PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IN TACOMA & LAKEWOOD
A dentist your kids will actually want to come back to
Finding the right dentist for your child isn't only about healthy teeth. It's about helping them feel safe, comfortable, and confident coming back.
At Plancich Dental, we make dental visits positive and age-appropriate for little smiles, and with plenty of patience for little ones who may not be thrilled about opening wide on command.
- Gentle dental care for all ages, from toddlers through teens
- Most major insurance accepted
- Family-owned practice serving the South Sound since 1989
- Your whole family can see the same dental team
Rated 4.9 by families across Tacoma & Lakewood
Everything their growing smile needs
From the first little tooth to the day the braces come off, we’ll keep an eye on how your child’s teeth, gums, and bite are developing.
Here’s what their dental care can include:
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GENTLE CLEANING & CHECKUPS
We’ll clean their teeth, look for cavities, check their gums, and make sure their smile is developing as expected while helping them get comfortable with the dentist.
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CAVITY PREVENTION
We’ll keep an eye out for early signs of tooth decay and help you and your child build healthy brushing, flossing, and eating habits at home.
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GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
As baby teeth make way for adult teeth, we’ll monitor spacing, alignment, bite, and other changes that may need attention.
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DENTAL CARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Chipped a tooth on the playground? Toothache keeping everyone awake? We’ll help you figure out what happened and what to do next.
See the difference great care makes
Their relationship with oral health starts now
Kids, like adults, remember exactly how people make them feel. That’s why a pediatric dental visit isn’t successful just because we cleaned every tooth.
It’s successful when your child learns that the dentist is a safe place to ask questions, that nobody is going to surprise them, and that taking care of their teeth is simply something they just do.
After 35+ years caring for children of all ages, we’ve seen it all. Some kids hop right into the chair while others need to look around first. Some ask 14 questions. Some hold your hand or decide that opening their mouth today is simply not on the agenda.
We’ll work with your child at their pace while giving you straightforward answers about what we’re seeing and what their growing smile needs next.
“Dr. Plancich and his staff are the greatest! I and my family have been patients for many years. My Granddaughter has become the newest patient and had her first- year checkup. She is the third generation from our family. We are very happy to know that she is in good hands with Dr. Plancich and his staff.”
Family dentistry really does run in the family
Dr. Gregory Plancich started caring for Tacoma families in 1989. Years later, his son Bryce followed him into dentistry and back to the community that raised him.
Today, two generations of Plancich dentists care for generations of South Sound families. That gives “family dentistry” a slightly different meaning around here.
Your child can come to us for their early dental visits, keep coming as their adult teeth arrive, and still have the same dental home years from now.
No graduating out of our practice required.
Caring for Tacoma & Lakewood families
Many of our patients have been with us for years, and some for generations. Whether you see us in our Tacoma or Lakewood practice, you’re known by name and given the same excellence of care.
Tacoma
2312 N. 30th Street, #201
Tacoma, WA 98403
(253) 272-7400
Lakewood
5726 100th St SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 581-2777
Their first visit is easy
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Book online or give us a call
Online booking is available 24/7 for Tacoma and Lakewood. Or call us directly and our front desk staff will take care of you.
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We’ll make introductions
We’ll help your child get comfortable, explain what we’re doing in age-appropriate language, and complete the care they’re ready for.
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You leave knowing what comes next
We’ll tell you how their teeth and gums are doing, answer your questions, and let you know when we’d like to see that little smile again.
Parents ask us all the time
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends establishing a dental home by age one or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Early visits give us a chance to monitor your child’s developing smile and help them become familiar with dental care.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
Dental anxiety is common, especially when something is new. We’ll explain what we’re doing, work at your child’s pace, and focus on building trust rather than forcing a “perfect” appointment.
What if my child has a cavity?
We’ll show you what we’re seeing and explain whether the tooth needs treatment. If it does, we’ll walk you through the recommended approach and help your child feel as comfortable as possible.
Can I bring my whole family?
Yes. New patients and families are welcome! We see patients of all ages at both locations. If you want to schedule the whole family on the same day, call us and we’ll do our best to get everyone in together.