We promise
Going to the dentist can feel scary for a child. Everything about our office, from the dinosaur-themed waiting room to the way we explain each tool, is built to make the visit relaxed, fun and worth coming back for.
We know the dentist can be frightening for kids, so we keep the office playful and the pace calm. Tell-show-do, no surprises.
Dr. Sofia and Dr. Scott Kennel are board-certified pediatric dentists with over 20 years of combined experience and a commitment to current techniques.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We teach kids and parents the habits that keep cavities away for life.
Everyone makes mistakes, including us. Tell us where we can improve and we promise we will get better.
We know we have done our job well when we hear kids say they are excited to come back.
Dr. Sofia & Dr. Scott Kennel, Board-Certified Pediatric DentistsServices
Preventive, diagnostic and restorative care for infants, toddlers, children, teens and patients with special needs, all under one roof on Ambaum Blvd SW.
Checkups, cleanings, fluoride, silver diamine fluoride and BPA-free sealants that stop cavities before they start.
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A thin protective coating on the chewing surfaces of back teeth, up to 80-90% effective at preventing cavities.
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Gentle exams and low-dose digital radiographs that use up to 90% less radiation than film.
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Natural-looking fillings, stainless steel and esthetic crowns, and pulp treatment for larger cavities.
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Laughing gas for mild anxiety, and hospital-grade general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist when needed.
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First visits by age one, knee-to-knee exams for toddlers, and patient, trained care for children with special needs.
Learn moreMeet the doctors
A husband-and-wife team of board-certified pediatric dentists affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Sofia completed her DDS at the University of Washington and her pediatric residency through NYU Langone Hospitals, where she served as Chief Resident and later as faculty. Dr. Scott, a Pacific Northwest native from Lakewood, earned his DDS at the University of Southern California before his pediatric training at NYU Langone.
They aim to exceed the standard of care and make both patients and parents feel cared for. Off the clock you will find them chasing their two young daughters, cheering on Seattle sports teams and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
Meet the team
First visit
Four easy steps from the form below to a happy kid with a "no cavities" magnet on the wall.
Fill out the form or call us. We confirm a Monday to Thursday appointment, verify your insurance and send the new patient forms.
Kids walk into rooms full of dinosaurs, video games, books and a slide. Nervous? Come by for a tour before the visit.
Toddlers are checked knee-to-knee in your lap. Older kids meet each tool first. Digital x-rays only when needed.
We explain what we found, show you brushing and flossing tips for home, and build any treatment plan around your budget.
Everyday habits
Most of the work happens at home. We make sure parents leave with answers and kids leave excited to brush.
Two minutes, twice a day, with the right amount of fluoride toothpaste for your child's age. We show kids how, and show parents how to help until about age 7 or 8.
Wipe gums with a soft cloth, brush from the first tooth, skip the bedtime bottle and book the first visit by age one. Small steps that prevent big problems.
BPA-free sealants protect the grooves of back molars during the most cavity-prone years, and fluoride or silver diamine fluoride can stop small cavities in their tracks.
Quick links
Everything a new family needs before the first appointment is one tap away.
Read about the preventive, diagnostic and treatment services we provide, plus insurance and appointment policies.
Let's goDownload and fill out the new patient, health history and financial forms before your first visit.
Let's goExplore the dinosaur-themed office so your child knows exactly what to expect before you arrive.
Let's goGet to know Dr. Sofia and Dr. Scott Kennel and why they are so passionate about pediatric dentistry.
Let's goThe doctors' answers to the questions parents ask most, from teething to knocked-out teeth.
Let's goSee what Burien parents are saying about us, and share your own feedback.
Let's go
Google reviews
Reviews from families who visited our office on Ambaum Blvd SW, as posted on Google.
Absolutely love this office. My daughter had a really traumatic intro to dentistry and she was so afraid to see the dentist. Burien Children's put her at ease immediately. Their waiting area has a little kid fort with fun toys. …
Oh wow. My 2.5 year old HATES having his teeth brushed. It's a daily battle. I was so nervous about taking him to the dentist. But it was shockingly easy! The lobby & all the dinosaur decor were super kid friendly. He felt right at home! The staff was kind & obviously very experienced with kids. The dentist was AMAZING! Gentle, quick & somehow convinced my toddler to sit still & open his mouth. No fear, no threats, no crying. I was amazed. Highly recommend for even the most unruly toddlers.
Today I took my 2-year-old daughter for the first time, and I'm so glad I chose this place. Everyone is incredibly friendly, the environment is lovely and clean, and my daughter was a little scared at first, but she left happy. Thank you to all the staff and Dr. Scott.
Translated from Spanish
Highly recommended! The dentist and assistant were incredibly attentive to my son's needs. He arrived very nervous, but they calmed him down and were very patient with both me and him. The reception staff was also excellent. It's a 10 out of 10 place, I recommend it 100%.
Child had a dental emergency. The speed and care taken to address, treat, and assist in making appointments with other offices is top shelf. I will never change from this pediatric dentist no matter where we live. You got us till child is an adult. Thank you so much.
My kids love going here! They have been going since my oldest, now 9, was a toddler. They are so welcoming and the receptionist gives the best customer service. She is fast with checking us in and is always making sure there is a movie on. …
The employees here are saints. My son has been coming here for 2 years and is a terror every time, I don't know how we haven't been banned. UPDATE: The new owners are saints as well. The dentist told my son the fluoride was Spider-Man's vitamins so he let her put it on. True professionals.
Both my kids go here and they are the best. They make them both feel so comfortable.
I decided to take my 3 year old twins to the dentist and this place was recommended by a friend. My kids had a great experience. They didn't get hurt, the assistants were patient and explained every step to the kids and I loved that. They also have people that speak Spanish and that is good!
Highly recommend Burien Children's Dentistry. Our first dentist experience with our 3 year old could not have gone any better. All day afterwards she was excited to use her new "tooth gear", new brush, floss and paste. …
My daughter has always been so scared of any dental or doctor visits. This office really surprised me. They had so much patience for my daughter; the assistant really took her time and tried anything to make her feel comfortable. …
I just had to move to a new dentistry due to my age (17) and I MISS THIS PLACE SO MUCH! I absolutely hated the dentist when I was younger and then when I started going here I realized that I actually loved the dentist. …
Awesome place for kids. On another note, they even returned my call about a non-dental related question!
They are everything you'd want from a dentist for your child. Fast, efficient, with great communication. And most of all my kids love them and look forward to the next appointment. Thank you BCD!
This place deserves 5 stars all time with no exceptions. I take my kids there and they are doing above and beyond. Thank you Burien Children's Dentistry. Please keep up the great work!
From start to finish everyone was so kind! They were extremely patient for my son's first dental cleaning and exam. He can't wait to go back!
This office is amazing! My 4 year old is already asking if we can go to the dentist again tomorrow.
I love them! So friendly and the staff is great! Elizabeth is always willing to work around my busy schedule and I love that!
Been taking my kids there for over 13 years. LOVE LOVE LOVE them!
I love taking my kids here. The staff is always very polite and helpful and making sure that my kids are comfortable during any service is their top priority. Thank you so much!
This place is great, kid friendly and the staff are amazingly nice. My kids love it here!
Clean, friendly and staffed appropriately. Love this office.
Areas we serve
Our office sits on Ambaum Blvd SW in downtown Burien, minutes from Normandy Park, SeaTac, Des Moines and White Center, with easy access from West Seattle, Tukwila, Kent and Renton. Vashon families, we are a short hop from the Fauntleroy ferry.
Questions parents ask
Quick answers before your first visit. For the full library, see our kids' dental FAQ.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Early visits let us watch how the teeth and jaws are developing, catch problems while they are small, and give you a go-to resource for questions about your child's oral care.
Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. After dental school, Dr. Sofia and Dr. Scott completed two to three additional years of specialized residency training focused on infants, children, teens and children with special needs, including behavior management and growth and development. Both are board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Yes. We are contracted with most insurance companies, including Aetna, DSHS / Apple Health, Guardian, WDS, Humana, LifeWise, Dentemax, Tri-Care, all Delta Dental plans, MetLife, United Concordia, Premera, Regence and GEHA. We are happy to submit claims on your behalf; the patient is ultimately responsible for the balance.
Absolutely. Parents are welcome in the treatment room. We ask that you be a calm observer while the dentist and assistant explain everything to your child in kid-friendly terms, and that siblings who are not being treated stay in the waiting room with an adult.
That is exactly what we are trained for. We use tell-show-do, positive reinforcement and a playful office to put kids at ease. For children who need more help we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and, for extensive treatment or significant dental fear, general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
We are at 14411 Ambaum Blvd SW, Suite B in Burien, WA 98166, a short drive from Normandy Park, SeaTac, Des Moines, Tukwila, White Center, Seahurst, Three Tree Point and West Seattle. Families also visit us from Kent, Renton, Federal Way and Vashon Island. Se habla español.
Request an appointment
Tell us a little about your child and we will call or email to confirm a time. Se habla español. In pain right now? Call (206) 246-4559.