Business Details
Your Child's Comfortable Dental Experience Starts Here
At Walnut Hills Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in creating a joyful and stress-free dental experience for children. Our team of board-certified pediatric dentists has completed advanced training beyond dental school, focusing on child behavior management and developmental dental care. We prioritize early prevention through education, teaching families about oral hygiene and developmental milestones. Our barnyard-themed office features interactive play areas to ease anxiety, and we emphasize transparent communication with parents about treatment plans. With over a decade of service in Waukee, Iowa, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to address the unique needs of infants, children, and teens.Our commitment extends beyond clinical care through community outreach programs like Give Kids a Smile Day, where we educate families about oral health. Every visit emphasizes positive reinforcement, ensuring children associate dental care with fun and comfort. We work closely with insurance providers to simplify coverage and offer flexible payment options, including CareCredit. Our staff's expertise in managing special needs patients and anxiety-prone children demonstrates our dedication to inclusive, patient-centered care.
Services
Pediatric dental checkups
Cavity treatment
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants
Emergency dental care
Highlights and features
- Board-certified pediatric dentists with 2+ years advanced training
- Barnyard-themed office with interactive play areas for anxiety reduction
- Specialized care for children with special needs and sensory challenges
- Community outreach through oral health education programs
- Transparent treatment explanations and parental guidance
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
What people say
Stress-free visits
Amazing with special needs
Kids look forward to visits
Patient and FUN
10/10 experience
Services
Pediatric dental checkups
Our comprehensive dental checkups for children include oral health assessments, developmental evaluations, and preventive care planning. Our dentists use child-friendly techniques to examine teeth, gums, and bite alignment while explaining each step in an age-appropriate manner. We emphasize positive reinforcement and education to establish lifelong dental habits.
Cavity treatment
Specialized cavity treatment for young patients using minimally invasive techniques and behavior management strategies. Our team completes fillings quickly while maintaining a comforting environment, often incorporating play-based distractions and immediate post-treatment rewards to reinforce positive experiences.
Fluoride treatments
Professional fluoride applications to strengthen developing teeth and prevent decay. We use child-safe formulations and fun flavors while educating families about proper home care. Treatments are administered according to AAPD guidelines based on individual risk assessments and developmental needs.
Dental sealants
Protective sealants applied to permanent molars to prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas. Our dentists use BPA-free materials and demonstrate proper brushing techniques to maintain sealant effectiveness. We recommend sealants as part of our preventive care strategy for cavity-prone children.
Emergency dental care
Urgent treatment for dental injuries and pain management for children. Our team provides same-day appointments for trauma cases, toothaches, and other acute issues. We employ calming techniques to address emergencies while ensuring parents receive clear aftercare instructions and follow-up planning.
People
Dr. Nick Waage
Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Waage earned his DDS at University of Iowa College of Dentistry and completed advanced pediatric training. With over a decade of experience in Waukee, he combines technical expertise with child-friendly communication to create positive dental experiences for young patients.
Questions
What makes your practice different from general dentists?
Our dentists have 2+ years advanced training in pediatric care, and our office design specifically addresses children's dental anxiety through play-based distractions and child-centered communication.
How do you handle children with dental fears?
We use behavior management techniques like tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and sensory accommodations. Our barnyard theme and play areas help create comforting associations with dental visits.
What payment options do you offer?
We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and CareCredit financing. Our team works with insurance providers to maximize coverage and explains treatment costs before any procedures.
Do you treat special needs children?
Yes, our staff receives specialized training for patients with sensory challenges and developmental conditions. We offer extended appointment times and sensory-friendly accommodations to ensure comfortable care.
What should we expect during the first visit?
The first visit includes a gentle exam, oral health education, and preventive care planning. We recommend arriving early to explore our play areas, and parents receive personalized home care guidance.
How do you handle dental emergencies?
We provide same-day appointments for urgent cases like tooth trauma or severe pain. Our team prioritizes calming techniques while addressing immediate needs and providing detailed aftercare instructions.
