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.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics! 🎁✨
This season, we’re celebrating bright smiles, big laughter, and the little moments that make family time so special. 💕
Thank you to all the wonderful families who’ve trusted us to care for your children’s smiles this year — your support means the world to our team. 🦷🌈
Here’s to more giggles, healthy teeth, and joyful smiles in the new year ahead! 💫
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #HappyHolidays #HealthySmiles
Here are 3 hidden signs your baby might be teething — and it’s not just drooling! 👶🦷
1️⃣ Chewing on everything — Babies often gnaw on toys, fingers, or even crib rails to relieve gum pressure.
2️⃣ Irritability and fussiness — Sore gums can make little ones extra cranky, especially around nap or bedtime.
3️⃣ Changes in eating or sleeping habits — Some babies nurse or bottle-feed less, or wake more often at night.
Pro tip: A chilled teething ring or a clean, cool washcloth can help soothe sore gums and bring comfort. 💛
If you’re unsure whether your baby’s teething or something else is causing discomfort, our gental team is here to help guide you through every stage of your little one’s smile journey. 💬
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #BabyTeething #TeethingTips
Why do some toddlers need fillings at just 2 years old? 🍼🦷
It’s something that happens with prolonged bottle feeding and has been called baby bottle cavities. The condition is also called early childhood caries.
Constant sipping on juice or milk means teeth are bathed in sugar all day, and baby enamel is thinner, so those cavities spread fast.
The good news? A few simple habits can protect your little one’s smile — switch to water between meals, avoid overnight bottles, and start early dental visits. 💧😊
Your child’s healthy smile starts with gentle prevention and loving guidance. 💕
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈 #SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #KidsCavities #BabyBottleCavities
Why do some teens have worn teeth — even before they’ve had cavities? 😬🦷
Nighttime grinding, or bruxism, can wear teeth down just as quickly as decay. It’s more common than you might think, especially during times of stress, growth, or orthodontic changes.
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, our team gently evaluate for signs of grinding and offer comfortable, custom solutions to help protect growing smiles. 💛
Have you ever noticed your teen grinding their teeth at night? We’d love to hear your experience below — or contact us to learn how we can help keep those smiles strong and healthy. 💬
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #TeenDentalHealth #TeethGrinding
Sippy cup hack every parent should know! 🍼💧
Want to protect your toddler’s teeth from sippy cup cavities? Start by swapping juice for water in their sippy cup. You can dilute the juice a little more each day until it’s water only — and always brush before bedtime. 🦷✨
Sippy cups are great for independence, but constant sipping on juice can cause early tooth decay. This simple sippy cup tip helps keep smiles healthy and bright. 🌈
Parents — would you try this tonight? 💛
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring hearts. Growing smiles. A gentler way to shine. 💕
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #SippyCupHack #SippyCupCavities
Did you know that prolonged thumb or finger sucking can gently reshape how a child’s mouth and jaw grow? 👶🦷
Early orthodontics can not only help correct this but can also assist with stopping the habit. At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, We take a compassionate, child-centered approach to guiding healthy oral development and supporting kids through every stage of growth. 💛
Did your kids ever struggle with this? We’d love to hear your experience below — or contact us to learn how early orthodontics can help your child’s smile grow beautifully and naturally. 💬
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. 🌈
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #ThumbSucking #EarlyOrthodontics
Parents always ask — why see a dentist at age one? 👶🦷
Because a healthy smile starts early! The best time to build lifelong oral health is right at the beginning of your child’s journey. At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, Dr. Reem and our team love guiding parents through their baby’s first dentist visit — making it gentle, positive, and fun. 💛
Early dental visits help prevent cavities, create good habits, and make future appointments easy and comfortable. Teaching parents how to care for their baby’s mouth is truly where healthy smiles begin. 🌈
What age was your child’s first dental visit? 💬
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Gentle care. Bright smiles. Growing with your child every step of the way. ✨
#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #FirstDentalVisit #BabyDentist
What if a little 3D magic could help your child’s smile grow just right? ✨🦷
We’re so excited to introduce SmileKeeper™ — a next-generation, 3D printed, metal-free space maintainer made just for kids! 💫
Created by our founder, Dr. Reem, at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West Los Angeles, SmileKeeper™ combines digital precision with gentle care to protect space for growing teeth when a baby tooth is lost too early.
No metal. No discomfort. Just a soft, custom fit and a happier smile. 💖
This is more than technology — it’s how we care for kids with compassion, creativity, and love.
👇 Read our new blog to see how Dr. Reem and our team are shaping the future of pediatric dentistry with SmileKeeper™!
👉 https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/pediatric-space-maintainer-3dprinted-smilekeeper
Parents — has your child ever lost a baby tooth early? Share your story or drop your questions below! 💬✨
Want to learn if SmileKeeper™ is right for your child?
Call or message us today to schedule a gentle, easy visit. We’re here to make every child’s dental experience comfortable and fun! 🌈💛
Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA
📞 (310) 837-6453
📧 info@smilesla.com
📍 10582 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Caring hearts. Growing smiles. A gentler way to shine. 💕
#PediatricSpaceMaintainer#SmilesPediatricDentistryandOrthodontics #SmileKeeper #KidsDentist #PediatricDentist #PediatricOrthodontist #WestLosAngeles #3DPrintedKidsSpaceMaintainer #kidstoothloss
