SPANAWAY, WA — For most children, the words "dentist appointment" are enough to trigger dread. But for the hundreds of kids who visit Spanaway Children's Dentistry each year, the reaction is often the opposite. That's largely thanks to Dr. Lucas Trerice, D.M.D. — a pediatric dental specialist with over 15 years of experience working exclusively with children, and a genuine belief that dental visits should be something kids actually look forward to.
"Kids should enjoy going to the dentist," says Dr. Trerice. "And being a big kid myself, I know how to make that happen."
It's not just a catchy tagline. Dr. Trerice has built his entire career and practice philosophy around that idea — and the families of Spanaway, Puyallup, Tacoma, and the surrounding South Pierce County communities have noticed.

A Dentist Unlike Any Other
Dr. Trerice's path to pediatric dentistry wasn't exactly conventional — which is precisely what makes him so effective with kids.
A native of Olympia, Washington, Dr. Trerice earned his Bachelor of Science degree at The Evergreen State College, where he balanced pre-med studies with giving unofficial underground tours of the college's legendary steam tunnel system. He went on to earn his D.M.D. as part of the inaugural graduating class of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine — a program he helped shape as the founding president of its student research club.
Along the way, he also racked up an impressive list of side credentials: legal consultant, professional yo-yo instructor, semi-professional game designer, and — perhaps most uniquely — amateur squirrel whisperer. He has even earned what he describes as his "15 minutes of fame as an internationally renowned prankster."
For most professionals, these would be footnotes. For Dr. Trerice, they're the building blocks of a practice personality that immediately puts nervous children at ease.

15+ Years Devoted Entirely to Children's Dentistry
While his background is colorful, Dr. Trerice's professional credentials are serious and deeply rooted.
He has worked with children exclusively since 2008 — a commitment that has made him one of the most experienced pediatric dental specialists in the South Puget Sound region. His career includes:

Two years teaching dental assisting, equipping him with a training-focused mindset that translates into clear, patient explanations for both kids and parents
Seven years serving a children's nonprofit dental clinic, giving him broad, real-world experience treating children from all walks of life and with a wide range of dental needs
Membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the leading professional organization dedicated exclusively to children's oral health
Membership in the Washington State Dental Association, reflecting his commitment to professional standards and continuing education

Dr. Trerice earned his D.M.D. from UNLV School of Dental Medicine and has been serving the Spanaway community for over eight years. He is experienced in a full range of pediatric dental care, including dental restorations, dental sedation, and dental emergencies and trauma.

The Practice: Where Kids Come First, Every Single Visit
Spanaway Children's Dentistry was built from the ground up with one goal in mind: making pediatric dental care a genuinely positive experience for every child and every family.
The practice serves children across Spanaway, Puyallup, Tacoma, South Hill, Parkland, Fredrickson, Sumner, Orting, and the broader Pierce County region. Families choose Spanaway Children's Dentistry because they trust the team to deliver not just excellent clinical care — but a visit their child won't dread.
Services offered include:

Preventive dental care (cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments, dental sealants)
Dental restorations and fillings
Root canal therapy for children
Dental sedation for anxious patients
Emergency dental care
Early orthodontic evaluation
Comprehensive care from baby teeth through teenage years

The practice is in-network with most major insurance plans, offers CareCredit financing, and provides a dental savers plan for families seeking cost-effective care without compromising quality.

A Team That Reflects the Practice's Values
Dr. Trerice is joined at Spanaway Children's Dentistry by Dr. Edward Wang, D.M.D., whose path into dentistry was shaped by a mission trip to Vietnam and a deep commitment to empathy-driven patient care. Dr. Wang earned his doctorate from Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia and brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach that complements Dr. Trerice's energy and experience perfectly.
Together, the two doctors have built a team culture centered on trust, patience, and making every child feel safe and heard — values that shine through in the practice's consistently strong patient reviews.

What Parents Are Saying
Families throughout the South Puget Sound region consistently praise Spanaway Children's Dentistry for its warm atmosphere, gentle approach, and the way Dr. Trerice connects with even the most anxious young patients. Many note that their children — who once refused to sit in a dental chair — now actually ask when their next appointment is.
That kind of outcome doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of 15 years of intentional, child-focused practice — and a dentist who genuinely loves what he does.

About Dr. Lucas Trerice:
Dr. Lucas Trerice, D.M.D., is a board-eligible pediatric dentist and the lead dentist at Spanaway Children's Dentistry in Spanaway, Washington. He has worked exclusively with pediatric patients since 2008 and holds membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Washington State Dental Association. He earned his D.M.D. from the inaugural class of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine. Outside the office, he spends his time playing and reading with his wife, daughter, and a lazy dog that many mistake for a pile of laundry.

About Spanaway Children's Dentistry
Spanaway Children's Dentistry is a dedicated pediatric dental practice serving families in Spanaway, Puyallup, Tacoma, Parkland, South Hill, Fredrickson, and surrounding South Pierce County communities. Led by Dr. Lucas Trerice and Dr. Edward Wang, the practice offers comprehensive children's dental care in a welcoming, child-friendly environment. The office accepts most major insurance plans, offers flexible financing, and is currently welcoming new patients.

To schedule an appointment or learn more visit: www.spanawaychildrensdentistry.com or call (253) 286-0241