AccessibleSmiles
A Dental Desensitization Program for Children with Sensory, Behavioral, or Anxiety Related Challenges
AccessibleSmiles is a 6-month preparation program that helps children gradually become more comfortable with dental routines and expectations. Rather than rushing toward a dental visit, the program focuses on step-by-step readiness and skill building. Children work toward completing an age-appropriate dental cleaning, X-rays, and exam at Bethel Kids Dental in Manteca, a trusted partner with experience serving children with diverse needs. Families often report reduced stress, improved coping skills, and more successful dental visits after completing the program.
Note: AccessibleSmiles is currently operating with a waitlist, with anticipated program start dates beginning in August 2026.
Important Information Before Referring
Thank you for your interest in our AccessibleSmiles Program.
Please note:
A referral does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Burgos Behavior reviews each referral to ensure it is appropriate for the services offered.
Referrals must be complete to be reviewed. If information is missing, Burgos Behavior will contact the Service Coordinator (SC) to let them know what is needed.
If an individual is accepted into the program, Burgos Behavior will coordinate with the SC regarding the start date and necessary authorizations (POS).
Services will begin once all required authorizations are received.
VMRC Referral Process
AccessibleSmiles is available through Valley Mountain Regional Center (VMRC). To be considered for the program, families must complete the screening information session and referral steps below.
Step 1: Watch the Informational Videos
Visit the AccessibleSmiles Screening Information Session. This includes about 30 minutes of recorded video content that gives an overview of the program and what to expect.
Step 2: Complete the Webform
After watching the videos, follow the prompt to complete the webform acknowledging the program requirements.
Step 3: Receive and Forward Your Certificate
Once the webform is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. This email serves as your Certificate of Completion.Please forward that email to your Service Coordinator (SC).
Step 4: Have the Dental Referral Form Completed
Download the Patient Referral Form, have the individual’s dental office complete it, and then send it to your SC.
Step 5: SC Submits the Referral
Your SC will send the following items to Burgos Behavior for review:Certificate of CompletionCompleted Patient Referral FormInternal VMRC referral formIf the referral is approved and authorizations are received, Burgos Behavior will coordinate next steps with the SC.
AccessibleSmiles Screening Info Session
Completion of the screening information session is a prerequisite to referral. The session is a recorded Zoom video series that explains the program, expectations, and participation requirements.
The prerequisite requirements for AccessibleSmiles are:
Completing the Screening Information Session
Completing the webform
Submitting the Patient Referral Form through the Service Coordinator
Program Overview:
We know how overwhelming dental visits can be for families with children who experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or behavioral challenges. Many families feel stuck, unsure how to help their child feel more comfortable, or frustrated after past unsuccessful visits.
AccessibleSmiles is designed to help prepare your child for a dental visit at Bethel Kids Dental in Manteca, where they will work toward an age-appropriate cleaning, X-rays, and exam. Through weekly sessions, personalized feedback from video submissions, and hands-on pre-work, families typically see steady progress over the course of the program.
While every child is unique, our approach emphasizes preparation and confidence-building to help children approach dental visits with greater comfort.
Thanks to our partnership with Bethel Kids Dental, your child will be supported by a compassionate team with experience working with children with diverse needs.
How We Help Families Like Yours
Reducing Dental Anxiety:
Many children feel fearful or overwhelmed by dental visits. Our step-by-step preparation process is designed to help your child feel more comfortable and confident in a dental setting.Addressing Past Challenges:
If your family has had stressful or unsuccessful dental visits before, you’re not alone. This program is about providing a manageable path forward, tailored to your child’s needs.Providing Practical Guidance:
Most dental offices don’t offer the preparation families need for children with unique challenges. We’re here to fill that gap with strategies that you can implement at home and during dental visits.Easing Stress for Parents:
Dental visits can be tough for everyone involved. Our structured approach provides clear strategies that reduce stress for your child—and for you.Partnering with Trusted Experts:
Our relationship with Bethel Kids Dental ensures that your child’s care is in the hands of a team that understands and prioritizes their individual needs.Considering Alternatives to General Anesthesia:
By focusing on preparation, confidence-building, and gradual desensitization, we aim to minimize the need for general anesthesia whenever possible. While every child’s situation is different, this approach provides a safer, more cost-effective path for many families.
How the Program Works:
Weekly Sessions: Families participate in 30-minute Zoom or in-office sessions with the behavior analyst. These sessions focus on reducing anxiety, building cooperation, and preparing the child for the dental visit. Most sessions occur during the work day, between 9 AM and 5 PM. We are not able to accommodate late afternoon or evening appointments.
Video Submissions: Families submit two videos per week showing practice routines or challenges at home. These videos are essential for tailoring strategies and tracking progress.
The purpose of the recordings is to allow providers to observe oral hygiene and skills practice sessions in the child’s natural environment. Providers use these observations to offer individualized written and video feedback to guide the next steps in skill building.
We understand that recording routines at home can feel awkward. Families do not need to worry about appearances or having a perfect environment. Our focus is on supporting realistic, everyday routines.
Final Visit: The program concludes with a visit to Bethel Kids Dental, where the behavior analyst provides in-person support during the child’s exam, cleaning, and X-rays.
We recommend scheduling the appointment for 2 PM, when the office is typically quieter, and confirming the date and time with Burgos Behavior.
Optional Desensitization: Families may also schedule in-office desensitization sessions at the Burgos Behavior office, where the child can practice in a working dental chair.
Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Behavior Support?
Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator, or DSP professional, we’re here to help you access expert guidance, resources, and personalized behavior solutions. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, explore our programs, or get started with our services.