Pediatric Dental Services in Parkland, FL

Dentist forAnxious Children in Parkland, FL

Gentle Care That Builds Trust, Not Fear

If your child cries at the mention of the dentist, fights to stay in the car, or has been through a visit that left them scared and refusing to go back you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. Dental anxiety in children is one of the most common reasons parents call us. At Sunshine KiDDS Dentistry, board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Sheryl George specializes in helping fearful, nervous, and anxious children learn to feel safe in the dental chair at their own pace, with zero pressure.

Call: (754) 203-3003

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Dental Anxiety — Sunshine KiDDS Dentistry

Understanding Dental Fear

Why Is My Child So Afraid of the Dentist?

Dental anxiety in kids is far more common than most parents realize. Some children are simply sensitive to new environments — the sounds, the bright lights, the unfamiliar faces leaning over them. Others have had a genuinely bad experience: a visit that was too fast, a provider who didn't listen, or a procedure that hurt. And for some kids, the fear is hard to trace — it's just there, and it's real.

Whatever the reason, the worst thing anyone can do is push through it. A child who is forced into treatment doesn't overcome their fear — they learn to dread the dentist more. That cycle is exactly what we're here to break.

Sensitive to new environments

The sounds, the bright lights, the unfamiliar faces leaning over them — it can feel overwhelming.

A genuinely bad past experience

A visit that was too fast, a provider who didn't listen, or a procedure that hurt.

Fear that's hard to trace

For some kids, the fear is just there — and it's real. No explanation needed for us to take it seriously.

Our Approach to Anxiety

How We Help Nervous Children Feel Safe

We don't have a single "trick" for anxious kids — because every child's fear is different. What we do have is a consistent philosophy: we earn trust first, and we never rush.

We listen before we look.

Before Dr. George picks up a single instrument, she sits with your child and talks to them — not at them. She learns what they're afraid of, what they like, and what makes them feel safe. Some kids need to see the tools first. Some need to sit in the chair without anything happening. Some just need to know they can raise their hand and everything stops.

Tell-show-do is how every appointment works.

Nothing happens by surprise. Dr. George explains what she's going to do in words your child understands, shows them the tool or technique, and then does it — only when they're ready. This approach, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), gives children a sense of control that directly reduces fear.

We take as much time as your child needs.

Anxious children are never put on a timer. If a visit takes twice as long because your child needed extra time to warm up, that's fine — and it's expected. We'd rather have a slow, successful visit that builds confidence than a fast one that sets them back.

Positive reinforcement, always.

Every small step is celebrated. Sitting in the chair? That's a win. Opening their mouth for 10 seconds? Another win. We build on success, never on shame or pressure.

Your presence matters, and you're always welcome.

You can stay with your child through the entire visit. You know your child better than anyone, and having you there often makes the difference between a hard day and a breakthrough.

Dr. George with child at Sunshine KiDDS Dentistry

Every Child. Every Visit. With Love. 💙

When More Support Is Needed

What If My Child's Anxiety Is Severe?

For some children, patience and gentle technique alone aren't enough — and that's okay. When fear is so overwhelming that a child can't tolerate even a basic exam, or when they've had repeated traumatic experiences that make trust-building very slow, sedation can provide the calm they need to have a safe, successful visit.

We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild to moderate anxiety and oral conscious sedation for more significant cases. Both are safe, carefully monitored, and always discussed with you thoroughly before any decision is made.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

For mild to moderate anxiety

Oral Conscious Sedation

For more significant cases

Sedation is never our first choice — but it's always available when it's the right one.

Learn more about sedation dentistry for kids

A Pediatric Specialist Who Understands Fearful Children

Dr. Sheryl George is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with years of focused experience helping anxious and fearful children. Her additional 2–3 years of pediatric residency training included specific coursework in child behavior guidance, anxiety management, and communication with young patients who need a slower, gentler approach.

She opened Sunshine KiDDS in Parkland because she believes no child should grow up afraid of the dentist — and that with the right care, none of them have to.

Meet Dr. Sheryl George, board-certified pediatric dentist

Reviews — Sunshine KiDDS Dentistry

Parent Reviews

WParents Who've Been Where You Are

Real words from real families who found their fit here.

5.0

★★★★★

508 Google Reviews

What sets Sunshine KiDDS apart is the time Dr. George takes to connect with my daughter and make her feel comfortable and at ease. No matter how busy they are, she gives us her undivided attention and never rushes us.

Dr. George and her team have been an absolute blessing for our son who has autism. They take the time to explain every step, never rush him, and he actually looks forward to his appointments now. I never thought that would be possible.

If your child has been turned away or had a difficult experience at another practice, we hear that story often — and we know how to help. Many of our most confident young patients started out terrified.

Helping Anxious Children at the Dentist

How do you handle a child who is terrified of the dentist?

We start slowly — no instruments, no pressure. Dr. George talks with your child, shows them the office, and lets them set the pace. We use tell-show-do (explaining, demonstrating, then doing), positive reinforcement, and as much time as needed. Many children who were terrified on their first visit are smiling and cooperative within two or three appointments.

What if my child has had a bad experience at another dentist?

You’re not starting over — you’re starting somewhere better. A bad past experience is one of the most common reasons families come to us. We acknowledge what happened, we don’t minimize it, and we rebuild trust gradually. Dr. George is trained specifically in helping children recover from dental trauma.

Do you offer sedation for very anxious children?

Yes. When anxiety is severe enough that a child cannot tolerate treatment, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild-moderate cases and oral conscious sedation for more significant anxiety. Sedation is always discussed with parents first and is never used without your full understanding and consent. Learn more on our sedation dentistry page.

What age can you start working with anxious children?

Any age. We see children from infancy through the teenage years, and anxiety can present at any stage. The earlier we can build positive associations, the better — but it’s never too late to start. Even teenagers who have avoided the dentist for years can learn to feel comfortable with the right approach.

Should I tell my child about the appointment in advance?

Yes — but keep it simple and positive. Saying something like “We’re going to visit a special doctor who counts teeth and keeps smiles healthy” is enough. Avoid words like “pain,” “shot,” or “drill,” even to say “it won’t hurt.” We’ll handle the rest once you arrive. Our team is trained to set the tone from the moment your child walks through the door.

Your Child Deserves to Feel Safe at the Dentist

A calm, confident dental experience isn't something that happens by accident — it's something that's built, one gentle visit at a time. If anxiety has kept your child from getting the care they need, let's talk about changing that.

We accept many major insurance plans No referral needed Extra time always available for anxious children Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry

Serving families in Parkland, Boca Raton, Coral Springs, and Coconut Creek.

BOOK A GENTLE FIRST VISIT CALL OR TEXT (754) 203-3003