provide sensory-friendly resources signal to families that the dental team understands diverse needs and are committed to making the practice comfortable and welcoming for all patients. When patients arrive with an understanding of the process and coping tools in hand, dentists may experience smoother visits, with fewer behavioral challenges, making care more efficient.
Fraser’s Sensory Supports & Training program offers exclusive training and tips for dental offices and staff. To learn more, reach out to gina.brady@fraser.org, or visit www.fraser.org.