About Sunnyside Dentistry For Children
Pediatric Dentistry
Local families recognize Sunnyside Dentistry for Children for its welcoming atmosphere and the team’s genuine dedication to helping kids have positive dental experiences that last a lifetime Since Dr Dustin Davis assumed ownership in 2021, Sunnyside Dentistry has continued to
thrive, achieving steady growth with over 580 five-star Google reviews and maintaining an impressive 4.9-star average.
With over a decade of direct clinical experience, Dr. Davis has built a career centered on making dental care something children can genuinely enjoy. Under their guidance, every aspect of Sunnyside Dentistry is centered on a single, vital goal: ensuring that each dental visit is relaxed, fun, and stress-free. The team works tirelessly to create an environment where children feel secure, parents feel heard, and families leave every appointment with a smile and confidence
A Practice Designed for Comfort
At Sunnyside Dentistry for Children, the approach to pediatric dentistry is grounded in empathy, patience, and precision with every treatment The team understands that dental visits can often create anxiety, especially for young or first-time patients. To help children feel at ease, they prioritize both physical comfort and emotional well-being from the moment a family walks in
Each appointment begins with friendly, easy-to-understand communication about what will happen next The trained and compassionate staff speak in a way that helps children engage and understand, giving them a sense of participation and control. Every child is introduced to a simple “stop” sign they can hold up during their visit if they ever need a break This small but powerful gesture ensures children feel safe and in control throughout the process These thoughtful touches help build confidence and lasting trust among children, parents, and the care team
Leadership and Expertise
Dr Dustin Davis, a board-certified pediatric dentist, leads Sunnyside Dentistry with a combination of advanced dental knowledge and an understanding of child psychology and development Dr Davis earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and subsequently completed a pediatric residency program at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where they also received a Master of Oral Sciences degree.
Their master’s thesis, published in the Journal of Dentistry for Children, focused on defining the ethical and safe use of protective stabilization in pediatric dentistry. This critical research continues to inform their clinical philosophy today, ensuring that every child’s safety, dignity, and comfort are fully protected while receiving dental care.
In 2015, Dr Davis achieved the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, one of the highest professional distinctions in the field of pediatric dentistry. They are supported by a dedicated and highly skilled team that shares their mission to deliver minimally
invasive, evidence-based dental care designed to keep children healthy, confident, and genuinely excited about visiting the dentist.
Gentle and Evidence-Based Pediatric Dentistry
The clinical philosophy at Sunnyside Dentistry centers on prevention, conservation, and comfort, with a focus on delivering gentle and effective care to young patients Instead of defaulting to traditional fillings or crowns, the team practices conservative, evidence-based dentistry to minimize discomfort and avoid early negative dental experiences
The tools and techniques they use include:
● Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) for non-invasive decay control
● Hall Technique crowns for seamless, drill-free restoration
● Advanced topical anesthetics to make injections more comfortable when needed
● Nitrous oxide for gentle relaxation
● A range of other proven, pain-free approaches
For children who find traditional dental care challenging, Sunnyside Dentistry utilizes glass ionomer restorations, such as Equia Forte and Fuji 2 LC, which bond directly to tooth surfaces without requiring additional etching or bonding steps This makes procedures faster, smoother, and far less intimidating for kids. These materials are ideal for young patients because they:
● Perform exceptionally well in moisture-rich conditions, even when complete dryness is hard to maintain
● Absorb and gradually release fluoride from toothpaste or professional treatments
● Help prevent recurrent decay beneath restorations, a common problem with conventional composites in pediatric cases
Every care plan is tailored to meet each child’s unique developmental stage, specific needs, and long-term oral health objectives The outcome is a lifetime foundation of healthy, confident smiles built through positive, stress-free dental experiences
The Values Behind the Practice
The continued success of Sunnyside Dentistry is rooted not only in clinical excellence but also in the core values that guide every interaction and decision These values shape the culture of the office and define the way patients are cared for:
1 Exceptional experiences: From scheduling to follow-up, the team focuses on making every step simple and convenient for families.
2 Creating meaningful connections: Each visit is seen as an opportunity to build lasting relationships with families through genuine, memorable interactions.
3. Encouragement over criticism: Education is at the heart of care, empowering children and parents to take pride in maintaining good oral health
4. Accountability: Every team member takes ownership of the practice’s mission, ensuring that the environment fosters professional growth, learning, and collaboration
5 Positive energy: Upon entering Sunnyside Dentistry, the friendly and upbeat atmosphere is immediately noticeable. That positivity is contagious and intentional.
Sunnyside Dentistry strives to maintain a joyful and supportive work environment for its team and a caring, comfortable atmosphere for every family it serves. These shared values have made the practice a trusted and compassionate part of the Clackamas community
Giving Back to the Community
Sunnyside Dentistry believes that being part of a community means giving back to it The practice proudly participates in and sponsors local events, including Concerts in the Valley, the Nutcracker Ballet presented by Inspire Dance Center, and the annual Toys for Tots drives Every Halloween, the office hosts a Candy Buy Back program, encouraging kids to make healthier choices while helping raise funds for charitable causes.
Children who maintain good dental hygiene can also join the popular “No Cavity Club.” Those with cavity-free checkups are entered into a monthly prize drawing, offering fun motivation to keep their smiles healthy Beyond these activities, Sunnyside Dentistry’s involvement extends to local schools, community organizations, and family events throughout Clackamas and Portland. This ongoing commitment reflects their belief that strong communities are built through compassion, education, and shared responsibility
Recognition and Reputation
The outstanding care and dedication of Sunnyside Dentistry have earned the practice significant recognition, including the 2025 Patients’ Top Choice Award for excellence in gentle and advanced pediatric dental care Patient reviews consistently highlight the team’s warmth, professionalism, and commitment to thorough, personalized treatment.
Families across Clackamas, Happy Valley, and nearby areas choose Sunnyside Dentistry because of its unique blend of technical expertise and genuine care. Parents often remark on
how clearly everything is explained and how relaxed their children feel during visits Kids, on the other hand, love how kind, patient, and funny their dentist is.