Pediatric Dentistry

We came here because my son had been previously diagnosed with 3 cavities — 1 large enough it required a pulpotomy and crown as well as 2 small cavities (this was by my regular dentist who is unable to accept OHP dental through Health Care/​ODS, which is why we were looking elsewhere). This place was recommended to us after explaining that my son is skiddish about people being in his mouth. The hygenist we saw was friendly and the office dog was great with my toddler who tagged along for the visit. Their waiting room was well stocked with toys and books, which kept both kids occupied before the appointment.
After re-​taking his x-​rays, they confirmed my son needed a pulpotomy and a crown and several fillings. They explained that on the day they do the procedure I WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ACCOMPANY MY CHILD. I said I was uncomfortable with that. I didn’t necessarily need to be next to my child the whole time as I did not want to interfere with their ability to do their jobs — but that I wanted to be nearby. I was told they will absolutely not make any changes to this policy in order to allow me in the back of the office during his treatment and I left very frustrated that I had wasted 2.5 hours of my life and pulled my child out of school to come to an appointment which amounted to nothing.
Since we only received x-​rays and a consult I can’t comment on anything else regarding treatment quality or bedside manner but wanted to note for other parents that if being present while your child has a dental procedure is important to you or your child, this is not the right office for you.

Thank you for your reply. I do understand being conservative about cavities and I appreciate that perspective. However, we we not told about my son’s cavities or to increase/​change home care. Another major issue for us was a dental hygienist (not sure if she is still there) who had a terrible bedside manner with adults and children and was very impatient/​rude with my young kids who had very natural fears about dentists (we are not the only family among our friends to experience issues with her). Because Matt is AWESOME and our other experiences there were generally good, and because you took time to reply, I’m bettering my review a bit.

We saw Noël Larsen for my 6 years old son and could not have had a better experience. We initially chose them because we were not happy with our dentist and they happened to be closer to our house. Just like every dentist appointment my son was a bit nervous but now he keeps asking for his next appointment! (Not for an other 6 month) Well the excitement most likely has to do with the stickers and token for the toy machine as well as the very child friendly environment but as a parent I was impressed with Dr Larsen’s professionalism, experience and knowledge. I was thrilled by the difference a pediatric dentist makes, I would travel from far to bring my son back if I had to!

I had taken my son here for a year and a half and had good experiences.
The dental hygientists are fantastic (Matt! Awesome!)
the visits with the dentist have always been brief but fine.
At our last visit it was discovered that my 4 year old had a small cavity that warranted a filling.
Dr. Andrea explained this and we made plans to schedule the filling. She told me «parents usually wait outside». which is fine. I figured I would wait outside but be available to my son if he asked for me or was having a difficult time.
When the office called to confirm our filling appt, I tried to clarify with the receptionist that I would have access to coming back to be with my son if he asked for me (because obviously I wanted to front-​load him with accurate information).
The receptionist told me their policy is parents are never allowed back but I could call back in the morning (which was the day of the appt) to discuss it with the dentist personally as no dentist was able to speak to me that day.
When I called this morning Dr. Andrea refused to speak to me on the phone but would only relay through the receptionist that I wouldn’t be allowed back under any circumstances. What?! Disappointed that she wouldn’t even take the time to talk to me and that she hadn’t been clear about the rigid policy in the first place. Needless to say I canceled his appt and will be taking him elsewhere.
I work as a pediatric trauma nurse. From years of patient care experience, I can say it is definitely more convenient for the staff to not have parents in the room during procedures. However, I have NEVER not allowed a parent access to their child because— it’s just not the right thing to do!!! Only if a parent is totally beligerent or escalating (rare) would they be escorted out.
It’s just not the best thing for the patient. And. It’s sketchy to not allow parents be with their child. This isn’t an operating room or sterile procedure that could be compromised — — - it’s a simple cavity filling.
Disappointing that this practice prioritizes convenience for the dentists and not the experience of the kids.

I have been taking my children to this office for about 5 years, since my smallest was 2. My kids love going to the dentist, which I find amazing. They have absolutely no fear. The hygienist, Matt, is my kid’s favorite. He explains everything he’s going to do before he does it, and lets them see and touch all the instruments that he’s going to be using.
The office is cheery and bright and the kids get prizes and stickers when they are done with their appointments. Highly recommended.

Not impressed! They have all the makings of what looks like an awesome kid’s dentist but the actual experience was not a good one. They have a policy where parents can not be in the procedure room with their kid. Dr. Noël explained things to my child in a fear based manner. Took x-​rays that were not needed. And did not have a good bed side manner as she seemed pre occupied. It all felt disorganized and lacked of heart. If you have an emergency that would be the only reason to go here as they may be able to get you in but otherwise find a better all around family dentist.

We had our kids at Pediatric Dentistry for about 6 months. They had the outward trappings of a place which cares about kids. The reality is they care about the needs of the dentists and what’s convenient for them over everything else. They were pushy and refused to have parents in the room when work was being done on their children.
Rather than finding ways to help the kids feel comfortable, they prefer to tell stories which scare kids in to doing what they want.
There are so many humane and caring dentists in the Portland area, i really recommend you look elsewhere.

We’ve been taking our kids here for over 2 years and they love it. Strange, I know, but they really get excited when I tell them it’s time to go to the dentist.
The hygienist we see is Matt and he’s really great with the kids. He’s fun and patient and has all kinds of tricks up his sleeve to make the cleaning and exam a positive experience. He gives them lots of choices throughout the exam (fluoride flavor, toothbrush color, etc.) so they feel they’re really making some big decisions. And they get prizes afterward… never a bad thing.
We’ve seen 2 dentists, Dr. Noël and Dr. Andrea and they are both terrific. Gentle and patient and they really take a lot of time with the parents and kids.
This office sets exactly the right tone for kids as they become accustomed to seeing the dentist and I’m so glad we found them. My kids aren’t afraid of seeing the dentist, which is more than I can say for my husband.