At Smiles, special health care needs dentistry goes beyond excellent clinical expertise. It revolves around cultivating a sense of deep safety, building bonds of trust and fostering empathy, compassion and kindness. As an inclusive pediatric dental home, our goal is to make every visit a positive and empowering step towards optimal oral health. By collaborating closely with parents and support groups, and offering mindful, adaptive care accommodations, dental experiences can be softened and tailored to each of our special friends’ needs.
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry ·
Special Health Care Needs Dentistry defined:
Special needs dentistry, also known as Special Health Care Needs Dentistry, focuses on providing comprehensive dental care to individuals who require additional accommodations and special attention due to physical, developmental, behavioral, or medical conditions. This group includes children, adolescents and adults who are under the care of a caregiver.
Special care for special smiles:
We believe that open hearts lead to open conversations. Understanding the specifics of your child’s needs before their visit will help you and our team plan for a smooth interaction. A pre-appointment phone call will allow us better understanding of what preparations are helpful in creating a welcoming environment for your child. We invite you to bring any supportive toys or devices that your child enjoys, including their favorite toothbrush and familiar toothpaste.
Special services for special families:
It all starts with a tailored plan that fits your child’s specific needs. Individual plans are built with mindful consideration of your family’s lifestyle and routines. Many of our special friends benefit from more frequent visits to promote a bond of trust and familiarity with the dental experience. Oral hygiene education and facilitation are a major part of these visits. Cleanings and images can be comfortably introduced with a parent’s assistance. Preventative services such as fluoride and silver diamine fluoride remineralizing therapies are also achievable. Gentle restorative procedures can be completed with our Solea Laser unit and sedation options are available for more involved care.
Sedation Suite:
Special health care needs include physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive or emotional conditions that require specialized approaches to ensure comfort and well-being. Part of these approaches is facilitating necessary care with safe and effective sedation options. Ranging from minimal sedation with nitrous oxide to oral sedation and deep sedation or general anesthesia, our sedation solutions ensure that excellent dental care is paired with a gentle and compassionate approach.
The role of parents and caregivers:
Dental health care for children with special needs requires specialized knowledge as well as awareness and attention, adaptation and accommodative measures beyond what are considered routine. A supportive team is essential when caring for a child with special health care needs. Please consider us your partners when it comes to your child’s oral and dental wellness. We are happy to collaborate with other providers that help care for your child such as caregivers, healthcare professionals and of course, with you.
The Circle of Special Health Care Needs:
The Smiles approach to Special Needs Dentistry:
Hover or tap to reveal steps
1
Enhanced Communication: We engage parents and caregivers in discussions to gain insights on each child’s uniqueness. Using simple language, visual aids, or augmentative communication devices can help kids with special needs interact with our team.
2
Behavioral Encouragement Techniques: Introduction and desensitization visits to build trust, familiarize kids with our dental home and foster positive reinforcement and cooperation.
3
Adapted Office Environment: Our office is a street level, free standing building with available parking and a wheelchair ramp. Our space was entirely renovated according to the American Act of Disability (ADA) guidelines.
4
Sensory-friendly options, quite rooms and colored or dim lighting is readily available.
5
Specialized Training: Board-Certifed pediatric dental care in a State-of-the-art facility.
6
Collaboration with Other Professionals: We collaborate closely with physicians, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care.
1
Enhanced Communication: We engage parents and caregivers in discussions to gain insights on each child’s uniqueness. Using simple language, visual aids, or augmentative communication devices can help kids with special needs interact with our team.
2
Behavioral Encouragement Techniques: Introduction and desensitization visits to build trust, familiarize kids with our dental home and foster positive reinforcement and cooperation.
3
Adapted Office Environment: Our office is a street level, free standing building with available parking and a wheelchair ramp. Our space was entirely renovated according to the American Act of Disability (ADA) guidelines.
4
Sensory-friendly options, quite rooms and colored or dim lighting is readily available.
5
Specialized Training: Board-Certifed pediatric dental care in a State-of-the-art facility.
6
Collaboration with Other Professionals: We collaborate closely with physicians, therapists, and social workers to provide comprehensive care.
FAQs for Special Health Care Needs Dentistry:
What should I expect for my special needs child’s dental visit?
Allow us to preplan the visit together through a phone call. This way we can all be well prepared to care for your child with trust and comfort. Please share with us your best strategies to help your child relax. Bring along any emotional support objects that your child enjoys. Using our gentle behavioral techniques, we will softly explain and demonstrate how we complete a dental exam and what a dental cleaning is like. The visit moves in small steps and is segmented to allow your child periods of rest and recuperation as they steadily move forward in continued strides.
What adaptive care techniques are available?
With a goal of achieving comfort, we are happy to tailor visits to what best suits your child. The dental environment is full of sensory stimuli. If light, noise levels or textures need to be adjusted, we will plan on doing so. The time of day that your child comes in is also an important factor. Please let us know about your child’s sleep and nap pattern so that we can pair them with a time that ensures freshness and cooperation.
How can I prepare my special needs child for their dental visit?
Healthy oral habits certainly lead to dental well-being but they also help familiarize your child with routine oral care. When you are consistent with brushing your child’s teeth, you will help them to feel relaxed and safe when we complete an oral exam and cleaning. Please bring along any emotional support toys that your child enjoys. Reading books about going to the dentist and sharing our office videos will be helpful in preparing your child for an excellent experience.
Why do some kids suddenly look like they have shark teeth? 🦈🦷
Sometimes permanent teeth begin growing in before baby teeth fall out. For a short period, this can create two rows of teeth. It may look surprising, but many times this phase is temporary and self-correcting as normal growth continues.
Noticing this stage often brings questions. Learning how smiles naturally develop can bring reassurance 📘
If you have questions about your child’s dental development, our team is happy to help.
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle education. Caring guidance. Smiles supported every step 🌱
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SharkTeeth #ExtraTeeth #ToothDevelopment #BabyTeeth
💛 Part 5 of 5 — At Smiles we celebrate every moment 🌼
Melissa says “Barbie,” and Dr. Reem responds with joy, gratitude, and encouragement. A simple exchange becomes something meaningful. Gentle praise. A warm thank you. A hug offered with care. Even noticing Melissa’s yellow outfit turns into connection. This moment reflects how kindness and patience shape a welcoming dental experience, where children feel seen and celebrated.
Moments like these remind us how powerful gentle care dentistry can be. What stood out to you in this moment? 💬🌸
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453 | 📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
Gentle voices. Loving care. Smiles celebrated every step of the way 😊💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SpecialNeedsDentistry #GentleCare #CelebratingSmiles
💛 Part 4 of 5 — Support that extends beyond the dental chair 🌼
Nicole, Melissa’s caregiver, shares what makes Smiles feel so special. Every visit feels patient, kind, and deeply understanding of Melissa’s needs. The team gently shows how to guide and prompt her during care. Those lessons matter. Nicole brings what she learns into daily routines, helping Melissa feel more confident and comfortable at home. That shared support creates something truly beautiful.
Care feels lighter when support is shared. What kind of support matters most to you? 😊
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453 | 📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
Gentle guidance. Loving care. Smiles supported together 😊🌼
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SpecialNeedsDentistry #GentleDentalCare
😊🦷Did you know some children are born with extra tooth buds?
Sometimes, extra tooth buds form before birth and can create additional teeth. This happens when the dental tissue that forms teeth divides or develops differently very early in pregnancy. In some children, this process creates more tooth buds than usual, which may lead to extra baby teeth, extra permanent teeth, or both. Genetics can also play a role, and this variation occurs naturally during dental development.
Every smile develops in its own unique way, and these differences are part of normal dental growth. With thoughtful monitoring and gentle care, our team can guide healthy development as a child grows.
Curious about how smiles grow and change over time? Share your questions below 💬🌼
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle education. Caring guidance. Smiles supported every step 😊💛
#SupernumeraryTeeth#ToothBuds #SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #GentleDentistry #DentalEducation
💛 Part 3 of 5 — When hope finally replaces years of worry 😊🌸
Cheryl shares how years of challenges left her feeling discouraged. One phone call changed everything. Dr. Reem personally called her back and took time to talk through what was possible. Together, they created a plan that included care under anesthesia when needed, followed by ongoing support designed to help avoid repeating it. Through patience, trust, and thoughtful planning rooted in special needs dentistry, Melissa has continued care successfully. What once felt overwhelming now feels almost miraculous.
Have you ever felt relief after finally being heard by a provider? Share your story below 💬💛
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453 | 📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
Gentle conversations. Caring plans. Smiles built on trust 😊🌼
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SpecialNeedsDentistry #GentleCare #SupportiveSmiles
💛 Part 2 of 5 — What if special needs dentistry actually planned for your child? 😊
Cheryl shares how Smiles offered something she never expected. One familiar dental team could support Melissa’s regular visits while also preparing for more complex care. Extra time, clear communication, and emotional understanding mattered. For children with developmental disabilities, anxiety around dental care feels real. Smiles approached every visit with patience, intention, and preparation rooted in special needs dentistry.
Would thoughtful planning and extra time make dental visits easier for your child? Share below 💬🌼
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453 | 📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles
Gentle care. Loving support. Smiles that feel safe 🌸😊
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SpecialNeedsDentistry #GentleCare #SupportiveSmiles
🥰😁Our founder, Dr. Reem, says “Anyone can print.”
Create. Print. Smile.
Inside the Smiles dental home, next-generation 3D printing supports pediatric dental care in thoughtful ways. Dr. Reem designs and prints teeth, custom mouth guards, bridges, and SmileKeeper™, her newly launched metal-free space maintainer for kids. Everything is created in-house, guided by creativity, care, and a gentle approach.
To learn more about care shaped by creativity and heart, contact our office 😊
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Phone: (310) 837-6453
Email: info@smilesla.com
Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Create with care. Print with purpose. Smile with confidence 😊💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SmileKeeper #3DPrinting
@sprintray
💛Part 1 of 5 Searching for special needs dentistry shouldn’t feel overwhelming.
This is part one of a (5) part story shared by Cherly a loving a mother who spent years searching for special needs dentistry that truly understood her daughter. After exploring options across West Los Angeles, she discovered Smiles online and felt something different right away. Her child needed extra patience, gentle care, and a team willing to meet her exactly where she was. That discovery marked the beginning of a dental experience built around comfort, trust, and compassion.
Have you ever searched for special needs dentistry that actually felt right for your family? Share your experience below 💬
If your child needs special dentistry delivered with patience and heart, contact our office today 🤍
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 Phone: (310) 837-6453
📧 Email: info@smilesla.com
📍 Address: 10582 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle hands. Open hearts. Supportive smiles for every child.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #kidsdentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SpecialNeedsDentistry #GentleDentistry #FamilyCare #InclusiveSmiles
