Special health oral care
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.
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.
Specifically trained for special needs
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.
Making accommodations, at your child's pace
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.
The skilled hands that care for your smile
At JuniorDental, our friendly, award winning pediatric dental team will ensure you and your child are well looked after
Ac ultrices ultricies convallis etiam cursus varius. Vel sed volutpat et ipsum ac semper. Scelerisque interdum auctor et quam viverra id leo non. Aliquam pulvinar enim mi et vulputate massa eu sed amet lorem dolor.
Dr. Rafif Tayara
Founder & pediatric dentist
Ac ultrices ultricies convallis etiam cursus varius. Vel sed volutpat et ipsum ac semper. Scelerisque interdum auctor et quam viverra id leo non. Aliquam pulvinar enim mi et vulputate massa eu sed amet lorem dolor.
Dr. Micheline Katramiz
Pediatric dentist
Ac ultrices ultricies convallis etiam cursus varius. Vel sed volutpat et ipsum ac semper. Scelerisque interdum auctor et quam viverra id leo non. Aliquam pulvinar enim mi et vulputate massa eu sed amet lorem dolor.
Dr. Marianne Saade
Orthodontist
Ac ultrices ultricies convallis etiam cursus varius. Vel sed volutpat et ipsum ac semper. Scelerisque interdum auctor et quam viverra id leo non. Aliquam pulvinar enim mi et vulputate massa eu sed amet lorem dolor.
Dr. Philippe Chanavaz
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Ac ultrices ultricies convallis etiam cursus varius. Vel sed volutpat et ipsum ac semper. Scelerisque interdum auctor et quam viverra id leo non. Aliquam pulvinar enim mi et vulputate massa eu sed amet lorem dolor.
Dr. Julie SU
Pediatric dentist
Dr Rafif Tayara
Co-Founder & Pediatric dentis
Dr. Rafif Tayara is a leading pediatric dentist, Sleep Dental Medicine specialist qualified from Tufts University, a top 1% Invisalign First Provider based in Dubai and Netherlands, and founder of JuniorDental and The Pediatric Academy.Voted "Best Pediatric Dentist 2025", she’s a frequent speaker and educator, sharing on topics such as interceptive orthodontics, airway development, and modern pediatric dentistry.
She has practiced in both private clinics and hospital-based settings in North America, the Middle East, and GCC countries. Her practice blends modern pediatric dentistry, with her own expansion protocols in interceptive orthodontics, and myofunctional therapy to address the root causes of dental and airway issues in growing children, and revolves around a multi-disciplinary team of ENT doctors, speech and feeding therapists, sleep surgeons and physiotherapists. 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, conferences and
She is also the author of the children’s book “Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile,” which helps children overcome dental anxiety through an engaging and reassuring story — reflecting her commitment to making dental care a positive, empowering experience.
A proud mum of three, Dr. Tayara combines her professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding of what families need — creating an environment where every child feels safe, understood, and cared for. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help children breathe, grow, and smile better for life.
You can find her on:
Instagram @doctortayara.
LinkedIn @doctortayara.
Linktr @doctortayara.
Website @doctortayara.
She has practiced in both private clinics and hospital-based settings in North America, the Middle East, and GCC countries. Her practice blends modern pediatric dentistry, with her own expansion protocols in interceptive orthodontics, and myofunctional therapy to address the root causes of dental and airway issues in growing children, and revolves around a multi-disciplinary team of ENT doctors, speech and feeding therapists, sleep surgeons and physiotherapists. 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, conferences and
She is also the author of the children’s book “Danny and Sarah Go to Dr. Smile,” which helps children overcome dental anxiety through an engaging and reassuring story — reflecting her commitment to making dental care a positive, empowering experience.
A proud mum of three, Dr. Tayara combines her professional expertise with a deeply personal understanding of what families need — creating an environment where every child feels safe, understood, and cared for. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help children breathe, grow, and smile better for life.
You can find her on:
Instagram @doctortayara.
LinkedIn @doctortayara.
Linktr @doctortayara.
Website @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. 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. Marianne Saade
Orthodontist
Dr. Marianne Saade is an American board-certified orthodontist.She obtained her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD), and Fellowship in Orthodontics from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.She has practiced in the United States, Lebanon, and the UAE, bringing extensive international experience to her patients.In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Saade serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University and remains actively engaged in academic research, with publications in respected international journals.Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, Dr. Saade is dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles by combining the latest advancements in orthodontic care with a personalized and compassionate approach.
Dr. Philippe Chanavaz
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
Meet Dr. PhilippeChanavazDr. Philippe Chanavaz is a highly accomplished oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Dubai, dedicated to delivering advanced and patient-centric care. With a medical background rooted in both dental and surgical excellence, Dr. Chanavaz has earned a reputation as a pioneer in the fields of dental implantology, bone regeneration, and complex maxillofacial procedures.
Dr Julie Su
Pediatric dentist
Dr. Julie SU is graduated from the Paris Descartes Faculty of Dentistry. She later completed postgraduate certificates (CES) in Prosthodontics and Periodontology, as well as certification in Conscious Sedation, reflecting her comprehensive and versatile clinical background. As a mother of three, Dr. Julie SU understands how important it is for children to feel safe, heard, and comfortable during dental visits. She is passionate about creating positive, stress-free experiences that help children build confidence and healthy dental habits from an early age. Fluent in French, English and Chinese, she has practiced in both France and the UAE, always caring for children with attention to detail, patience and empathy. Her practice includes a full range of pediatric dental treatments, including cavity management, pediatric crowns, pulp therapies, and nitrous oxide sedation, all delivered in a gentle and child-friendly environment.
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?
Will my child need braces?
