Restoring badly broken-down upper teeth
- Before:
- Most of the upper teeth were broken down close to the gum, with decayed roots and sore, inflamed gums.
- After:
- A complete upper row of evenly spaced teeth, seen here from below.
Special care dentistry
Dental care for children and adults with autism, Down syndrome, disability or complex medical needs, planned with patience, extra time and close teamwork with families.
Talk to us about your situation
Tell us a little about the patient when you get in touch.
Who this is for
- Autism
- Down syndrome
- ADHD
- Cerebral palsy
- Learning disability
- Sensitivity to noise, light or touch
- Physical disability and limited mobility
- Limited mouth opening
- Dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease and after a stroke
- Diabetes, heart conditions and blood thinners
- Cancer treatment and palliative care
What is special care dentistry?
Special care dentistry is dental care for people whose disability, illness or medical condition makes routine dental care harder. It is for children as much as for adults: an autistic child who finds the noise and lights of a clinic overwhelming, a young adult with Down syndrome, a parent living with Parkinson’s, or someone in the middle of cancer treatment.
Dr. Rifat is the UAE Country Ambassador for the Federation of Special Care Dentistry (FSCD) and a member of the International Association for Disability and Oral Health (IADH). She trained in caring for medically complex patients during her Master’s at the University of Southern California, and through nearly two decades of hospital dentistry.
Autism, Down syndrome and other special needs
Many families come to Dr. Rifat because dental visits have been hard before. She takes time to get to know the patient, explains each step in a way they can follow, and works at their pace, never the clock’s.
Tell us about routines, sensitivities and what helps, and we will plan around them: the time of day, the length of the visit, and who comes into the room. When it is easier, treatment can be split into shorter visits.
Care that adapts to the person
Every patient is different. Some need longer appointments, others need shorter ones. Some are calmer with a family member holding their hand. Some need extra time to understand what is happening. Dr. Rifat adapts her care to the person in front of her and never rushes.
When you’ve been told it’s too complicated
Dr. Rifat focuses on patients who need a more thoughtful, medically informed approach, especially people who have been told their case is too complicated or risky. She looks for a way to work around a patient’s limitations, and recommends only the treatment that will truly help.
Safe care alongside medical treatment
Many medicines and medical treatments affect the mouth, and some affect how dental treatment should be done. Dr. Rifat reviews each patient’s medical history carefully, and with permission she works with their doctors, so dental care is safe and fits with the rest of their care.
Comfort in palliative care
For people receiving palliative or end-of-life care, a comfortable mouth matters for eating, speaking and dignity. Dr. Rifat offers gentle care focused on comfort and quality of life, and supports families with simple mouth-care routines.
What to expect
Step 1: Talk to us before you book
Tell us about the patient's needs, routines and what helps them feel calm. We will plan the right appointment time, length and support.
Step 2: At the patient's pace
Dr. Rifat explains each step in a way the patient can follow, goes at their pace, and stops whenever a break is needed.
Step 3: Working with families and doctors
With permission, she speaks with the patient's doctors and carers so dental care fits safely with medical care.
Step 4: Simple advice for home
You leave with clear, practical guidance on daily mouth care that fits the patient's abilities.
Smile stories
Before and after, from Dr. Rifat’s own patients, shared with their consent. Original photos.
Getting there
Dr. Rifat sees patients at clinics in Mirdif and Al Nahda, Dubai. We do not offer home visits, so please tell us about any mobility needs when you book and we will plan the visit with you.
Questions families ask
My child is autistic. Can Dr. Rifat help?
Yes. Dr. Rifat cares for autistic children and adults, and for people with Down syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. When you book, tell us about the patient's routines, sensitivities and what helps them feel calm, and she will plan the visit around them.
We've been told the case is too complicated. Can Dr. Rifat still help?
Please get in touch. Dr. Rifat trained specifically in caring for medically complex patients, and spent nearly two decades in hospital dentistry. She will review the medical history, examine carefully, and tell you honestly what is possible.
My father has dementia and may not cooperate. Can Dr. Rifat still help?
Yes. Dr. Rifat has years of experience caring for people with dementia. She keeps visits calm and short, and works closely with the family. Read our guide to dental visits and dementia for tips on preparing.
Do you offer home visits?
Not at the moment. All appointments are at the clinics, where Dr. Rifat has full clinical equipment to treat safely. Tell us about any mobility needs when you book and we'll plan the visit around them.
Can the patient stay in their wheelchair?
Tell us when you book. We will plan the visit with you, including the best clinic and appointment time.
Ready to talk to Dr. Rifat?
Message her directly on WhatsApp. She replies personally.
Which clinic is easier for you?
Dr. Rifat sees patients in Mirdif and Al Nahda, Dubai.