Special Needs Dentistry
Every child deserves great dental care — including children with special health care needs. At Pediatric Dental Associates, our pediatric dentists complete two to three years of specialized training beyond dental school. That training prepares them to provide gentle, expert care for children of all abilities across all five of our locations.
We take the time to understand your child. Our goal is to make every visit feel safe, positive, and comfortable — for your child and for you.
How We Care for Your Child with Special Health Care Needs
Our pediatric dentists are trained to adapt their approach based on each child’s needs. We move at your child’s pace, use simple and friendly language, and work hard to build trust at every visit.
For children who need extra support to stay calm and comfortable, we offer:
- Nitrous oxide at all locations
- Oral conscious sedation at select locations
- Access to operating room care for complex cases when needed
What Are Special Health Care Needs?
Special health care needs cover a wide range of differences that may require extra attention during dental visits. Our team has experience caring for children with conditions including:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Sensory processing differences
- Behavioral and developmental differences
- Physical disabilities
- And many others
If your child has a condition not listed here, please reach out. We are happy to talk through how we can best support them.You know your child better than anyone. That’s why we ask questions, listen carefully, and build our approach around what works for your family.
Parents Are Our Partners
You know your child better than anyone. That’s why we ask questions, listen carefully, and build our approach around what works for your family.
We work with parents to develop personalized plans for home oral health care, including:
- Brushing techniques that work for your child
- Nutrition and diet guidance
- Ways to make oral hygiene easier when sensory or motor challenges are involves.
Starting Early Makes a Difference
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children with special health care needs establish a dental home by age one. Starting early allows us to:
- Build familiarity and trust with your child over time
- Create an individualized care plan from the very beginning
- Catch and address concerns before they become bigger problems
Pediatric Dental Associates is committed to being that dental home for your family, from your child’s very first visit through their teen years.
Meet Our Dentists
Our doctors complete an additional 2-3 years of specialty training to better serve our patients.
Your Child’s Smile is in Good Hands.
Serving Philadelphia-area families for 50 years.
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