Dental Care for Children with Special Needs

Children We Regularly Care For

We provide specialized dental care for children with a broad range of needs including:

• • • • Autism spectrum disorder and related sensory or communication differences
      • Sensory processing disorder and environmental sensitivities
      • Down syndrome and other chromosomal conditions
      • Cerebral palsy and physical disabilities
      • ADHD and attention or behavior regulation challenges
      • Anxiety disorders and dental phobias
      • Cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial concerns
      • Medically complex children with chronic illness or underlying health conditions
      • Children with previous dental trauma

If your child’s needs are not listed here, call us anyway. If we can help we will tell you. If we are not the right fit we will be honest about that and do our best to point you in the right direction.

How We Prepare for Your Child’s Visit

Every child who comes to us for specialized care gets a team that is ready for them specifically. Depending on your child’s needs we can:

• Schedule quieter appointment times with reduced waiting room activity
• Reserve extended appointment blocks so nothing feels rushed
• Adjust sensory elements in the treatment room including lighting and sound
• Provide pre-visit information so your child knows exactly what to expect
• Offer a Happy Visit tour so your child can meet the team and explore the space with no treatment involved
• Coordinate care with your child’s pediatricians, therapists, and specialists

These accommodations are not special requests. They are part of our standard approach to caring for children who need additional support.

Our Approach in the Chair

We meet every child where they are. For some, that means moving slowly and narrating every step. For others it means dim lights, minimal talking, and moving efficiently.

Tell-Show-Do is our standard approach. We will never rush your child or make them feel like their needs are an inconvenience. Parent presence is welcomed and encouraged throughout every appointment. You know your child better than anyone and we want you involved.

A No-Judgment Zone for Parents

We know that for many parents just getting to the dentist can feel like a marathon. If your child has a meltdown it is okay. If brushing has been a struggle at home we are not here to judge you. Our team is here to partner with you and we celebrate every step of progress no matter how small.

When Additional Support Is Needed

For children whose anxiety or behavioral needs make standard treatment difficult sedation can be a valuable tool. We offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and in-office general anesthesia. We approach sedation with careful screening and individualized planning tailored to your child’s medical and behavioral needs.

Starting the Conversation

The best first step is a phone call. Tell us about your child, their diagnosis if they have one, what has worked in the past, and what has not. There is no intake form that captures what a five minute conversation can and we want to hear from you directly.

Treetop Was Built for Every Child

Our new space opening soon features a backyard-themed space, our secret child-sized door, and our toddler treehouse that were not just designed for easy appointments. They were designed for every child. Getting to the legendary toy wall at the end of a hard appointment is one of our favorite moments. We work hard to make sure it happens.