Spectrum-Focused Dental Care: An Interview with Chantal Richards, RDH, CAS
In healthcare, every individual deserves access to quality care—regardless of their unique challenges. For patients on the autism spectrum, a routine dental appointment can be overwhelming. That’s where Chantal Richards comes in.
As a Registered Dental Hygienist and Certified Autism Specialist, Chantal is on a mission to make dentistry more inclusive. In this exclusive interview, she shares the insights, adaptations, and heart behind autism-friendly care.
A Journey of Dedication and Expertise
With a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene and seven years of clinical experience, Chantal brings both knowledge and heart. Beyond the clinic, she has hosted radio shows and runs a nonprofit focused on oral health education for underserved children.
Her dedication is personal, and her work has only expanded with time and purpose.
Passion Meets Purpose
What inspired Chantal to specialize in autism care? A belief in equity.
“I’ve always had a natural passion for helping others,” she says. “Everyone deserves to feel safe in a dental chair.”
At Pure Smiles Jamaica, she began tailoring services for neurodiverse patients—eventually pursuing formal certification to meet the need more fully.
Tailoring Care to Unique Needs
Autism exists on a broad spectrum. That means no two patients are the same.
Chantal uses detailed pre-appointment screenings to assess:
- Verbal/non-verbal communication
- Sensory triggers
- Positioning and lighting needs
- Preferred objects or comfort items
From there, she adjusts tools, pacing, and even room setup to meet each patient's profile.
Building Trust Through Communication
Trust starts before the chair. Chantal gathers input from caregivers and starts slow. She often introduces the dental setting gradually—starting with a meet-and-greet or walk-through visit.
Her motto: meet the patient where they are. Not the other way around.
Navigating Sensory Sensitivities
Loud tools, bright lights, and unfamiliar smells can overwhelm ASD patients. Chantal minimizes stimuli, uses soft voice tones, and gives frequent reassurance. Trial and error is essential. If something doesn’t work, she adjusts on the spot.
Real-Life Challenges and Successes
She recalls one child who refused to enter the treatment room. Instead of forcing the visit, she waited. Over time, the patient became comfortable enough to walk in on their own.
“It’s about creating a safe place for progress—even if it’s slow.”
Collaborative Care
Chantal emphasizes collaboration. She works closely with caregivers and other healthcare providers to coordinate treatment, report on progress, and plan follow-ups. This circle of support creates consistent, unified care.
Adapting Sensory Aspects of Care
Chantal documents patient preferences for future visits—lighting, flavor of polish, favorite toothbrush, and more. She also uses the Tell-Show-Do method to build predictability and reduce anxiety.
Culturally Sensitive and Inclusive Dentistry
As a Caribbean clinician, Chantal prioritizes cultural sensitivity. She trains staff to be autism-aware and inclusive and encourages clear communication with families across different backgrounds.
The Parent's Role
Caregivers are critical partners. Chantal creates customized home-care instructions and follows up with take-home resources and post-visit recaps. Her goal is to empower families—not overwhelm them.
Innovative Techniques and Technologies
While resources in her region are limited, Chantal is hopeful about future tools:
- Virtual reality and augmented reality
- Aromatherapy for sensory management
- Behavior management software
- Sedation dentistry when appropriate
Staying Informed and Continuously Learning
Chantal stays current by attending international conferences, webinars, and diving into peer-reviewed research. She’s always evolving her approach.
Challenges and Rewards
The biggest challenge? Referring patients out when cooperation isn’t possible.
The biggest reward? Earning a patient’s trust—and watching them return, more confident each time.
Aspiring for Change
To aspiring dental hygienists, she offers this:
“If you have a passion for helping others, a dedication to creating change, and a commitment to providing support—this is a phenomenal field to explore.”
Chantal Richards exemplifies what happens when purpose and compassion meet. Her work is a model for how dentistry can become more inclusive—one spectrum-aware appointment at a time.
