Special Needs DentistryIn Tacoma
We’re passionate about building an inclusive pediatric dental home where all smiles are welcome. That’s why we get to know your kiddo, learn what makes them feel at ease, and tailor appointments to meet their unique needs. We partner with parents to tailor our approach.
Why should I choose a pediatric dental specialist for my child?
Every child is different and if your little one has health problems that make their treatment difficult for any reason, a pediatric specialist can help. Both Dr. Anderson and Dr. Webb are Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists, meaning they received additional years of training on treating children with special needs. They also both completed an additional LEND Fellowship (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) to better support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Both of our providers have extensive experience with children and special needs patients of all types. From kids with sensory sensitivity, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and a variety of other conditions, our experienced team can ensure your little one gets the care they need in an environment tailed to their individual needs.
Stress-Free Care
If fear is keeping you or your little one from scheduling an appointment, we’re able to offer various sedation options. From nitrous oxide to oral sedation or general anesthesia, we can work with you to figure out the best approach for your child’s treatment. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) regularly as a mild sedation option that can provide lots of help. It can allow children to relax and help reduce children’s gag reflex, making treatment so much easier.
Helps Your Kiddo Relax
No Side Effects
Save Big On Treatment
The Benefits of a Sensory Adapted Dental Environment
Better Patient Accommodations
Dr. Anderson & Dr. Webb can make adjustments to things like office lighting and sounds for patients with sensory issues, or use special sensory equipment and various accommodations to ensure that patients with special needs get personalized care that will better ensure their success.
Expert Care For Every Patient
Pediatric specialists with extensive experience treating patients with special needs know how to treat children with a wide variety of physical, intellectual and developmental differences. Your child’s dentist will know how to keep them safe and comfortable as they get the dental care they need.
Comfort With Sedation
A wide variety of sedation options are available, which allow their patients to rest, relax, and even sleep soundly through their appointment. Sedation is a very useful tool for patients who may otherwise have trouble being treated in a traditional dental environment.
Sensory Adapted Dental Environment
With adjustable lighting, sounds, projectors, and other amenities, our sensory adapted dental environment is a space that can be adapted to suit the sensory needs of all patients.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Rest assured that you child is receiving top-notch, specialized care with our Board Certified Pediatric Dentists. To achieve Board Certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, pediatric dentists must undergo several additional years of extensive training specific to children and pass several more rigorous exams in addition to their standard dental degrees.
Desensitization Appointments
Going to the dentist is a significant experience, with new faces, sounds, and expectations. To help your child adjust, we offer desensitization appointments. Through a series of visits, the dentist will give your child a tour of our office, introduce our friendly team, and teach them about dental tools. This helps your kiddo get acclimated with our space so they can feel safe, secure, and cared for.
No Drill, No Shot Options
Numbing shots and noisy drills can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear for kiddos. We’re proud to offer drill-free and shot-free treatment options that not only protect your child’s smile but keep them calm and reassured, too.
Behavior Guidance Counseling
Sitting in the dental chair isn’t always easy! That’s why our compassionate team offers behavior guidance counseling. With our gentle directions and upbeat approach, we’ll empower your child to face challenges, overcome obstacles, and gain confidence as they learn how to take charge of their oral health.
Stress-Free Sedation Options
No child deserves to struggle with fear or pain during treatment. Sedation options are an effective way to help your kiddo get the care they need without discomfort or anxiety. Talk to your child’s dentist to learn more about what sedation option will best fit their needs.
The Special Needs Dentistry Process
Initial Health Discussion
To begin, Dr. Anderson or Dr. Webb will meet with you and/or your child, and review their medical history, records, medications they're taking and other details. Every child is different, so it's important for our dentists to develop a full understanding of their health and abilities.
Oral Exam & Teeth Cleaning
The first step toward better oral health is a comprehensive oral exam and teeth cleaning. This gives our team the opportunity to learn more about your child’s health, identify potential oral health issues, and understand the next steps for a healthier mouth.
Personalized Treatment Plan
After their consultation, your child’s dentist will discuss their oral health with you. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, including both any necessary in-office care and recommendations for at-home oral hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
