Dr. Richard Hsu, DMD — Pediatric Dentist in Beaverton, OR
Patient, plain-spoken pediatric dentistry from Dr. Richard Hsu, DMD, with close to two decades of experience and time for your questions.
A pediatric dentist who talks to your child, not over them
Children notice everything: the tone of a voice, the speed of a hand, the moment an adult stops listening. Dr. Hsu’s work starts from that fact. Each visit is paced to the child in the chair, whether that child is a curious four-year-old or a teenager who would rather be anywhere else.
As our pediatric dentist, Dr. Hsu focuses on the dental needs that are specific to growing mouths: baby teeth that guide adult teeth into place, changing bites, cavities that move faster in young enamel, and habits like thumb sucking that deserve gentle attention rather than scolding.
Experience and background
Dr. Richard Hsu holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and has focused on pediatric dentistry for about nineteen years. In that time, Dr. Hsu has cared for children across the Beaverton area, and that day-to-day experience with growing mouths and nervous first-timers shapes the way visits are run at Bien Dental.
Philosophy of care
Three ideas shape how we approach children’s care at Bien Dental.
Prevention first
The best dental visit is one where nothing needs fixing. Cleanings, fluoride, sealants and good home habits do most of the work, and we teach them in ways kids can actually follow.
Trust before treatment
A child who trusts the dentist tolerates far more than one who was surprised. Steps are shown and explained before they happen.
Parents as partners
You know your child better than anyone. Dr. Hsu explains findings honestly, offers options, and leaves decisions about your child’s care with you.
What to expect at a visit with Dr. Hsu
- A warm welcome. Kids get a moment to settle in and look around before anyone reaches for an instrument.
- A conversation with you. Dr. Hsu asks about your child’s health history, feeding and brushing habits, and anything that has been worrying you.
- A careful exam. Teeth, gums, bite and jaw development are checked, with a running commentary in kid-friendly language.
- Prevention and cleaning. Depending on age and readiness, this may include a cleaning and a fluoride treatment.
- A plain-English summary. You hear what was found, what it means, and what comes next, with no pressure and no jargon.
Ages Dr. Hsu sees
Dr. Hsu cares for patients from infancy through the teen years:
- Infants and toddlers: first-tooth guidance, and a gentle look at teeth and gums with a parent close by
- Preschool and school-age children: checkups, prevention and treatment for cavities
- Teens: ongoing care as habits, sports and schedules change, plus preparation for adult dental care
How Dr. Hsu approaches anxious kids
Dental fear is not a flaw in your child. It’s a normal reaction to unfamiliar sounds, lights and a stranger near the mouth. The goal isn’t to push through it; it’s to make it smaller.
That can look different for every child. For one, it means a slow tour and a chance to hold a mirror. For another, it means the parent stays close and holds a hand. A third might benefit from short breaks or a favorite comfort item from home. Dr. Hsu simply watches, listens and adjusts.
When a child needs more help to relax for treatment, Dr. Hsu can talk with you about nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, which may be appropriate for some children and is decided case by case. For children with sensory, developmental or medical needs, see our page on special health care needs dentistry.
If your child had a hard experience at another office, tell us. It helps us begin in the right place.
Care Dr. Hsu provides
See everything on our pediatric dentistry page. Ready to meet Dr. Hsu? Request an appointment or call (503) 822-0096.
Advice Dr. Hsu gives most parents
- Brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste for young children, and help until about age 7 or 8 (tying their own shoes is a common sign they are ready).
- Start flossing when two teeth touch.
- Keep sugary drinks to mealtimes and skip the sippy cup of juice all day.
- Talk about the dentist as ordinary and friendly, not as something to be brave about.
Questions about a specific child are always welcome. Reach the office at (503) 822-0096.
Visiting Dr. Hsu: hours and coverage
Dr. Richard Hsu, DMD, sees children and teens Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and we check benefits before your child’s visit. See insurance and payment options, or request an appointment.
Learn about our other dentist: Dr. Jovan Gvozden, DMD
Questions parents (and adults) often ask
What ages does Dr. Hsu treat?
Dr. Hsu sees infants, toddlers, school-age children and teenagers.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Parents are welcome to stay close, especially for younger children. If your child does better with a little independence, we’ll talk about what works best for your family.
My child is very anxious. Should we still come in?
Yes. Anxious kids are exactly who a slow, explain-first approach is for. Tell us what helps when you request an appointment and we will plan around it.
When should my baby first see a pediatric dentist?
The AAPD recommends a first visit when the first tooth erupts and no later than the first birthday. Read more on our infant oral health page.
Does Dr. Hsu offer laughing gas?
Nitrous oxide may be available for children when it is appropriate. Dr. Hsu decides case by case after talking with you. See nitrous oxide for kids.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).