Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from new and returning families.
About Our Practice
We welcome patients from infancy through adolescence. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Starting early allows us to monitor development, catch concerns before they become problems, and help your child build a positive relationship with dental care from the very beginning.
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. When you call or submit an appointment request, our team will verify your benefits before your first visit so there are no surprises. We recommend having your insurance card available when you reach out. If you have questions about coverage, don’t hesitate to call us at (503) 658-3384 — we’re happy to help you understand your benefits.
We believe every child deserves excellent dental care regardless of insurance status. Please call our office to discuss your options — our team will work with you to find a plan that fits your family’s needs.
We are located at 14210 SE Sunnyside Road, Suite 100, Clackamas, Oregon 97015. We’re conveniently situated in the Clackamas/Happy Valley area, just 2.5 miles east of I-205 off Sunnyside Road. Parking is available on-site.
We are open Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 4:00pm. We are closed Friday through Sunday. To schedule an appointment, call or text us at (503) 658-3384 or submit a request through our website.
Your Child's First Visit
For very young children, the first visit is typically a gentle knee-to-knee exam, where your child sits comfortably in your lap while Dr. Kasey performs a quick, thorough check. We look for early signs of decay, assess jaw and tooth development, and make sure everything is on track. The appointment also includes a brief cleaning or polish, a fluoride application, and dedicated time for us to answer your questions and walk you through age-appropriate oral hygiene habits at home.
Dental anxiety in children is extremely common, and our entire practice is designed with this in mind. We use tell-show-do techniques, positive reinforcement, and a calm, unhurried approach to help children feel safe and in control. For children who need extra support, we offer sensory accommodations such as noise-canceling headphones, weighted blankets, and sunglasses. We also have multiple sedation options available when needed. Our goal is always to build trust first — we never rush a child through treatment before they’re ready.
Not necessarily. We are frequently able to treat children who have been told general anesthesia is their only option using minimally invasive techniques, behavior guidance, or lighter sedation alternatives. We encourage you to schedule a second opinion with us before committing to any major sedation plan. Many families are surprised by what is possible with the right approach and the right team.
Treatment & Materials
Rather than defaulting to drilling and filling, we first explore every conservative option available. These include Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to arrest active decay, the Hall Technique for non-invasive stainless steel crown placement, Curodont Repair to slow cavity progression without drilling, nano-hydroxyapatite varnish for enamel remineralization, and Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART). We also offer at-home protocols to support what we do in the office. Not every option is right for every patient, but we always discuss the full range before recommending treatment.
Yes. We offer BPA-free restorative materials and are happy to discuss material options with you at your appointment. We understand that many parents have strong preferences around the products used for their children, and we respect and support those conversations.
Yes. We offer fluoride varnish as a standard part of preventive care. We also offer nano-hydroxyapatite varnish as an alternative for families who prefer fluoride-free remineralization options. We are happy to discuss the evidence behind each option and help you make the choice that is right for your child.
SDF is a liquid antimicrobial agent applied directly to a cavity to stop decay in its tracks — no drilling required. It is especially useful for young children, anxious patients, and situations where a cavity needs to be managed conservatively until the child is ready for more involved treatment. The main trade-off is that SDF turns treated decay black, which is worth discussing before use. In many cases, it is a highly effective bridge to or replacement for traditional restorative treatment.
Sedation
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) administered by our clinical team for mild to moderate anxiety and routine procedures. For deeper sedation needs — such as complex treatment plans, young age, or significant anxiety — we partner with a board-certified anesthesiologist who provides in-office general anesthesia. We also offer a ‘quick sedation’ option for certain limited procedures, such as a single extraction, that does not require full general anesthesia or intubation. The right option for your child depends on their age, temperament, and the treatment involved, and we will always walk you through the decision carefully.
Yes, when administered by trained professionals in an appropriate setting. Nitrous oxide has an excellent safety record and wears off within minutes. For in-office general anesthesia, we use a dedicated board-certified anesthesiologist — not a dentist wearing two hats — to provide the highest level of monitoring and safety. We follow all guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for sedation in children.
Special Needs & Sensory Considerations
Absolutely. We have extensive experience caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and take pride in creating dental experiences that work for neurodivergent kids. Before your first visit, we encourage you to call us so we can learn about your child’s specific preferences and triggers. We can schedule quieter appointment times, prepare social stories in advance, offer sensory tools like weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones, and take things at whatever pace your child needs.
Yes, for most children with ADHD, a standard appointment with some adjustments works well. We keep visits structured and predictable, minimize wait time, and adapt our communication style to keep kids engaged. If your child has specific needs or has had difficult dental experiences in the past, let us know when you schedule so we can plan accordingly.