Dr. Aarika D. Anderson Elter is a board-certified pediatric dental specialist with a deep commitment to providing inclusive, compassionate dental care to children of all backgrounds and needs. Dr. Anderson has spent the past 15 years working in community health, public health, tribal health and private practice, providing care for underserved communities, including patients with special healthcare needs, and large immigrant, refugee, and migrant populations. These experiences have shaped her approach to healthcare, reinforcing the importance of culturally competent, empathetic care, and making her uniquely attuned to the diverse needs of the families she serves.

Having worked in different healthcare settings, Dr. Anderson developed a passion for ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, identity, or medical complexity, receives the highest quality of care. Motivated by these experiences, she founded Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry to create a welcoming, accessible space where all children—including those who are neurodiverse or have medically complex conditions—feel safe, understood, and supported.

Our practice is proud to be an LGBTQ+ inclusive environment. We recognize that healthcare access can be a challenge for LGBTQ+ families, and we are committed to creating a space where every child and parent feels affirmed and respected. From our policies to our patient care approach, we strive to foster an atmosphere of openness, respect, and sensitivity to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. We recognize the importance of both verbal and non-verbal cues and are mindful of how we address gender, family structure, and identity in our care. We are committed to best practices in pediatric care for all children, particularly those with complex or sensitive needs.

At Tacoma Pediatric Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care in a setting that is supportive, respectful, and tailored to meet the unique needs of every child. We look forward to partnering with families to create an environment of trust, safety, and care, where every child can thrive, regardless of their identity or health condition.

We can’t wait to meet you and your family!