Special Needs Pediatric Dentist Near Boerne

Special needs pediatric dentist near Boerne offering patient-centered, compassionate care tailored to each child’s unique needs, helping ensure a safe, comfortable dental experience and healthy long-term development.
We File Your Insurance For You

You pay at the time of your visit, and we’ll file your insurance claim for you — your insurance will reimburse you directly based on your plan’s coverage.

No Insurance? No Problem

Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.

Take Advantage of Our Financing

We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.

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Finding the right dental provider for a child with special health care needs means finding a team that truly understands your child. Whether your child has autism, sensory processing differences, developmental delays, or other conditions that make standard dental visits difficult, they deserve care built around their needs, not the other way around. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nearly one in five children in the United States has a special health care need. However, dental care remains one of the most frequently unmet needs for these families.

At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Christi Wengler provides compassionate, thoughtful care for children with a wide range of needs. Serving families throughout the greater San Antonio area, including those near Boerne and throughout Kendall County, our practice is designed from the ground up to support children who need a gentler, more individualized experience.

Why Do Children With Special Needs Require a Different Dental Approach?

Children with conditions like autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, or developmental delays often experience dental visits very differently from other children. Bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, new textures, and strangers in close proximity can make a routine cleaning feel overwhelming. Standard pediatric offices may not have the training, environment, or patience to accommodate these challenges effectively.

A special needs pediatric dentist near Boerne understands these barriers and works proactively to remove them. That means adapting every aspect of the appointment so children feel as calm and comfortable as possible.

Sensory Activities for kids with disabilities. Preschool Activities for Children with Special Needs. Boy with with Cerebral Palsy in special chair play with mom at home
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What Makes Our Office Different for Children With Sensory Needs?

Our practice features private, quiet treatment rooms designed with sensory-sensitive children in mind. We welcome caregivers to stay present during every visit, which helps children feel more secure and helps parents stay informed. We move at the child’s pace, never rushing through an appointment or pushing a child before they are ready.

Dr. Wengler and our team are trained to recognize and respond to a wide variety of behavioral cues and sensory needs. We take time before each visit to understand your child’s specific triggers, preferences, and history, and we build our approach around that information.

What Sedation and Comfort Options Are Available?

For children who need additional support to get through dental care, we offer a full range of options. Rather than defaulting to one approach, we work with families to find the right level of support for their child.

Our comfort and sedation options include:

  • Nitrous oxide (used as an anxiolytic to reduce anxiety and create a calm experience)
  • Oral conscious sedation for children who need deeper relaxation
  • IV sedation for more complex cases
  • General anesthesia when medically indicated

Every option is presented transparently, with a full explanation of what is involved, what materials are used, and what parents can expect. You will always have the information you need to make the right decision for your child. Learn more on our sedation dentistry page.

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Ready To Transform Your Child's Dental Health?

Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.

From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.

Does Dr. Wengler Have Training Specific to Special Needs Care?

Dr. Christi Wengler is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry — one of the highest credentials available in her field. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences and is a Certified Lactation Counselor, reflecting her commitment to whole-child health that extends far beyond teeth. Dr. Wengler served 11 years in the United States Air Force, including four years stationed in Germany, where she gained extensive clinical experience across a wide range of patient populations, including children with complex needs.

Her background in caring for children with autism and sensory differences directly informs our entire team’s approach to special-needs dentistry. This is not a side service — it is central to who we are and what we do.

How Do We Support Children With Autism Specifically?

Children on the autism spectrum often have heightened sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions, and a strong need for predictability. Our approach is built to accommodate all of these realities. We offer pre-visit consultations so families can walk through what to expect, and we tailor every step of the appointment to reduce surprises.

What to Expect During Your Child’s First Visit

The first visit is always focused on building trust. We do not rush into treatment. Our goal is to help your child develop a positive association with our office so they feel comfortable returning. Steps typically include:

  • A gentle, low-pressure introduction to our team and environment
  • A conversation with parents about the child’s history and needs
  • A slow, careful examination that respects the child’s comfort level
  • A discussion of next steps and any recommended treatment

Parents are never left out of the conversation. We believe you are your child’s best advocate, and we want to partner with you every step of the way. Our new patient exam is designed to give every family the time and attention they deserve.

Is Holistic Care Available for Children With Special Needs?

Absolutely. Our holistic approach to pediatric dentistry means we consider the whole child — not just the tooth in front of us. We use biocompatible materials, minimize invasive procedures wherever possible, and rely on digital X-rays captured with PSP plates rather than traditional sensors to provide greater comfort during imaging.

For children with special needs, this approach matters even more. Reducing unnecessary chemical exposure, avoiding uncomfortable procedures, and creating positive experiences all contribute to better long-term outcomes — in the dental chair and beyond.

How Far Is Wellness Pediatric Dentistry From Boerne?

Our practice is located in the Castle Hills neighborhood of San Antonio, making us conveniently accessible for families throughout Kendall County and the Boerne area. Many of our patients make the short drive knowing that the quality and comfort of care they receive is well worth it. We serve as a board-certified pediatric dentist serving Kendall County and the surrounding Hill Country communities.

Schedule a Special Needs Dental Appointment Near Boerne

Finding the right special needs pediatric dentist near Boerne does not have to be an overwhelming process. At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, we provide a calm, individualized experience for every child backed by Dr. Wengler’s advanced training, whole-child philosophy, and genuine commitment to families who have often struggled to find the right fit. From sensory-sensitive environments to a full range of sedation options, our practice is built to meet your child where they are.

If your child has special health care needs and you are searching for a pediatric dental home near Boerne or Kendall County, we invite you to connect with us. Use our contact form to schedule your child’s first visit. We look forward to earning your trust and your child’s smile.

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Experience & Expertise

Meet Your Pediatric Dentist

When you bring your child to Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, they’ll be cared for by a board-certified pediatric dentist who believes parents deserve to know exactly what materials and methods are being used in their child’s care.

Dr. Christi Wengler, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and Practice Founder of Wellness Pediatric Dentistry

Christi Wengler, DDS

Board Certified Diplomate & Fellow, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Christi Wengler, DDS, is the founder of Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway — San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice. A San Antonio native and Board Certified Diplomate and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She earned her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and her DDS from the University of Texas Health San Antonio. She is also a United States Air Force veteran, serving 11 years. 

Dr. Wengler is a Certified Lactation Counselor since 2019 and Airway Health Solutions certified provider. She brings a unique combination of advanced pediatric expertise, nutritional science knowledge, and airway-focused orthodontic training to every patient. Her goal is to empower parents with choices and provide gentle, transparent care that supports the child’s complete development.

Affordable Care Options

Payment & Financing Options

We understand that choosing out-of-network care is a big decision. That’s why we make it easy to understand your benefits and offer multiple ways to keep your child’s holistic dental care affordable — because the quality of materials in your child’s mouth matters.

Out-of-Network Benefits

We accept and submit claims to all PPO dental insurance plans. Our team helps you maximize your out-of-network benefits so your family receives the highest-quality biocompatible materials and personalized care.

Flexible Financing

We partner with CareCredit to offer flexible monthly payment plans. Break your child’s treatment into manageable payments with low or no interest options — so cost never stands between your child and the care they need.

In-House Membership

No insurance? Our in-house membership plan gives your family affordable access to preventive care and discounted treatments — one simple plan, no surprise bills, and no compromise on quality materials.

Questions about coverage or financing? Call us at (210) 352-9028 — we’re happy to walk you through your options.

CareCredit
In-House Membership
HSA / FSA Accepted
What Parents Are Saying

Hear From Our Families

Parents choose Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway because they want a practice that listens, explains, and puts their child’s whole-body wellness first. Here’s what San Antonio families are saying.

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Your Child Deserves a Dentist Who Listens

Whether you’re looking for a second opinion, concerned about what materials are being used in your child’s care, or searching for a dentist who treats the whole child — not just their teeth — you’ve found the right place.

At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, every treatment option is presented with full transparency about materials and methods. Because parents deserve choices, and children deserve gentle, holistic care that supports their natural development.

Medical Disclaimer

The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Christi Wengler, DDS, for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs. Contact Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway at (210) 352-9028 for personalized care or dental emergencies.