COMPASSIONATE & quality care for all
By using open communication, state-of-the-art technology, and compassionate-focused care we hope each patient feels comfortable and empowered every step of the way. We are proud to partner with you to restore and maintain dental health.
General Dentistry
Our practice offers a complete set of dental services to individuals and families. From routine exams and cleanings to complex restorative work and prostheses, Seattle Special Care Dentistry is equipped to care for whatever dental needs you and your loved ones may have. We’ve got you covered with all the basic maintenance, as well as different personal needs.
In our dedication to treating all patients, we’re committed to making sure your experience is empowering and positive.
General Dentistry Services
Preventative Dentistry
Diagnostic exams & x-rays
Cleaning & hygiene services
Sealants & fluoride treatments
Restorative & Esthetic Dentistry
Fillings
Crowns
Bridges
Veneers
Dentures
Complete
Partial
Removable
Implant-supported
Other Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Advanced imaging, including 3-D Cone Beam CT scans
Root Canals
Extractions & pre-prosthetic surgery
Implants - placement & restoration
Oral surgery
Hygiene Services
Our caring and gentle hygiene team provide a full range of dental hygiene services, including deep cleanings to treat gum disease and inflammation. Treatment will be customized to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring the most comfortable appointment possible.
For patients with special needs, we are able to employ a team approach by including a dental assistant in the appointment to help with safety and stability, if necessary.
Endodontics
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry specializing in the care of the interior of the tooth and tooth pulp. Endodontic care works to save natural teeth after dental injury, fracture, or infection, primarily using root canal therapy.
Typical root canal therapy includes cleaning and shaping the interior of a damaged or infected tooth and filling in the space, which stabilizes the tooth and restores function. This usually takes one to two appointments and feels similar to having a routine filling.
Root canal therapy may be performed by a general dentist who has had training in endodontics, or by an endodontist, a dental specialist who has completed at least two additional years of advanced training in complex endodontic diagnosis and treatment.
“This is a great dentist office with caring and attentive staff. They were wonderful in helping us with our father with early-onset alzheimer’s and diminishing communication capabilities. They took care of him and helped us - with great care, dignity and assistance.”
— NINA G.
prosthodontics & Maxillofacial Prosthodontics
A prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the esthetic restoration and replacement of damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. They complete an additional three to five years of advanced training in complex dental implants, permanent and removable dentures, TMD-jaw joint problems, crowns, bridges, full-mouth rehabilitation, and others. Prosthodontists are masters of complete oral rehabilitation. They are like the “architects” of the mouth.
Maxillofacial prosthodontics is an even greater level of specialty which involves rehabilitation of patients with defects or disabilities that were present when born or developed due to disease or trauma. Prostheses are often needed to replace missing areas of bone or tissue and restore oral functions such as swallowing, speech, and chewing. In other instances, a prosthesis may be indicated for cosmetic and psychosocial reasons. The overall goal of all maxillofacial prosthetic treatment is to improve the quality of life.
Pediatric Dentistry
Children have different needs than adults. Pediatric dentists have chosen to care for children exclusively and have completed an additional two years of training beyond dental school to become experts not only in treating a child’s teeth, gums, and mouth, but also working with children according to their development.
Our pediatric dentists see patients for routine exams and cleanings, and are also uniquely able to provide treatment under general anesthesia for children who require care that would not be possible to complete while awake. Each has extensive training and experience in the management of the most medically complex young patients.
Dental Phobia
It is completely normal to experience dental anxiety at some point. In some cases, it can prevent patients from getting the care they’ve needed for years. We specialize in caring for patients who experience fear or anxiety associated with dental treatment without judgment or shame, and understand that this can be an intimidating experience.
Dental phobia can range from unpleasant feelings about visiting the dentist to a physical inability to enter the dental clinic. Earning your trust and meeting your needs our primary goal. Dental phobia is common and we’re here to understand your concerns and answer your questions.
Depending on your needs and preferences, we can:
Meet in the consult room to limit time in the treatment area
Share as much or as little information as you wish during your appointment
Provide heated blankets and music for comfort
Utilize any type of safe and effective sedation (click here to learn more)
There are many strategies to address dental fears and we’ll work with you to formulate a plan that will leave you feeling relaxed and confident.
“These guys are THE BEST! I was in such a good mood that I didn't even mind the painful gum-recession-measuring process. Seriously. They are some of the most delightful people I have ever met.”
- Caitlin C
Hospital Dentistry
For patients with medical conditions which require the supportive services available in a hospital setting, our providers have privileges to treat patients in the operating rooms at Swedish Medical Center. An initial exam or consultation will first take place in our office and subsequent treatment scheduled in the operating room.
Cancer Care
Seattle Special Care Dentistry is designed to provide comprehensive dental care to cancer patients through every phase of treatment. After treating thousands of head and neck cancer patients, our doctors have expertise in managing any complications or complex needs that arise.
Cancer treatment can be an overwhelming and stressful time. As members of your care team, we are committed to making this process as streamlined and comfortable as possible. We work closely with all local cancer centers to ensure that your treatment seamlessly integrates with the rest of your care.
Dr. Kevin Joe is one of few dentists in the state with a certificate in Maxillofacial Prosthodontics, which means that he specializes in complex reconstructions around the eyes, nose, and jaw. Dr. Joe’s expertise, combined with our on-site prosthetics lab, enables SSCD to handle cosmetic & functional reconstruction after cancer surgery.
Sedation & General Anesthesia
We are equipped to offer a full array of sedation options to fit your unique needs. From a gentle, short-acting option to caring for patients while completely asleep, our offices has the tools available to safely and comfortably treat any patient. If you’re nervous about treatment, let us know. We will review your options and discuss what the treatment will be like to make you as comfortable and calm as possible.
Types of Sedation & Anesthesia
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide is primarily used for mild sedation, so patients have an added layer of comfort during their appointment. This gas is administered through a mask that fits over the nose during treatment and has no lasting effect once the flow of gas has been stopped.
Oral Sedation
Mild-moderate sedation can provide relaxation and possibly amnesia of the dental visit. Patients using oral sedation will be given a prescription to be filled at their pharmacy in advance of their dental appointment. Patients using oral sedation will need to have a ride home and should have someone with them for several hours after as the medication wears off.
IV Sedation
With intravenous sedation, the patient maintains consciousness but is deeply sedated. We recommend this for extensive procedures (such as extractions) and for patients who have higher levels of anxiety. Patients using intravenous sedation will need to have a ride home from our office and should have someone with them for several hours after as the medication wears off.
General Anesthesia
We are uniquely equipped to provide in-office general anesthesia, which is often crucial for patients who are phobic, need extensive treatment, or who are otherwise unable to tolerate dental treatment while awake. Our hospital-grade anesthesia machine, custom general anesthesia suite, and physician anesthesiologist make these services convenient and cost-effective. For those who require care in a hospital setting, our dentists can also treat patients in the Swedish operating rooms.
Medically Complex
You and your loved ones deserve compassionate, quality care.
As a medically focused dental practice, our providers routinely work with patients with a wide range of diagnoses and are used to finding creative solutions that work within whatever limitations there may be. We partner with you and your care team to provide high-quality, comprehensive dental treatment to support total health.
We have experience and expertise in providing dental care to patients with all types of medical conditions, including, but not limited to, the following:
Heart failure, dysrhythmias, pre-valve replacements, and devices
Alzheimer’s and dementia
Neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disabilities
Phobias and anxiety
Autism spectrum and other neurodivergent populations
Pulmonary disorders including oxygen and/or ventilator-dependent patients
Kidney and liver disorders, particularly dialysis patients
Immunocompromised patients
Obesity-related conditions
Neurologic and movement disorders
Connective tissue diseases
Hemophilia and other bleeding disorders
Pre-transplant clearances and post-transplant immunosuppression support
Other complex medical conditions