Downey Park Family Dentistry is excited to announce that our offices are reopen to serve our community. We are taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team, and appreciate your understanding that things will look and function a bit differently in our office for the time being.
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A trip to the dentist can feel overwhelming for some children. Whether it’s the sounds, smells, or just the unknown, dental anxiety is very real—and very common. At First Smiles Children’s Dentistry in Modesto, we meet that anxiety with understanding, patience, and a gentle approach that helps kids feel at ease—often without the need for advanced sedation.
Dr. Chris Ha believes in creating a calm, positive dental experience without immediately relying on deeper forms of sedation. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for children who need help relaxing during treatment. It’s a safe, mild option that wears off quickly and allows most children to resume their day with no lingering effects.
For patients who may require a higher level of sedation due to medical, behavioral, or procedural complexity, we partner with trusted local pediatric dentists in the area who can provide it.. However, we’ve found that many children—even those others may consider “difficult” or “uncooperative”—do exceptionally well in our care without sedation. In fact, families often tell us they’re amazed at how smoothly things go once their child feels heard and supported.
Dental anxiety doesn’t mean your child is “bad” or “impossible.” It just means they need a little more time and reassurance—and that’s exactly what we offer. Dr. Ha and our team are trained in behavior guidance techniques and know how to work through fear, resistance, or nervousness with compassion and skill. We never rush, shame, or pressure your child. Instead, we build trust visit by visit—and that makes all the difference.
Some parents feel uneasy about putting their child under sedation—and we completely understand. Many families seek us out because they want a dentist who can help their child through care without going straight to sedation. With the right environment and approach, it’s often possible.
We’re proud to provide:
If your child has had a tough time at the dentist—or if you’ve been told they need sedation and you’re not sure that’s the right path—we’d love to meet you. We’ll take the time to understand your child and help them feel comfortable, respected, and safe.
Call us at (209) 343-3500 to schedule a visit with Dr. Ha and our caring team. At First Smiles Children’s Dentistry, we believe that with the right support, every child can have a positive experience at the dentist.
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