Special-Needs & Autism-Friendly Dentist Sammamish WA

Sensory-smart care tailored to every child’s unique needs.

  • ImageBoard-Certified Pediatric Dentist – Top 3% ABPD
  • ImageAutism-Friendly, Sensory-Adapted Rooms
  • ImageWheelchair-Accessible Operatories & Restrooms
  • ImageApple Health / Medicaid Accepted
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, seven children with their heads together in a circle smile up at the camera, reflecting the warm and inclusive environment of this special-needs and autism-friendly dentist.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, a dentist gently examines the teeth of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, offering specialized dental care.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Dental Care

Dr. Freelove completed advanced training in dental care for children with ASD and speaks annually at the UW Autism Center.
We use visual schedules, countdown timers, and tell-show-do techniques to make every step predictable.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, a young child smiles in the dental chair as the dentist gently holds instruments nearby, demonstrating the advantages of a sensory-friendly office.

Sensory-Friendly Office Environment

A dark blue heart icon with light blue and white diagonal stripes, symbolizing caring, health, and a kid-friendly environment for Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish, WA.Dim-mermable lighting & noise-canceling headphones
A dark blue heart icon with light blue and white diagonal stripes, symbolizing caring, health, and a kid-friendly environment for Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish, WA.Scent-free operatories
A dark blue heart icon with light blue and white diagonal stripes, symbolizing caring, health, and a kid-friendly environment for Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish, WA.Weighted blankets & fidget tools
A dark blue heart icon with light blue and white diagonal stripes, symbolizing caring, health, and a kid-friendly environment for Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish, WA.Netflix or visual white-noise option on ceiling TVs

Fully Wheelchair-Accessible

Our front entry, operatories, and bathrooms meet ADA standards with 36-inch doorways and roll-in clearance.
Portable X-ray heads accommodate seated patients.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, a masked dentist demonstrates proper oral care with a teeth model to a young boy sitting in a fully wheelchair-accessible dental chair.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, a dentist skilled in behavioral management and communication techniques examines a smiling young boy reclining in a brightly lit clinic.

Behavioral Management & Communication Techniques

• Tell–Show–Do • Desensitization visits • Positive reinforcement token economy
We customize each plan after a pre-visit phone consult with parents or caregivers.

Parent Support & Visit Preparation

Download our social-story PDF, watch a 3-minute clinic walkthrough video, and fill out sensory-trigger checklists before arriving.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, a young child confidently smiles and gives a high-five to a healthcare worker, holding a stuffed toy—thanks to parent support and thorough visit preparation.

Apple Health Covers Special-Needs Dentistry

Apple Health ABCD program includes extra appointment time, sedation when needed, and preventive services at $0 cost for eligible kids.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish, WA, a wooden toy train set with a red bridge, buildings, and figure-eight tracks sits atop a colorful play mat.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, a dentist in a white coat uses Social Stories and visual supports to explain dental care with a model to a smiling young boy on his mother's lap in a welcoming office.

Social Stories & Visual Supports

Our printable picture schedule breaks every visit into clear, easy-to-follow steps. Kids earn a puzzle piece after each milestone and a prize once the puzzle is complete.

Flexible Scheduling for Special-Needs Families

We reserve low-stimulus morning slots twice per week and can split longer treatments into shorter, success-oriented visits.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, a dentist wearing a mask and gloves consults with a young boy seated in a yellow dental chair; the clinic provides flexible scheduling for special-needs families.
At Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish WA, Dr. Annikka Freelove, DDS, a board-certified pediatric dentist with long brown hair and a green blouse, smiles outdoors amid trees and grass.

Meet Dr. Annikka Freelove, DDS — Board-Certified, Top 3% ABPD

Dr. Freelove holds additional certification in Pediatric Patients with Special Health Care Needs from the University of Florida and volunteers with the Special Olympics Special Smiles program.
Featuring an abstract image with flowing, wavy shapes in shades of pink and white, Lake Sammamish Kids Dentistry - Pediatric Dentist in Sammamish, WA offers a soothing and organic visual effect reminiscent of gentle patterns often seen in kids dentistry themes.

First Dentist to Truly Understand My Autistic Son’s Triggers.

Dr. Annika is the best dentist for kids! She is not only highly skilled, but she is also warm and compassionate. She has an impeccable ability to help children feel at ease. We are so lucky to have found this practice.
Reesha Patel Shah
They are the best! They found a great approach to my child, very professional and friendly. This is the first clinic where my child received high-quality dental care. Highly recommend!
Анна Прокопенко
My son went here for his first ever dentist appointment. The staff is super friendly, patient, knowledgeable, and amazing with kids. It was wonderful that they met him on his level and made him feel comfortable. We were nervous going into the appointment, but the nerves quickly faded. 100% recommend them for your kid’s dentist!
Lindsay Luhrs