At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we understand your child's unique needs and will do whatever we can to help them get the care they deserve.

Special Needs Dentistry

At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we know it’s challenging for a child with special needs to maintain a good dental hygiene routine; that’s why we like to establish these habits early so they can enjoy the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve. And if impaired motor skills or communication challenges are an issue, our caring team has the skills to help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Regardless of your child’s special needs, we will work with you to customize a treatment plan as unique as they are. Dr. Carlos Dorantes possesses the skills and expertise to help your child achieve and maintain the best possible oral health.

Common Dental Issues for Children With Special Needs

Children with special needs are often more susceptible to dental issues; whether it’s due to medication side effects, decreased motor skills, sensitivity to external stimuli, or other concerns, they may be prone to one or more of the following:

Tooth decay — Your child’s medication may contain sugar, or they might have trouble brushing and flossing, which can cause cavities.
Gum disease — Both poor hygiene and medications can cause red, swollen gums, leading to gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Enamel erosion or bruxism — Some children with special needs grind their teeth, causing sensitivity and enamel erosion.
Trauma — If your child has seizures, they could be more likely to fall and hurt their mouths.
Developmental concerns — Children with Down Syndrome may have smaller teeth or their teeth may not erupt properly.
Oral sensitivity — Due to their medication, your child might experience dry mouth or sensitive mouth. This can make brushing and flossing difficult.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child?

If your child has special needs, the dental team at Summitview Pediatric Dentistry genuinely wants to help them improve their oral health. Some of the key benefits of special needs pediatric dentistry include:

Specialized Training

Dr. Carlos and his team are specially trained to work with your child; they use proven techniques to help your little one feel comfortable and at ease.

Preventive Care

With a focus on regular exams and cleanings every six months, Dr. Carlos hopes to help your child avoid tooth decay and gum disease.

Informed Support

When you visit our Yakima dental office, we’ll provide oral health guidance and support tailored to your child’s unique abilities and needs.

Testimonial

I wish every health care provider was this amazing!

Really great practice. We have been going since my son was a toddler and everyone is fantastic. I wish every health care provider was this amazing! Every time a mom asks about a pediatric dental office, I quickly recommend Dr Dorantes and staff!:)
-Ruby

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Gentle Treatment Options in Yakima

Your child’s comfort is our top priority, so we take time to get to know them and let them explore our dental office. Once they’re familiar with us and their surroundings, we provide the treatment they need on a timeline they can handle.

For complex procedures or to ease your child’s anxiety, we offer nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to keep them calm while they’re with us. This safe, effective sedation option makes your child feel warm and giggly; they’ll be awake during treatment, but they may not remember their appointment. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly once we remove the mask from their nose.

We also offer general anesthesia in our dental office. While our skilled anesthesiologist continuously monitors your child’s vital signs and keeps them safe and comfortable, we can effectively provide the care they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you allow parents to accompany their children into the treatment room?

Watching your child walk into a dental procedure can be nerve-wracking. Many parents wonder whether they should stay by their child’s side or let the dental team take over. At Summitview Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that parental presence can make children feel more secure, confident, and cooperative during appointments.

That’s why we encourage parents to be involved whenever possible, creating a comforting and reassuring environment for your child while building trust and positive dental experiences from the very start.

Yes, parents are welcome in the treatment room for most appointments. Being present allows you to help calm your child, answer questions, and celebrate milestones during their dental care. Seeing a familiar face often helps children feel brave, especially during routine exams, cleanings, and minor procedures. The exception is when your child requires general anesthesia, which involves careful monitoring and specialized equipment; safety protocols require that parents wait outside during these treatments.

How Parental Involvement Supports Your Child

Having a parent in the room can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and cooperation:

Reduces anxiety by providing reassurance and emotional support
Encourages communication between the child, parent, and dental team
Helps children feel empowered and more confident during procedures
Builds positive dental habits by showing that the dental office is a safe place

Be There for Your Child’s Dental Visit

Your presence matters. Contact Summitview Pediatric Dentistry in Yakima today to schedule your child’s appointment and experience a pediatric dental team that encourages parental involvement, prioritizes comfort, and creates a positive foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Exceptional Care for Every Child

Our experienced dental team is ready to listen to you about your child’s unique needs, and we’ll happily answer all your questions. We’d love the chance to care for your little one’s oral health. When you’re ready to schedule a consultation or appointment, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (509) 966-4433.

Our pediatric dental office proudly serves Yakima and the surrounding communities of Toppenish, Union Gap, Selah, Sunnyside, Granger, and Prosser.

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 ...