Dentist for children with special healthcare needs
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines special healthcare needs as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, healthcare intervention, and use of specialized services or programs.” Whether your child’s condition is congenital, developmental, or the result of disease or trauma, we can provide guidance and raise awareness of their special dental care needs.
We offer specialty appointments at Junior Dental for children with special healthcare needs. Our goal is to accommodate and provide these patients with a stress-free and calming dental experience, and we value the unique qualities of each young smile we treat.
Dental care for patients with special needs requires specialized knowledge acquired by additional training and increased awareness and attention, adaptation, and accommodative measures beyond routine treatment. At our office, we have the experience necessary to provide appropriate dental care while keeping in mind your child’s unique nature. We have experience with children with ADHD, Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome, and other special healthcare needs. Our compassionate team seeks to ensure the best oral health for all children, regardless of developmental disability or other healthcare issues.
We put our patients’ needs first by being as accommodating as possible to those with needs. We take extra steps to make them feel comfortable in our office. Whether turning down the lighting or providing sunglasses or ear plugs for those with sensory issues, our goal is to make your child feel as calm and comfortable as possible.
Sedation options
Sedation dentistry is another popular option for those with special needs. We offer options to help your child stay calm or sleep throughout their visit. For more information on sedation dentistry options, you can view our sedation options or contact our office with any questions you may have.
At JuniorDental, our friendly, award winning pediatric dental team will ensure you and your child are well looked after
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Dr. Rafif Tayara
Co-founder & pediatric dentist
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Dr. Micheline Katramiz
Pediatric dentist
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Dr. Hiba Ansari
Pediatric dentist
Dr Rafif Tayara
Co-Founder & Pediatric dentis
Dr. Rafif Tayara the co-founder of JuniorDental. She's an award-winning pediatric dentist, an international speaker, a book author and a mum of three, with 16 years of experience in the field of Pediatric Dentistry and Early Orthodontics. She has practiced in both private clinics and hospital-based settings in North America, the Middle East, and GCC countries. Her recently published book aims to prepare preschool-aged children for their first dental visit, with a focus on preventing early childhood caries and eliminating dental phobia. She offers functional and integrative oral health care and early corrective orthodontics with a focus on whole-body health and well-being of babies and children. Dr. Tayara specializes in seeing children as young as one for their first dental visit, early prevention of oral childhood caries, and early correction of facial growth and malocclusions in children. She is also highly skilled in treating and managing special needs children and has played a significant role in raising oral health awareness in the Middle East and GCC region through various media channels and events. Dr. Tayara has been featured in several prominent media outlets and can be followed on social media for her day-to-day stories with patients. You can find her on Instagram @doctortayara.
Dr. Micheline Katramiz
Pediatric dentist & Invisalign First provider
Meet Dr. Micheline Katramiz, our Specialist Pediatric Dentist at Junior Dental!
Dr. Micheline brings warmth, expertise, and a deep passion for children’s oral health. As a mom of two herself, she understands how to make every child feel safe, heard, and comfortable at the dentist.
She specializes in a full range of pediatric dental treatments including crowns, fillings, pulp therapy, laughing gaz, and general anesthesia (GA) for more complex cases. She is also a certified Invisalign First provider, offering early orthodontic solutions for growing smiles.
Dr. Hiba Ansari
Pediatric Dentist
With over a decade of dedicated experience in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Hiba Ansari is a trusted name in children's dental care. Having practiced across India, Kuwait, and Dubai, she brings a global perspective and compassionate approach to treating young patients—tailoring every visit to be a positive, safe, and reassuring experience for both children and their parents.
Dr. Ansari has built her career exclusively around children's oral health. She is also a respected speaker at dental conferences and educational platforms, sharing her expertise with fellow professionals worldwide.
Dr. Ansari is deeply committed to delivering high-quality dental care with empathy, patience, and a preventive mindset. She believes in partnering with parents to build a foundation of lifelong oral health for every child.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some of the most common questions asked by parents regarding their child's oral health
When should my child have their first dental visit?
How can I prevent cavities in my child’s teeth?
When should I start brushing my child’s teeth, and how much toothpaste should I use?
Does my child need dental X-rays, and are they safe?