Specialized pediatric dental practice with two locations in Wayzata and Richfield, Minnesota, offering comprehensive preventive, restorative, and aesthetic care for children and teens with a focus on creating positive, anxiety-free dental experiences.
Details
Phone: Wayzata: (952) 475-3135; Richfield: (612) 866-4041
Website: https://www.tailwindkids.com/
Languages: English
Insurance: UnitedHealthcare Dental
Technology: digital x-rayslaser dentistryThe Wand® STAintraoral cameras
Services
Emergency
- Pediatric Dental Emergencies — Emergency dental care for acute dental trauma and urgent pediatric dental conditions
General
- Laser Dentistry — Laser technology for various pediatric dental procedures
- Sports Dentistry — Custom mouthguards designed to protect children's teeth during sports activities
- Tongue-Tie — Treatment for tongue-tie (lingual frenulum) conditions in children
Preventive
- Dental Exams and Cleanings — Comprehensive exams and professional cleanings performed by dental hygienists, including cavity detection and periodontal assessment
- Digital X-rays — Digital radiography for diagnostic imaging of teeth and gums
- Sealants — Protective plastic coating applied to chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent decay
- Silver Diamine Fluoride — Fluoride treatment to help prevent and arrest tooth decay
Restorative
- Fillings — Restorative treatment for cavities in pediatric patients
- The Wand® STA — Computer-assisted injection system for comfortable local anesthesia delivery
Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide — Nitrous oxide sedation for anxious or nervous pediatric patients
- Pediatric General Anesthesia — Hospital-based general anesthesia for complex procedures and anxious children
Team
Dr. Taylor Stephens (DDS), Pediatric Dentist
Founding dentist of Tailwind Pediatric Dentistry with extensive experience treating children and teens
Dr. Carrie Walton (DDS), Pediatric Dentist
Pediatric dentist with background as registered nurse and pediatric home care nurse. Inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Recipient of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Predoctoral Student Award. Specializes in treating medically complex and anxious children.
Brenda, Patient Coordinator / Dental Assistant
With practice since 1997; 37+ years in dental field. Assists with scheduling, treatment coordination, and hospital anesthesia cases.
Cynthia, Dental Assistant
Assists with preventive care and procedures, specializing in helping anxious children feel calm and comfortable
Heather, Appointment Coordinator / Dental Assistant
With practice since 2014; 24+ years in dental field. Handles scheduling, hospital anesthesia coordination, insurance, billing, and assists with cleanings.
Kim, Appointment Coordinator / Dental Assistant
Nearly 25 years in dental field. Coordinates scheduling and interacts with families. Focuses on transforming fearful children into confident patients.
Nichole, Dental Assistant
With practice since 2009. Focuses on preventive care and procedures, specializing in helping nervous children.
Tammy, Dental Assistant
With practice since 2002; 34+ years in dental field. Experienced in all aspects of pediatric dentistry including fillings and preventive care. Specializes in working with children with autism.
Sarah, Appointment Coordinator
Handles scheduling, insurance coordination, hospital case setup, and social media management
Becky (AAS in Dental Assisting), Dental Assistant
With practice on and off since 2002. Known for friendly demeanor and helping patients overcome dental fears.
Monica, Dental Hygienist
With practice since 2019. Nearly entire career in pediatric dentistry. Specializes in helping nervous children feel comfortable and confident.
Kim (Certified and Registered Dental Assistant), Dental Assistant
Former oral surgery experience. Brings friendly demeanor and gentle touch to ensure positive dental visits for children.
What patients say
Vibe: kid-friendly
Overwhelmingly positive pediatric dental practice with exceptional reputation for working with children of all temperaments. 10 of 11 reviews are 5-star with enthusiastic praise for staff warmth, cleanliness, and efficiency. One 1-star review cites rushed appointments and insufficient exam thoroughness, creating a notable contrast to the dominant narrative of quality care.
kid-friendlyefficientcaringcleanfunfamily-oriented
- Dr. Taylor Stephens excellent with anxious/timid kids
- Same-day emergency filling replacement
- Multiple children seen in single 30-minute appointment
- Makes going to the dentist fun for kids
- Exceptionally patient with very young children (ages 3-4)