Serving Families in McLean VA & Washington DC for over 27 years
Special Needs Dentistry for Kids & Teens
Welcoming Children of All Comfort Levels - Pediatric Dental Care in McLean, VA & Washington, DC
Every child deserves a positive dental experience. At Beverly Pediatric Dentistry with offices in McLean, VA and Washington, DC, we provide personalized pediatric dental care. We understand that some children and teens have special developmental, behavioral, medical, and sensory needs. Whether they feel overwhelmed or anxious in the new environment, have difficulty sitting still, experience sensory sensitivities, or have had previous difficult dental experiences and need a little extra support, patience, flexibility, or reassurance during dental visits, our team is trained to provide that in a calm, supportive and respectful environment by using pediatric behavioral guidance techniques like communicating clearly and gently, allowing extra time and adjusting pace when needed, partnering closely with parents (along with nitrous oxide when appropriate), and help them feel safe and cooperative.
We strive to make each visit as comfortable and positive as possible, built on patience, communication, and trust.
What Is Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry?
Special needs dentistry focuses on caring for children and teens who may have conditions that make dental visits more challenging. Conditions like : Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, Sensory processing challenges, Down syndrome, Developmental delays, Anxiety disorders and Speech or communication differences
We understand that every child is unique and we tailor every visit accordingly.
.jpg)
Services We Provide
We offer comprehensive preventive and restorative dental care for children and teens with special healthcare needs:
-
Routine cleanings & exams
-
Digital X-rays (with accommodations as needed)
-
Fluoride treatments & sealants
-
Drill-free cavity treatment
-
Tooth-colored filling
-
Emergency dental treatment
-
Conscious Sedation (nitrous oxide) when appropriate
Our goal is prevention-first dentistry, helping your child avoid discomfort and reducing the need for complex treatment whenever possible.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedation
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
One of the most effective ways we offer to help children relax is nitrous oxide sedation, commonly known as laughing gas.
Nitrous oxide is a safe, mild inhaled sedation. It is administered through a small, comfortable nose mask. Your child remains awake, responsive, and able to communicate the entire time. The effects begin quickly and wear off within minutes after the mask is removed — with no lingering grogginess.
Nitrous oxide can be especially helpful for children with sensory sensitivities or mild to moderate dental anxiety.Our team carefully evaluates every child to ensure it is appropriate and safe.
For many children, this simple option of nitrous oxide makes dental visits smooth and stress-free.
Why Nitrous Oxide, how it helps
-
Safe and widely used in pediatric dentistry
-
Reduces anxiety and nervousness
-
Increases comfort and helps children feel relaxed during treatment
-
Improves cooperation during treatment
-
Creates a more positive dental memory and overall experience
-
Mild, fast-acting (works within minutes)
-
Adjustable throughout the procedure
-
Wears off quickly after treatment
-
Your child remains awake and responsive
-
No lingering grogginess and drowsiness after the visit
We do not offer oral sedation or hospital-based general anesthesia. If advanced sedation is needed, we will help guide you to the appropriate specialist.
A Comfort-focused Approach to Pediatric Behavioral Guidance & Management
Sedation is only one part of creating a positive dental experience. Our primary focus is behavioral guidance (communication and trust); age-appropriate techniques that help children build confidence and cooperation over time.
Techniques We Use
Sensory-Friendly Environment: We reduce bright lights, loud noises, and overwhelming stimuli whenever possible. Noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, and quiet rooms are available.
Flexible Scheduling: We allow extra time for appointments so your child never feels rushed.
Tell-Show-Do Method: We explain procedures in child-friendly language, introduce and demonstrate instruments in a non-threatening way, and then gently perform treatment when your child is comfortable.
Positive Reinforcement: Encouragement, praise, and clear expectations help children feel accomplished and proud and build confidence and cooperation.
Voice Guidance, Clear Communication & Direction: Calm, confident instruction helps children understand what is happening and what is expected. Children respond well to confident, reassuring guidance.
Gradual Desensitization: For children who are especially nervous, we may introduce care in smaller steps over multiple visits.
Parental Partnership (Involvement): Parents are essential members of the team. We work closely with you to understand what triggers, motivates, calms, or supports your child best.
Pediatric Behavioral Guidance & Management
Sedation is only one part of creating a positive dental experience. Our primary focus is behavioral guidance — age-appropriate techniques that help children build confidence and cooperation over time.
Techniques We Use
Tell-Show-Do
We explain procedures in simple language, demonstrate instruments in a non-threatening way, and then gently perform treatment.
Positive Reinforcement
Encouragement, praise, and clear expectations help children feel accomplished and proud.
Voice Guidance & Clear Communication
Calm, confident instruction helps children understand what is happening and what is expected.
Gradual Desensitization
For children who are especially nervous, we may introduce care in smaller steps over multiple visits.
Parental Partnership
Parents are essential members of the team. We collaborate closely to understand what motivates, calms, or supports your child best.
Support for Children with Autism & Sensory Differences
We understand that children on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing challenges may experience heightened sensory sensitivity, communication differences, or anxiety around unfamiliar environments and may need additional preparation and predictability.
We can provide:
-
Pre-visit office tours
-
Visual guidance or social stories
-
Desensitization appointments
-
Consistent routines whenever possible
-
Clear step-by-step explanations
-
Flexible pacing during treatment
We move at your child’s comfort level, our mission is to build trust.
Why Families in McLean VA & Washington, DC Choose Us
-
Experience treating children with diverse needs
-
Calm, patient-centered care philosophy
-
Sensory-aware techniques
-
Safe nitrous oxide sedation available
-
Modern, gentle technology
-
Friendly and compassionate team
-
Convenient locations in McLean, VA and Washington, DC
We strive to create a true dental home where your child feels respected, understood, and safe.
Supporting Children with Anxiety or Extra Needs
We routinely care for children with varying temperaments, anxiety levels, and individual needs. Some children may require a little extra time or flexibility — and we are happy to provide that support.
While we are not a hospital-based specialty practice, we are experienced in adapting routine pediatric dental care to meet a wide range of children in a comfortable office setting.
If more advanced treatment is ever necessary, we will help guide you appropriately.
What to Expect during Your Child's Visit
We make it simple and stress-free:
-
Pre-appointment consultation (optional) – Discuss your child’s needs, triggers, and accommodations.
-
Personalized treatment plan – We outline preventive or treatment needs clearly.
-
Comfort-focused visit – We move at your child’s pace and comfort level.
-
Ongoing support – Together, we build lifelong healthy habits for long-term oral health.
If your child has medical documentation, IEP notes, or behavioral therapy recommendations that help us provide better care, we welcome that information.
A Dental Home That Understands Your Child
If you’re looking for compassionate, individualized dental care for your child in McLean, VA or Washington, DC, Beverly Pediatric Dentistry team is here to help.
help your child feel safe, supported, and confident in their smile.
📍 Offices conveniently located in McLean VA and Washington, DC
📞 Call today to schedule a consultation VA: 703-752-2200 | DC: 202-331-3474
💙 Welcoming new patients with special healthcare needs
