Dentists and Dental Care
Going to the dentist can be a cause for anxiety for most of us, but it’s a very different feeling for those with autism. Patients with autism often have extreme sensory and oral motor integration issues. All of the tools, noise, and people can easily stress a patient out. Some families find it helpful to use dentists who have experience with children and adults with autism.
Resources:
Autism and Dental Care, A Guide for Dental Treatment by Our Dental Care Blog – www.emergencydentistsusa.com/autism-and-dental-care/
Autism Speaks Dental Tool Kit –www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/documents/dentalguide.pdf
Anesthesia and Dental Procedures for Children and Adults With Autism
Many children and adults with ASD may need to be put under anesthesia for dental procedures. Medical insurance is responsible for the general anesthesia needed for dental treatment if a person is under the age of 7 or has a disability — however, medical insurance will only pay in a hospital setting or outpatient surgical center. There are two of these currently in the Inland Empire: Loma Linda Koppel Special Care Dentistry Center or Redlands Dental Surgery Center. Both are considered outpatient surgery centers. Kaiser Permanente can also arrange for in-hospital anesthesia for dental procedures.
Loma Linda Koppel Special Care Dentistry Center
https://dentalclinics.llu.edu/koppel-center/
909-558-4663
Treats the individuals that cannot sit through a normal dental visit. All of the procedures performed at our facility are done under general anesthesia. While our patients are under, we usually perform a number of procedures. Ranging from simple cleanings to complex endodontic surgeries, they attempt to take care of patients’ dental concerns in one visit. The Koppel Special Care Dentistry Center is located at the LLU School of Dentistry in Prince Hall. Prince Hall is the home of several other dental clinics and dental academic programs.
Redlands Dental Surgery Center
https://www.redlandsdentalsurgerycenter.com/
1180 Nevada St, Ste 100, Redlands
909-335-0474
Provides dental treatment for patients who require general anesthesia for dental care.
“Autism Friendly” Dentists
Chino Valley Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Johnny Ma
13768 Roswell Avenue, Suite 221, Chino
(909) 548-6828
http://www.909kids.com/
Parent recommended. Specializes in children with autism. They also will do sedation if necessary
Children’s Dentistry of Redlands
Drs Jennifer Hooffer, DDS and Heather Lauer, DDS
1895 Orange Tree Lane, Suite 202, Redlands
(909) 793-7274
http://www.childrensdentistryofredlands.com/
Dental Associates of Riverside, Dr. Gary Lee
3487 Central, Riverside
(951) 369-1001
https://www.riversidedentalgroup.com
Desert Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Gary U. Okamoto
77564 Country Club Drive Suite190A Palm Desert, CA 9221177
760-360-0622
http://www.desertpediatricdentistry.com
Serving children in Palm Desert and the surrounding cities and suburbs of La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells
Dr. A. Paul Bell, DDS
12637 Hesperia Rd Suite A, Victorville
(760)245-8684
Exclusively for children, teens and young adults.
http://www.drpaulbell.com/
Dr. Brian Hong, DDS
100 E Valencia Mesa Drive Suite 102, Fullerton
( 714) 992-5437
http://fullertonpediatricdentists.com/
Works well with children with autism and special needs. Will do composite (not amalgam/mercury) fillings if requested. Will not give fluoride cleaning if requested. Accepts insurance including Healthy Families. Anesthesia Center section of their practice specializes in providing dental care to children who cannot be treated under conventional means. They are able to offer intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for these patients who might be indicated for this type of specialized dental care.
Dr. Carol Ann Lindegren, DDS
6927 Brockton Ave, Ste 1C, Riverside
(951) 682-8899
http://calmdentistry.com/
Dr. Daddio and Dr. Kim Dental Group
Dr. Robert Daddio
74420 CA-111 #1 Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 394-3088
https://robertdaddiodds.com
A Palm Desert based family dentist practice that treats patients of all ages. We are a cosmetic dentist that offers services like checkups, teeth cleaning, crowns, veneers and more.
Dr. James Klusmier
1966 East Chapman Ave, Fullerton
(714) 526 2860
http://www.biosmiledental.com/
Certified dentist does composite fillings and mercury amalgam removal and is certified to do so. For adults and children. Less radiation X Rays. Fluoride Free cleaning. Accepts insurance.
Dr. James Richardson, DDS
910 Washburn Ave, Ste B, Corona
(951) 735-2011
www.babyteethdoc.com
Dr. Justin A. Shuffer, DDS
150 W. Foothill Blvd Suite E, San Dimas, CA 91773
http://www.drjustinshuffer.com
Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry: Infants – Children – Special Needs.
Faculty: UCLA School of Dentistry Section of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Luis Moya
36943 Cook Street, Suite 101 Palm Desert, CA 92211
Phone: 760-341-3009 Fax: 760-341-3070
luismoyadental@aol.com
Dr. Meghanne Kruizen, DDS, MSD
1202 Beaumont Ave, Suite B Beaumont, CA 92223
951-498-4364
drmeghannekruizenga@gmail.com
www.kindredpediatricdentistry.com
Dr. Mina Narula
71949 Hwy 111, Suite 200, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760-340-2026
https://www.centerfororthodontics.com/
Treats patients ages 7 and up. Is knowledgeable in minimally invasive techniques. Staff is knowledgeable in working with people with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Perri Putrasahan
68905 Vista Chino Cathedral City, Cathedral City CA
760-325-2503
Dr. Robert Karl
42500 Bob Hope Drive, Suite 1, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
760-568-2797
https://www.ranchomiragedentist.com/index.html
He offers cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry and a broad range of full service dental care to their Coachella Valley patients to help make their smiles the best they can be. *Treats special needs patients ages 15 and older.
Drs. Stephen Lee DDS and Elan Lee DDS
13035 Pomerado Rd, Poway CA 92064
858-748-3384
www.stephenaleedds.com
Dr. Tina Azin
22195 El Paseo # 240, Rancho Santa Margarita
(949) 709-5437
www.azinorthopedo.com
Dr. Tina Azin and her staff knows a lot about autism, does anything to accommodate. They do oral and IV sedation with MD dr on staff for both dentistry and braces.
Golden Dental
11949 Hesperia Rd, Hesperia
(760) 244-1212
www.goldendentalgroup.com
Children and adults.
Indio Surgery Center
Dr. Lawrence Church
46900 Monroe Street, Suite B201, Indio, CA 9220
760-396-5733
https://www.indiosurgerycenter.com
Provides a safe and comfortable alternative for children who cannot be treated under conventional means. Since opening in 2006, we have treated over 15,000 children under general anesthesia who were referred to us by over 250 different dentists in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties. Serving children up to age 12
Inland Regional Center
IRC has a certified dental coordinator, René Zambel, RDHAP on staff. You will need to contact your caseworker and request a referral for dental coordinator services. The dental coordinator can also come out to the home to help desensitize.
Just For Kids – Dr. Rick J. Nichols, DDS
104 E. Olive Avenue, Suite 200, Redlands
(909) 798-0604
www.just4kidsdentistry.com
Years of experience working with children with autism. Does not take Medi-Cal.
Kids World Children’s Dentistry, Pediatric Dental Office
7001 Indiana Ave Ste 9, Riverside, CA 92506
(951) 782-0093
http://www.riversidekidsdentist.com/
Kids Dental Care, Dr Bruce Baker, DDS
42210 Lyndie Ln, Suite 100 Temecula, CA 92591 – (951) 506-1666
27180 Newport Road, Suite 3, Menifee, CA 92562 – (951) 672-1666
http://www.brucebakerdmd.com/
Through extensive training, Dr. Baker has the capabilities to identify these conditions and is able to provide the necessary required dental care. Both of locations are handicap accessible.
Loma Linda University Pediatric School of Dentistry, Early Childhood Special Care Dental Program
24876 Taylor Street #203, Loma Linda, California 92354
(909) 558-7025 (ext 87025)
https://dentalclinics.llu.edu/koppel-center/
Provides a variety of dental services and specialties at low cost for all ages.
Moreno Valley Children’s Dentistry
24104 Sunnymead Blvd, Suite C, Moreno Valley
(951) 247-5538
https://www.morenovalleychildrensdentistry.com/
My Dentist & Me Pediatric Dentistry
5225 Canyon Crest Dr #309, Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 222-2240
http://www.mydentistandme.com
Autism friendly pediatric dentist in Riverside, California
Dr Oariona Lowe, DDS
802 Magnolia Ave, Ste 105, Corona
(951)371-8833
www.special2thdds.com
Dr. Oariona Lowe has been practicing Pediatric Dentistry since 1984. She treats children from age 1 to adulthood and also treats many patients with special needs. She also offers IV sedation and hospital dentistry for patients that need specialized treatment.
Redlands Surgery Center
1180 Nevada St, Suite 100, Redlands
(909) 335-0474
www.redlandsdentalsurgerycenter.com
Accepts almost every insurance including IEHP/Medical. Patients will need a clearance from the primary doctor. Parent recommended.
Riverside Dental Group
7251 Magnolia, Riverside
(951) 689-5031
www.riversidedentalgroup.com
Most insurances accepted. No Medi-Cal or HMO.
Temecula Pediatric Dentistry, Dr Daniel Smith
31560 Rancho Pueblo Rd Ste 100Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 302-2300
www.temeculapediatricdentistry.com
Young Smiles Pediatric Dentistry
41238 Margarita Rd, Temecula, CA 92591
(951) 699-5550
https://www.youngsmilestemecula.com/
We Care Dental
71949 Highway 111 #100B, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
P: (760-565)-6055 F: (909)-469-8565
wecaredental@westernu.edu Email: info@wecaredentalcenter.org
https://www.westernuhealth.com/wecaredental/
Non-profit, low cost, quality dentistry. Treats special needs patients.
“Autism Friendly” Orthodontists (braces)
Byron E. Diehl, DDS, MS, APC
www.diehlorthodontics.com/
Experienced with orthodontic treatment for special needs patients.
Gray and Ehrler Orthodontic Specialists
436 N. Mountain Ave., Upland
(909) 981-2025
www.grayandehrlerortho.com
Experienced with orthodontic treatment for special needs patients.
Autism Society Options Policy
This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.
All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.
