How We Verify Listings
Transparency is core to our mission. Here's exactly how we determine whether a dental practice is sensory-friendly.
Our Verification Process
1. Data Collection
We start with publicly available dental practice data from Google Maps, covering all 50 US states. This gives us basic practice information like name, location, ratings, and website URLs.
2. Website Analysis
We analyze each practice's website looking for explicit mentions of sensory-friendly services, autism accommodations, and special needs awareness. We look at service pages, about pages, and any dedicated special needs sections.
3. Confidence Scoring
- High Confidence: Practice explicitly mentions autism, ASD, or sensory accommodations, has a dedicated special needs page, or lists specific sensory tools.
- Medium Confidence: Practice uses “gentle dentistry” language, mentions treating patients with special needs generally, or indicates comfort-focused care.
- Low Confidence: Pediatric dentist with no explicit sensory mentions — may offer accommodations but doesn't advertise them.
4. Accommodation Extraction
For verified practices, we extract specific accommodations mentioned on their websites: weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, visual schedules, quiet rooms, sedation options, and more.
Important Notes
- We only mark accommodations as available when explicitly mentioned on a practice's website. We never guess or assume.
- Practices may offer more accommodations than we've listed. Providers can claim their listing to add additional details.
- Our directory is for informational purposes only. Always confirm accommodations directly with the dental office before your visit.