For most children, Dr. Kasey Hall, DMD, and the Kind Kids Dental team can complete dental care comfortably using longer, gentler appointments and behavior guidance techniques. At our Clackamas practice — just minutes from Happy Valley — sedation is never the first step. It is a carefully considered option reserved for children who genuinely need additional support to receive safe, complete care. When sedation is the right choice, parents can trust that every protocol follows the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and that a board-certified anesthesiologist is involved at every level where one is warranted.
Dr. Kasey completed a two-year pediatric dental residency at St. Joseph Hospital for Specialty Care in Providence, Rhode Island, gaining extensive experience in sedation, surgery, and trauma care. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Happy Valley families seeking sedation dentistry for their child can trust that every recommendation comes with full transparency — we will explain the reasoning, walk you through every step, and answer every question before you make a decision. Learn more about our services or visit our new patients page to get started.
At Kind Kids Dental, we offer three levels of sedation:
We never recommend sedation unless it is genuinely in your child’s best interest. We will always explain the reasoning behind any recommendation and answer your questions fully before you make a decision.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Children?
Yes — when performed by properly trained providers following established pediatric guidelines. At Kind Kids Dental, any sedation beyond nitrous oxide involves a board-certified anesthesiologist who is solely responsible for monitoring your child’s safety throughout the procedure. Dr. Kasey focuses on the dentistry; the anesthesiologist focuses on your child. This separation of roles is the gold standard in pediatric sedation care and reflects the approach endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Before any sedation appointment, we review your child’s full medical history, provide clear pre-sedation instructions, and walk you through exactly what to expect on the day.
How to Prepare Your Child for a Sedation Appointment
A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth experience. We will provide specific fasting instructions based on the type of sedation your child needs — following these exactly is essential for safety. Bring a comfort item if your child has one. Plan for a quiet day at home afterward, especially for deeper levels of sedation. Our team will call to check in after the appointment, and we are always available if you have questions once you are home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Does my child really need sedation?
Not always — and at Kind Kids Dental, we try everything else first. Dr. Kasey uses longer, gentler appointments and behavior guidance to help most children receive care without sedation. We only recommend it when it is genuinely the safest, most appropriate option for your child’s specific situation.
Is sedation dentistry safe for kids?
Yes, when performed by properly trained providers following established pediatric protocols. At Kind Kids Dental, any sedation beyond nitrous oxide is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist who monitors your child throughout. We follow guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and review every child’s medical history before recommending any sedation.
What is the difference between nitrous oxide and general anesthesia?
Nitrous oxide is the mildest option — your child stays awake and aware, simply more relaxed. It wears off completely within minutes after the mask is removed. General anesthesia puts your child fully to sleep and is used only for children who require extensive treatment, are very young, or have medical or behavioral needs that cannot be safely managed otherwise. There is also a middle option we call quick sedation for limited procedures.
Will my child remember the procedure?
With nitrous oxide, yes — your child will be awake throughout. With deeper sedation or general anesthesia, children typically have little or no memory of the procedure itself, which can actually help reduce dental anxiety at future visits.
What do I need to do to prepare?
We will give you specific pre-sedation instructions, including fasting guidelines, before your child’s appointment. Following these exactly is essential for safety. Plan for a quiet recovery day at home afterward, and bring a comfort item if your child has one. Our team will check in with you after the appointment.
Does insurance cover pediatric sedation dentistry?
Coverage varies by plan and procedure. Most PPO plans cover nitrous oxide as part of routine care. Deeper sedation and general anesthesia may be covered in full or in part depending on medical necessity. Our team will help you understand your benefits before the appointment — reach out through our contact page with any questions.
Book an appointment
Let’s keep those tiny teeth shining! Schedule your child’s visit with our team by clicking the link below or calling our office at 503-658-3384. We look forward to seeing you!
