Making Our Neighbordhood Smile
Comprehensive Pediatric Dentistry In Tacoma, WA
When they're young, it’s important for your children to have great dental experiences. Feeling comfortable with dentistry and learning about oral hygiene basics helps set them up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. And that’s exactly what we offer at Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry. Our friendly dental team ensures that your child has a stress-free visit. Thanks to our comfortable office, plentiful amenities, and a variety of sedation options, our goal is to ensure every child can obtain the care that they need!
Meet your dentist
Dr. Aarika D. Anderson Elter
Dr. Anderson was born and raised in the South Puget Sound, graduating from Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma. After obtaining her dental degree and Certificate in Dental Public Health from A.T. Still University - Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health in 2009, Dr. Anderson spent nearly a decade providing dental care to underserved populations in community health, public health, and tribal health. Dr. Anderson then completed her pediatric dental residency through NYU Langone-Yakima in 2018, and a LEND Fellowship through the University of Washington the same year.
Dr. Anderson’s dedication to accessible to care for pediatric populations motivated her to create Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry, to provide the best in pediatric dental care in an inclusive environment.
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Care For Every Need
Dr. Jessica Webb
Dr. Webb focuses her scope of practice to children with special healthcare needs. She completed her dental degree at UCLA, then went to the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital for a three-year pediatric residency. During this time, she earned an MS in Dentistry as well as an MA in Bioethics, later completing an MS in Recreational Therapy from Indiana University. Dr. Webb’s primary areas of expertise include treating children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as children with cleft lip and palate.
Dr. Webb is also the co-author of the textbook Dental Care for Children with Special Needs and helped to design the sensory adapted dental environment at Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry. No matter your child’s individual needs, Dr. Webb can deliver exceptional dental care in an environment that maximizes their comfort.
Featured Services
Preventive Care
Kids and their parents can work together to prevent cavities and other common oral health issues! At our office, we emphasize patient education, and help kids and parents understand how to maintain good oral hygiene at home. With six-month checkups and cleanings, yearly X-rays, and additional procedures like fluoride treatments, we’ll do our best to keep your little one’s mouth healthy.
Laser Frenectomies
Tongue and lip ties can cause a variety of problems. Though they are often first noticed when they interfere with breastfeeding, they can also cause issues with oral development if left untreated. At our office, we offer CO2 laser frenectomies for infants, toddlers, and older children to help address functional issues that may present themselves. Compared to traditional methods, laser frenectomies simplify the process, reduce discomfort, and speed up healing.
Special Needs Dentistry
Whether your child has developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, sensory sensitivities, or any other special needs, our team can help! Give us a call to learn more about our experience and our approach to dentistry for children with special needs. From personalized treatment plans to sensory-friendly dentistry, we can help you find the right path forward for your little one.
Sedation Options
Even the bravest kids may feel scared or anxious when they need dental treatment. We offer a full suite of sedation options including laughing gas, oral sedation, and even general anesthesia. With sedation, your little one will be able to get the treatment they need with less stress and discomfort.
What Makes Us Different
Why Choose Us?
Wondering why Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry is the right choice for your family? Read on and find out what sets us apart from the rest.
Inclusive Care
With our extensive experience, we can accommodate patients of all ages, from all backgrounds, and all special healthcare needs. From sensory-friendly care to deep sedation, we have the equipment, knowledge, and expertise to provide your little one with excellent dentistry. Give us a call to learn more about our approach to inclusive pediatric dental care.
Personalized Approach
We pride ourselves on taking the time to provide personalized care to each and every child who walks through our door. Every child has different habits, a different understanding of dentistry, and a unique background. By learning more about your little ones, we can make sure we keep their oral health on track as they grow and mature.
Kid & Parent Approved Office
Kids and parents both love our comfortable and well-appointed office, complete with a play area and arcade cabinet to keep your little ones occupied. And with TVs in every operatory and a “fun-first” approach to dentistry, your child will feel safe and comfortable throughout the entire treatment process.
Preventive & Educational Focus
Patient education is our priority at Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry. We love taking the time to explain dental concepts to kids and their parents, too. From proper brushing techniques to explaining how cavities form, we emphasize the importance of preventing common pediatric oral health issues like tooth decay.
First Visits Under 1 Year
Did you know that infants should see the dentist when their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday, whichever comes first? We see patients of all ages, including patients under one year old! Schedule your little one’s first visit now and stay on top of their oral development.
Track Their Oral Development
Introduce Dentistry Early
Get Peace Of Mind
