Special Needs Dentistry in Burlingame, CA
Has finding the right dentist for yourself or a loved one with special needs felt like an uphill search? At Burlingame Dental, Dr. Kim offers special needs dentistry in Burlingame in a practice built from the ground up to serve patients of all abilities with dignity and compassion.
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1720 Marco Polo Way. Ste DBurlingame, CA 94010
Call Our Office
650-697-8089Schedule Your Checkup
Book AppointmentWhat Is Special Needs Dentistry?
Special needs dentistry provides oral health care tailored to individuals with physical, developmental, cognitive, sensory, or emotional conditions that require adaptive approaches. This includes patients with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, dementia, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and many other conditions. Care may involve modified communication techniques, adjusted appointment pacing, sensory accommodations, and specialized behavior guidance. Dr. Kim is a member of the Special Care Dentistry Association, an organization dedicated to hospital dentistry, care for people with disabilities, and geriatric dentistry.
The Advantages of Special Needs Dentistry
A practice designed for different abilities makes quality dental care accessible to everyone.
Individualized Accommodations
Treatment is adapted to each patient’s unique needs, whether that means dimming lights for a patient with autism, allowing movement breaks for someone with ADHD, or providing extra reassurance for those with anxiety.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
A calm, predictable environment helps patients who are easily overwhelmed feel more comfortable and cooperative during their visit.
Consistent Relationships
Seeing the same caring team at each appointment builds familiarity and trust over time, which is especially important for patients with dementia or anxiety who benefit from recognizable faces and routines.
Our Comprehensive Special Needs Dentistry Process
Pre-Visit Preparation
We encourage families and caregivers to complete forms online at home and share any information that helps us understand the patient’s needs, triggers, and preferences before they arrive.
Unrushed Appointment
Dr. Kim takes time to build rapport, explain each step in accessible terms, and proceed at a pace that feels comfortable whether working with a child with autism or an older adult with dementia.
Adaptive Care
We adjust our techniques, tools, and environment based on real-time feedback, ensuring every patient feels safe and respected throughout their visit.
Is Special Needs Dentistry for You?
Special needs dentistry is ideal for anyone who has struggled to receive comfortable, quality care in a traditional dental setting. If you or a family member has autism, ADHD, dental anxiety, dementia, or another condition that makes standard appointments challenging, our approach may be the right fit. Dr. Kim personally understands the importance of patience and connection—she practices piano with her son Martin, who has special needs, and this experience shapes how she cares for every patient who walks through our doors.
What Our Patients Say
Why Choose Burlingame Dental for Special Needs Dentistry?
One Patient At A Time
Our scheduling ensures you are the only person receiving care, eliminating crowded waiting rooms and competing distractions that can overwhelm patients with autism, ADHD, or anxiety.
Sensory Friendly Rooms
Quiet, calm treatment spaces reduce overwhelming stimuli and provide the predictable environment that benefits patients with dementia and sensory sensitivities alike.
Deep Community Connection
Dr. Kim works with The Autism Society San Francisco Bay Area and brings firsthand understanding and advocacy to her care for patients with different abilities.
Schedule Your Special Needs Dentistry Appointment in Burlingame Today!
Tired of searching for a dentist who truly gets it? Dr. Kim and the team at Burlingame Dental are here to provide compassionate, adaptive special needs dentistry in Burlingame where every patient is treated with patience and respect. Contact our office to schedule your appointment and experience dental care designed around your needs.
Schedule Your Visit Call: 650-697-8089Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about special needs dentistry.
Don’t see your question? Give us a call.
How can I prepare my loved one for their dental visit?
Share details about the visit in advance using pictures or social stories for patients with autism, practice calming techniques for those with anxiety, and bring comfort items from home. For patients with dementia, visiting at their best time of day and bringing a familiar caregiver can help. We are happy to schedule a brief meet-and-greet before the first appointment if that would help.
Can you accommodate patients who cannot sit still for long periods?
Yes, we adapt our approach based on each patient’s tolerance and needs. For patients with ADHD or autism who need to move, Dr. Kim may break treatment into shorter segments, take frequent breaks, or use gentle guidance techniques to help everyone feel comfortable throughout their care.
Does insurance cover special needs dentistry?
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover preventive and restorative care regardless of the patient’s abilities. We accept major PPO plans and can help verify your benefits before your appointment.
How much does a special needs dental visit cost?
Our exam and cleaning package for new patients is $299. Specific treatments vary in cost, and we offer payment plans through Cherry to help make care accessible for every family.