Overcoming Dental Phobia: Quebec Clinic Pioneers Inclusive Care for Children with Special needs
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A Quebec-based pediatric dental center is gaining recognition for its innovative approach to providing dental care for children with special needs, particularly those with meaningful anxieties stemming from past trauma. Sourires Solidaires, located in Chomedey, is demonstrating that with patience, preparation, and a dedicated team, even the most challenging cases can be successfully addressed.
A Mother’s Perseverance and the Power of Desensitization
The journey for many families begins with overcoming deeply rooted fears. For Sasha, a 16-year-old with an intellectual disability, a traumatic early experience at the dentist led to a five-year refusal of any healthcare treatment. “It started to worry me a lot and it posed a risk to his health,” Sasha’s mother, Élise Crevier, explained. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Crevier embarked on a home-based desensitization process with the help of professionals.
This involved gradually introducing Sasha to dental-related objects and scenarios.”Every day we played dentist at home,” Crevier recounted,transforming everyday items like electric toothbrushes and small mirrors into familiar tools. The family even recreated a dental clinic surroundings with a reclining beach chair in their living room. While initially focused on preparation, Crevier’s search for a suitable clinical setting led her to Sourires Solidaires, a turning point in their experience.
Sourires Solidaires: Beyond Customary Dental Care
Founded by Dr. Farid Amer-Ouali and Dr.Tasnim Alami-Laroussi, Sourires Solidaires is more than just a dental clinic; it’s a center dedicated to understanding and accommodating the unique needs of children with special needs.”We know Sasha well, but every time I hear her story, it brings back a lot of emotions for me,” Dr. Amer-Ouali stated. The clinic’s philosophy extends beyond treatment, emphasizing thorough preparation and post-care support.
Visits to Sourires solidaires are carefully structured to minimize anxiety. The waiting room is designed as a games room, immediately creating a more relaxed atmosphere. In the treatment room, dental chairs are covered with blankets to disguise their clinical appearance. An occupational therapist is also integrated into the process,utilizing calming techniques like applying pressure to the patient’s hands,arms,and head.
“We were really desensi
committed to providing free dental services to vulnerable children. In 2025 alone, nearly 5,000 children benefited from these services, representing a total value of over $1.3 million in care and services delivered through 9,310 appointments between may 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. The clinic operates on a lasting model, reinvesting funds from paying customers and securing grants to support its charitable initiatives.
the clinic’s success is fueled by a dedicated team of nearly 100 employees and volunteers. “It shows that the needs are great [au Québec],” Dr. Amer-Ouali stated. “We are proud to be able to contribute. We do our best to support families who are in a more challenging socio-economic context.” Currently, Sourires Solidaires is running a fundraising campaign for 2026, aiming to raise enough funds to support 1,900 additional children through its various programs.
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