Pediatric dental services
Special Needs Dentistry for Kids in Sacramento
Every child deserves a dental visit that fits them. Kids Dentist Plus cares for children with special health care needs with patience, flexibility and a plan made for your child.
Medi-Cal accepted
A plan made for your child
Care with patience and flexibility.
A visit built around your child
Special health care needs look different for every family. They can include autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, developmental delays and complex medical conditions. Before the first visit, we'll ask about your child's health, how they communicate and what has worked well at other appointments.
With that information, we plan the visit around your child. We move at their pace, explain each step, and treat parents as partners the whole way through. We take this approach with all of our pediatric dental services.
Ways we help children feel comfortable
Ask us about any of these approaches when you book:
Planning ahead
Share your child's medical history, triggers and favorite comfort items so the team is ready before you arrive.
Step-by-step care
We use simple words, show tools before using them, and may split care into shorter visits when that works better for your child.
Parents as partners
Parents can often stay close by to comfort their child and help us understand what they need.
Laughing gas
When needed, laughing gas (nitrous oxide) can help your child relax during treatment. Learn about laughing gas.
Tips to prepare at home
- Read a picture book or watch a short video about visiting the dentist.
- Practice opening wide and counting teeth together at home.
- Bring a favorite toy, blanket or headphones.
- Book the visit for the time of day when your child is usually calmest.
- Tell us about any changes in your child's health or medications.
Daily brushing can be hard for some children. Ask us for tips on positioning, toothbrush choices and routines that make home care easier.
Insurance and Medi-Cal
Children with full-scope Medi-Cal generally have full dental benefits until age 21, which include sedation when it's medically necessary. Some treatments need approval from your child's dental plan first, and our team takes care of that request.
Read our Medi-Cal dental guide, or call (916) 226-6767 to talk with our team.
Special needs dentistry FAQs
Do you treat children with autism?
Yes. We care for children with special health care needs, including autism. Tell us about your child's needs and preferences when you book, and we'll plan the visit around them.
What should I tell you before the visit?
Share your child's diagnoses, medications, allergies, communication style, sensory sensitivities and anything that has helped at past medical or dental visits.
Is laughing gas an option for my child?
It may be. Your child's dentist will review their health history and let you know whether laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is a good fit.
How can I make brushing easier at home?
Try a consistent routine, a soft toothbrush and a comfortable position, such as sitting behind your child with their head supported. We're happy to share more tips at your visit.
Does Medi-Cal cover special needs dental care?
Usually, yes. Medi-Cal members under 21 have full dental benefits, which generally include sedation when it's medically necessary.
Special needs dental care at every office
Choose the office that's easiest for your family to reach:
Plan your child's visit with us
Call (916) 226-6767 or register online.