For most people, a trip to the dentist is just something they have to do a couple times a year.

But for others, getting their teeth cleaned can be a very unpleasant experience. And for children — especially young children, new to the dentist — that unpleasantness could be exponentially worse.

Michael Lee of Eastside Kids Dentistry at 8630 164th Ave. N.E., Suite 202 in Redmond is trying to change this.

The 30-year-old dentist has made it one of his goals to ensure his patients have a good experience when they visit. With a selection of movies and videos to choose from to watch on the TV above the bench — equipped with headphones — patients can lie down and enjoy whatever is playing on the screen during their appointments.

Lee, a Washington native who grew up just south of Seattle, said he wants to educate kids and their parents on the importance of good dental health, adding that both good and bad habits form early in a child’s life.

He said healthy teeth and gums are a reflection of a person’s overall health and can affect an individual’s quality of life.

According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF), pediatric dental disease — also referred to as childhood tooth decay — is the No. 1 chronic childhood illness.

“When left untreated, childhood tooth decay can have devastating consequences that extend beyond the dental chair,” the NCOHF website states. “Rampant decay can negatively impact a child’s overall quality of life, inhibit their cognitive and social development and compromise their growth, function and self esteem.”

In addition, dental care is the most prevalent unmet health need of children in the United States and an estimated 17 million children in the country go without dental care each year, the website states. More than 51 million school hours and 164 million work hours are lost each year due to dental disease, which leads to increased educational disparities and decreased productivity.

Lee recommends parents begin bringing their children to the dentist beginning at the age of 1, or within 6 months of the child’s first tooth coming in — typically around 1 year old. He said he will see patients until they are about 16 years old, but it will depend on the patient and their situation.

Before opening his own office, Lee worked at various dental offices throughout the Puget Sound area, including one in Puyallup and one in west Bellevue. He received his degree in dentistry from the University of Washington, where he also did his residency. Lee, who has always had a knack for science and working with his hands, also spent an extra two years studying pediatric dentistry.

Lee said he chose specifically to go into pediatric dentistry because he has always enjoyed working with kids, adding that in the past, he has volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club. He is the first person in his family to go into the medical field. His mother was a special education teacher in Taiwan and his father, an engineer.

While he specializes in taking care of youngsters’ teeth, Lee said as part of his schooling, he has learned how to treat patients of all ages — even spending time treating patients at a retirement home. He has also learned how to treat patients with special needs.

Eastside Kids Dentistry accepts most insurance plans, including Washington Dental Service (also known as Delta Dental).

Lee said with the latter — which is the provider for major Washington companies such as Boeing and Amazon — his office is in-network, meaning families would pay less out of pocket.

“Parents can put money toward other kids’ activities instead of paying out of pocket,” he said. “It’s a big relief financially for families and parents.”

Lee said by being an in-network provider, it increases people’s access to care, which is one of his goals as a dentist.

Currently, Lee lives in Seattle with his wife and their 21-month-old and 9-month-old sons. He said his wife grew up in Redmond and they are considering moving here as they have family in the area.

Eastside Kids Dentistry opened July 25 and is currently accepting new patients. Lee said to get to know the Redmond community better, they have had booths at local summer events such as Derby Days and Movies at Marymoor. For more information, visit www.eastsidekidsdentistry.com or call (425) 968-2840.