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.
🎉 In Part 1, our teen patient Riley Slater shared how fast, easy, and completely pain-free her appointment was — no numbing, no discomfort, just cool air and water. 😌💦
✨ Now in Part 2, she finds out why:
We used the revolutionary Solea Laser — no needles, no numbness, and zero pain. Her reaction?
"10,000% I’d do it again." 🙌
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we love seeing patients surprised by how comfortable dental care can be.
📍 Located in West LA, Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is proud to offer advanced solutions like the Solea Laser — a modern way to treat cavities without the sound of drills, the pinch of needles, or the stress of traditional methods.
Your child deserves stress-free, high-tech care in a warm, welcoming environment. Whether it`s a first visit, fillings, or sealants, our goal is always the same: happy kids, healthy smiles.
📧 info@smilesla.com | 📞 (310) 837-6453
Experience the future of pediatric dentistry — right here in West LA.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLAPediatricDentist #TeenDentalCare #PainFreeDentistry #SealantsAndFillings #ModernDentalCare #ComfortFirst #HealthySmiles #PediatricLaserDentistry #SoleaLaserCare
Why are baby teeth so white? 😁🦷
Ever notice how your child’s smile looks extra bright? There’s actually a fascinating reason behind that pearly glow...
👉 Swipe to uncover what makes baby teeth shine so bright!
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, we’re dedicated to guiding families through every stage of their child’s dental journey — from the very first baby tooth to complete orthodontic care. Our experienced team offers compassionate, comprehensive pediatric dental services that support healthy, confident smiles as children grow. Whether it’s routine cleanings, cavity prevention, or braces, we’re here to make dental care easy, educational, and stress-free for both kids and parents.📧 info@smilesla.com | 📞 (310) 837-6453
Let’s protect those tiny pearly whites with expert care and a gentle touch. 🧡🧡💛
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLAPediatricDentist #BrightSmiles #BabyTeethFacts #HealthySmilesStartYoung #ToothTruths #PediatricDentalCare #GrowingSmiles #ParentTips
Part 1 Riley Slater Dr. Reem ✨ Just finished 3 fillings and 5 sealants — all in under 45 minutes and with zero discomfort! 😮👏
Hear from our teen patient who walked out smiling and surprised at how fast and easy her visit was. 💬💙
💡 What she doesn’t know yet? There’s a reason she didn’t feel a thing — and you’ll find out in Part 2 with Riley Slater!
Stay tuned… 👀🦷
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, we’re committed to providing a positive, pain-free dental experience for kids and teens — using advanced technology and gentle care.
From sealants to fillings, your child’s comfort comes first. Want to know how we make it so smooth that patients barely realize treatment has happened? You’ll want to catch Part 2!
📍Located in West LA
📧 info@smilesla.com | 📞 (310) 837-6453
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLAPediatricDentist #TeenDentalCare #PainFreeDentistry #SealantsAndFillings #ModernDentalCare #ComfortFirst #HealthySmiles #PediatricLaserDentistry #SoleaLaserCare
Do babies’ teeth have roots? 🦷👶
It’s a question many parents ask — and the answer might surprise you!
There’s more going on beneath those tiny smiles than most people realize…
👉 Swipe to find out what’s really happening under the surface!
At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, we love helping parents understand the “why” behind every smile milestone. Whether it`s your child’s first visit or you have questions about baby teeth, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.📞 (310) 837-6453
Let’s build healthy habits early — one smile at a time!
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLAPediatricDentist #BabyTeethFacts #PediatricDentalCare #HealthySmiles #ParentDentalTips #FirstToothFirstVisit #GrowingSmiles
"Is my baby tongue-tied?" 👶💭 This question keeps so many new parents up at night!
👆 READ THE FULL BLOG + WATCH THE VIDEO TO LEARN:
Check the link here:👉 https://smilesla.com/pediatric-dentistry-orthodontics/tongue-tie-ankyloglossia-lip-tie-maxillary-labial-frenulum-infants-babies
👩⚕️ Dr. Reem Kabbarah (compassionate pediatric dentist + diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry) just dropped the ULTIMATE guide every parent needs!
🔥 What`s inside: • 🧠 Anatomy breakdown: lingual vs labial frenulums • Treatment deep-dive: frenotomy vs frenectomy vs frenuloplasty • 🤝 When to call in the dream team (lactation consultants!) • ⚠️ When surgery ISN`T always answer
💡 Plot twist: This isn`t one-size-fits-all - every baby`s situation is unique.
Dr. Reem at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, combines trusted care with science-backed prevention — from your baby’s first visit to teen orthodontics. Let us help you raise a cavity-free kid with care that’s modern, gentle, and focused on long-term health.
📧 info@smilesla.com | 📞 (310) 837-6453
#TongueTie #LipTie #Breastfeeding #PediatricDentistry #NewParents #BabyHealth #LactationSupport #ParentingTips #MomLife #DadLife #BreastfeedingSupport #PediatricDentist #NewMom #NewDad #BabyTips #smilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics #westlapediatricdentist #weslapediatricorthodontist #drreem #drreemkabbarah
Why do baby teeth fall out in a specific order? 🦷✨
It’s not random — there’s a reason behind the pattern!
Knowing what to expect can help parents stay ahead of their child’s dental development and make transitions smoother for the whole family.
👉 Swipe to learn why the timing (and the order!) of baby teeth matters.
Have questions about your child’s smile? At Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in West LA, we specialize in helping families understand and support every stage of dental growth.
📧 info@smilesla.com | 📞 (310) 837-6453
Let’s grow healthy smiles — together.
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #WestLAPediatricDentist #BabyTeethJourney #HealthySmiles #ToothTimeline #PediatricDentalCare #DentalMilestones #ParentTips #GrowingSmiles
🎯 Who says dental training can’t be fun? Game time at Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics with the incredible USC Pediatric Dental Residents was full of laughter, surprises, and hands-on teamwork! 💫
At Smiles, we believe happy teams create happy smiles, and we’re so proud to support the next generation of pediatric dental professionals. 🙌🦷
📍 Located in West LA, Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is more than just a dental office — we’re a community hub for compassionate, comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care.
Whether it’s your child’s first visit, a routine checkup, or orthodontic care, our friendly team is here to make every appointment fun, educational, and stress-free. We’re also honored to collaborate with local dental schools like USC to help shape the future of pediatric dentistry.
📧 Reach out at info@smilesla.com
📞 Call us at (310) 837-6453
#SmilesPediatricDentistryAndOrthodontics #USCResidents #WestLAPediatricDentist #FutureDentists #PediatricDentalCare #DentalEducation #PositiveDentalVisits #HealthySmiles #SmileWithSmiles #WestLA
Wait — babies can be born with teeth?! 😲🦷
It’s rare, but it happens! Ever wonder why?
➡️ Swipe to learn the surprising reasons behind natal teeth and what parents should know.
📲 Have questions about your baby’s smile, teething, or early dental care? Whether you’re navigating your child’s first tooth or something unexpected like natal teeth, Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is your trusted West LA pediatric dentist.
Our experienced team smiles specializes in infant oral health, helping parents feel confident and supported through every stage — from baby teeth to braces. We’re proud to offer expert, compassionate care in a warm, child-friendly environment right here in West Los Angeles.
📧 info@smilesla.com | 📞 (310) 837-6453
#NatalTeeth #BabyTeethFacts #PediatricDentist #SmilesPediatricDentistryOrthodontics #WestLAPediatricDentist #EarlyOralHealth #HealthySmiles #NewbornDentalCare #ParentEducation #LAMoms
