At Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we believe every child deserves compassionate, high-quality dental care in a setting that is accessible, safe, and welcoming. Our dentists and team have advanced training and experience, and we specialize in treating kids with physical, developmental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional conditions that may require a more customized approach to dental care.
Routine dental visits can be more difficult for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and sensory processing disorders. We work closely with families to develop individualized treatment plans that ensure comfort, trust, and positive dental experiences. We can adapt our care to accommodate kids with issues related to mobility, communication differences, feeding and swallowing, sensory sensitivity, noise & pain threshold, and other special needs.
We take extra steps to create a low-stress experience, ensuring each child receives the care they need in a way that works best for them.
We can provide:
• Desensitization Visits (at no cost) – Gradual exposure with positive reinforcement helps children build familiarity and trust with our team. These visits are also a great time for parents to discuss specific needs – all before the first exam!
• Sensory-Friendly Accommodations – We reserve quieter appointment times for patients who may need less stimulation. We have private rooms with dimmable lighting and overhead TVs to create a calm, comfortable environment. We carry several tactile and sensory toys to help alleviate anxiety.
• Protective Stabilization – This is an option when the child is unable or unwilling to sit still in the dental chair. This is used to ensure safety for both the patient and the dental team. This can be as simple as having a parent, caregiver or dental assistant hold the child’s hands. If this isn’t effective, we might use wraps or a therapeutic weighted blanket to help stabilize the child’s arms and legs.
• In-Office Sedation Options – We can provide dentistry with nitrous oxide, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia when needed, to ensure a stress-free visit.
• Hospital Sedation – We can provide general anesthesia in a hospital operating room with access to advanced medical resources. Dr. MyLinh Ngo holds privileges at Kaiser Oakland and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. We work closely with anesthesiologists and the hospital team to ensure a safe and effective experience.
• Compassionate & Patient-Centered Care – We work with you to understand your child’s unique triggers and needs, making adjustments as needed to support their comfort.
Children with special needs are twice as likely to experience barriers to proper dental care—but it doesn’t have to be that way. We urge you not to delay a visit if you’re concerned with how your child may react. We welcome all children in our office and have created a comfortable environment for them to call their dental home. Our team is here to help your child feel at ease and enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Contact us if you are interested in learning about desensitization visits or would like more information about how we can make your child’s first visit as seamless as possible. We look forward to hearing from you!