At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that every child is unique, so we take the time to get to know them and their oral health needs.

Children's Dentistry

As a parent, you want your child to be healthy and happy, and caring for their smiles is an essential component of their overall health and well-being. At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we love getting to know your child and working with them on their oral health.

We’ll treat your child with the compassion and care they deserve, making them feel at home when they visit us and look forward to coming back.

What Is Children’s Dentistry?

Children’s dentistry focuses on the unique oral health needs of infants, children, and adolescents. And as a pediatric dentist, Dr. Carlos Dorantes has helped thousands of children keep their smiles looking and feeling their best.

Our dental office offers all the children’s dentistry services your little one needs, including the following:

Preventive care — We offer routine dental exams and professional cleanings to keep their teeth healthy.
Diagnostic exams and x-rays — Using the latest technology, we can identify any potential concerns and monitor your child’s oral development.
Restorative treatments — If treatment is necessary, we offer dental fillings, crowns, or tooth extractions. And if your child is nervous or has special needs, nitrous oxide or general anesthesia is available.
Orthodontic evaluations — We’re equipped to assess any bite or alignment issues that can affect your child’s development.
Emergency treatment — When the unexpected happens, we’re here to put your mind at ease and restore your child’s oral health.

The Benefits of Choosing a Pediatric Dentist

When it’s time to choose dental care for your child, you want someone you can trust who is uniquely qualified to help your child achieve the best oral health possible. So, what can a pediatric dentist offer?

Specialized Expertise

A pediatric dentist understands your child’s dental needs and behavior. After completing dental school, they undergo two to three additional years of training.

Preventive Focus

A pediatric dentist emphasizes the importance of routine checkups and good home hygiene habits to help your child avoid dental issues.

Habit Correction

A pediatric dentist works with parents to help break thumb-sucking, teeth-grinding, or other habits that might affect your child’s dental development.

Special Needs Care

A pediatric dentist is equipped to work with children who may have special needs, customizing a treatment plan with them in mind.

Testimonial

They are good with children and have a lot of knowledge.

Take both my kids here. They are good with children and have a lot of knowledge. Friendly staff and my girls love the lil goodies they hand out.
-Sarah

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Caring for Baby Teeth: Why It’s Important

We recommend bringing your child for their first visit around the time they turn one or when they get their first tooth, whichever comes first. Your child’s baby teeth are important to their development.

Here’s why:

Eating — Baby teeth make it possible for your child to chew their food and get the nutrition they need properly.
Speech — Without their baby teeth, your child could have a difficult time pronouncing words and speaking clearly.
Alignment — Your child’s baby teeth act as a placeholder and maintain space for their adult teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my child prevent cavities?

Every parent wants to see their child laugh freely, smile confidently, and grow up without the pain or stress of dental problems. Cavities can feel discouraging, especially when you’re doing your best, but the good news is that you have more control than you might think. With consistent habits and the right guidance, you can greatly reduce your child’s risk of cavities and help protect their growing smile for years to come.

The simple answer is this: healthy routines at home, paired with regular dental visits, are the foundation of cavity prevention. Cavities form when bacteria feed on sugars left on teeth, producing acids that weaken enamel. By disrupting that process daily and catching small concerns early, you give your child a powerful advantage.

Everyday Habits That Help Prevent Cavities

Cavity prevention starts long before your child ever sits in the dental chair. These practical steps make a real difference:

Brush twice a day using age-appropriate toothpaste and proper technique.
Help or supervise brushing, especially for younger children who lack full coordination.
Floss daily once teeth begin touching to remove plaque between teeth.
Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially sticky or frequent treats.
Encourage water throughout the day to help rinse away food particles.

Nutrition also plays a key role. A balanced diet with whole foods supports stronger teeth and healthier gums, while frequent snacking can increase cavity risk, even if portions are small.

Regular checkups at Summitview Pediatric Dentistry allow us to monitor your child’s oral development, identify early warning signs, and provide personalized advice based on their unique needs.

Support Your Child’s Healthy Smile in Yakima, WA

You don’t have to navigate cavity prevention alone. Our caring team is here to partner with you, answer your questions, and support your child at every stage of development.

Schedule your child’s next dental visit today and take a confident step toward a healthier, happier smile.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Carlos Dorantes DDS, MS

Dr. Carlos Dorantes received his dental degree from Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala and practiced in his hometown for three years, focusing mainly on children’s dentistry. In 1999, Dr. Dorantes moved to Birmingham and began his specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Alabama Dental School (UAB). UAB’s Pediatric Dental Residency is a challenging 3-year dental school and hospital-based program; this gave Dr. Dorantes the unique opportunity to practice at the world-renowned Children’s Hospital of Alabama.

When he was not busy with patients or academic work, Dr. Dorantes worked ...

Ready to Join Our Dental Family?

If you’re looking for a dental team that makes you and your child feel comfortable and secure, you’ve come to the right place! At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we provide a wide range of services to children of all ages, and we’d love to welcome you to our Yakima dental office.

To schedule a consultation or appointment, please feel free to reach out to us at (509) 966-4433.

Children's Dentistry Technology

Intraoral Camera

This small, pen-shaped camera is a non-invasive way to capture detailed images of your child’s teeth and gums. When we place the camera inside their mouth, we can identify tooth decay, tooth damage, plaque buildup, or gum concerns. The images are displayed on a computer monitor so you can see what we’re seeing in real time.

This tool shows you what’s going on inside your child’s mouth, so we can explain treatment options and answer your questions. It’s a comfortable way to gather pertinent information about your child’s oral health.

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