By Healthcare Facilities Today

Seattle Kids Dentistry is colorful, open, high-tech, and filled with natural light. The design tries to make a trip to the dentist a fear-free experience for kids, according to an article on the Contract magazine's website.

"I’ve been in practice for 20 years, and I’m happy being in my comfort zone — that comes with good design,” said Dr. Kristi Linsenmayer. The design of both clinics includes open spaces full of natural light, which has had a calming effect on young patients, according to the article.

 “It’s pretty amazing,” Linsenmayer said. “I have many special needs kids and the natural light seems to work well.”

”The designer’s first charge was to make children feel comfortable, starting with views outside, as well as of other kids who are undergoing treatment,"  said Jessica Helgerson of  Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, in the article.

Technology provides distractions for young patients, but only at the right times. Television screens were placed on the ceilings to help kids cope with more serious procedures, but nowhere else, the article said.

Read the article and view the images.