Our patient-centered approach will make you smile
Every parent thinks their child deserves the best—and they’re absolutely right. At Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry, your children aren’t just patients. To us, they’re family. Everything we do is focused on providing the highest-quality dental care for your child, teaching them healthy oral habits, and helping them develop a life-long positive attitude toward dentistry.
Our commitment to a patient-centered approach doesn’t stop there. We also want to build a partnership with you as a parent, taking the time to get to know you and your child so you both feel comfortable and fully engaged at every visit. Together, we can ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of oral health and a beautiful smile.
Patient-centered care is at the heart of our practice
Care
Highest-quality dental care provided by pediatric specialists
It’s likely that one of the parents sitting next to you at Southmoor was once a young patient themselves. We’ve been using our patient-centered approach to pediatric dental care for generations, treating everyone like family. Our pediatric specialists are board-certified experts in the oral health of infants, children, teens, and young adults from ages 1-21, including those with special needs. Just think of us as pediatricians for your child’s smile, with decades of experience and years of additional specialized dental training on child psychology, growth, and development.
Patients receive one-on-one time with a doctor at every appointment
All cleanings are managed by dental hygienists who are trained to provide comprehensive care
We use the tell-show-do method before and during their visit so they know exactly what to expect
Our environment was created to encourage parents to sit with their child during exams and cleanings
Same-time sibling appointments are available for convenience
Reinforcing a positive attitude towards dentistry with parents helps children build dental trust and confidence
Culture
Patient-focused culture for a lifetime of happy smiles
Here at Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve created a family-like culture that invites children and parents to talk with us so we can get to know each other. We also care deeply about educating our patients as the years go by, teaching them healthy oral habits that can last a lifetime. As the first pediatric practice in Colorado, we’ve cared for more children than any other practice—and it shows.
We provide age-appropriate education to teach children how to properly care for their teeth, so they can maintain these habits later in life
Great experiences at a young age build dental trust and confidence in children that can last a lifetime
Our doctors and staff speak in age-appropriate language to ease their anxiety and build trust
Sharing information helps you take care of your child’s teeth at every stage, starting from their first visit at age one all the way to age 21
We serve as advocates for your child’s oral health care (we’re in this together!)
You have access to a knowledgeable team that will happily answer your questions
Clinic
A fun, positive & comfortable environment where kids feel at home
From the moment that you and your child walk through the door, we want you both to feel welcome. We take great pride in making your child’s dental experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible—not just the first time, but every time. Our child-friendly reception area features a giant aquarium that kids love to explore, and that’s just the beginning. Come visit one of our clinics to see for yourself!
A warm, soothing environment that puts a smile on your child’s face from their very first visit
We use thoughtful details to keep them focused on learning about their smile and how to take care of it
Children receive Schenectady dental goodies to take home at each visit, including a toothbrush and their favorite flavor of toothpaste, plus fun prizes
We’ve been creating smiles for generations as the first and most experienced pediatric practice in Schenectady
Free Wi-Fi and refreshments are available in the waiting room for parents who do not sit with their child during their appointment
Our Centennial clinic is conveniently located in the Southeast Pediatric Medical Center alongside other trusted pediatric specialists
Your child deserves a pediatric dentist
You probably see a pediatrician for your child’s medical health needs. Well, choosing a pediatric dentist provides the same high level of care for your child’s oral health needs. Every child is different, and some have a hard time sitting still or being patient during a dental exam. With years of specialized training in the unique oral health and psychological needs of children—including those with special needs such as ADHD or Down syndrome—board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Lindsey Battiste, is well-equipped to care for your child’s teeth through all stages of their childhood.
Questions we commonly hear
At what age should my child visit a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist should occur by twelve months of age. This visit will enable our pediatric dentists to evaluate your child and discuss proper oral hygiene. Early education and guidance about diet, fluoride, tooth eruption and finger/pacifier habits can help ensure optimal dental health.
How often should my child visit a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that most children visit the dentist at least twice a year. Some children need more frequent care and teeth cleanings because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Our pediatric dentists will help determine the best teeth cleaning schedule for your child.
Why are "baby teeth" important?
Primary teeth have been labeled "baby teeth." Primary teeth are necessary for proper chewing, speech, development of the jaws and esthetics. Care of the primary teeth is important, not only for proper function but also to avoid a number of unpleasant conditions, such as pain, that result from their neglect
Does your child use a sippy cup?
Sippy cup or nursing bottle mouth (early childhood caries) is caused by frequent and lengthy exposure to liquids containing sugars (milk, breast milk, sports drinks, formula, soda, fruit juice) and can destroy your child’s teeth if not caught in time. It’s best to let us check your baby early, before his/her first birthday.
Does your child use a pacifier or suck his/her thumb?
This type of sucking is completely normal for infants and young children. It provides security and relaxation. Most children stop sucking their thumb or pacifier between two and four years of age with no harm to their teeth or jaws. However, children should cease these habits prior to the eruption of their permanent teeth.
Do you care for children with special needs?
Our pediatric dentists have an additional two years of advanced training beyond dental school. Their specialty education provided additional training that focused specifically on care for children with special needs. Additionally, our office is designed to be physically accessible to special patients.
What are dental sealants and who can benefit from them?
The chewing surface of children’s teeth is most susceptible to cavities and least benefited from fluoride. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and can be very effective in preventing tooth decay. Molars are the most decayed teeth because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach.
My child likes to drink sports drinks. Is that a problem?
Yes. Sports drinks can cause as many cavities as regular soda pop. During hot, strenuous activities, sports drinks may be helpful, however if they contain sugar, they can also cause cavities. Kids age 6 and up should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?
Yes! Primary or “baby” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also hold space that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Pain, infection of the gums and jaw, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few problems that can happen when baby teeth are neglected.
When should my child start using toothpaste?
Children may start using fluoride toothpaste when the baby teeth erupt, but only under direct supervision by a parent. Use only a very small amount of toothpaste (about half the size of a pea) and wipe off the tooth and gums with a washcloth afterwards.
What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?
Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle.
Why should my child see a pediatric dentist instead of our regular family dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on the oral health of young people. Following dental school, a pediatric dentist spends two to three years in additional specialty training in the unique needs of infants, children, and adolescents, including those with special needs.
What can parents do to help make dental experiences positive?
If parents have their own fear or anxiety about the dentist, they should not share those with their child. Dentistry has changed over the years, and it is important to allow their child the opportunity to like their dentist and their dental home. Parents can refer to the dentist and team as helpful and as friends. If the parents show they trust the dentist their child will too.
What do you recommend for busy families so they are making good dietary choices on a daily basis?
Diet plays a really important role for the development or risk for cavities. Eliminating chocolate milk or any juice all together is great, but moderation is key. Stay away from the sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade and even sodas because they have a lot of acid. Mostly importantly stay away from sticky snacks like gummy vitamins, fruit snacks, things that stick in the grooves of your teeth.
Aren't they just baby teeth?
Yes, but most children get their first teeth by age 1 and lose their last baby tooth by age 13. Early care and prevention are crucial. Baby teeth shape the mouth, allow for chewing, appropriate speech, and help guide permanent teeth into the mouth correctly. Cavities are a bacteria that if left untreated can cause significant pain and spread to neighboring teeth, surrounding bone and throughout the body.
A lot of young children like to suck on their fingers, thumbs and pacifiers, can these have adverse affects?
You’re right! Sucking on thumbs, fingers and pacifiers is very normal and actually provides security for the very young child. Most children will stop this habit on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. Our guidelines recommend stopping that habit around 3 years of age to prevent any issues with the developing jaw and the way the teeth are positioned.
What can a parent do to help stop oral sucking habits?
Most children do stop on their own, but some require additional help from their parents or pediatric dentist. For patients with a pacifier habit, the most successful way to stop is to simply take the pacifier away. For thumb/finger habits, we recommend using a rewards calendar. Your pediatric dentist may recommend placing an appliance that does not allow the patient to suck on their thumb or finger.
Meet the board-certified dentists who work their magic
Preventive and restorative treatments for a smile that lasts a lifetime
Our patients (and their parents) say it best
Noah S.
I appreciate the kindness and patience from all the doctors. We have been thankful our sons are both comfortable and well cared for at Southmoor Pediatric.
Mateo E.
Everyone at Southmoor made us feel so welcome during our first visit. The team also makes sure to explain everything very thoroughly during my son's appointments. You can tell they really care about each patient.
Aiden and Beckett A.
Southmoor Pediatric always has my children's best interests at heart and don't try to "oversell" on anything, ever. My children are always calm and happy during their appointments and enjoy each visit to the dentist.
Ashlyne H.
What I love about Southmoor Pediatric is their truthfulness and integrity in their care.
Jackson, Micah, and Caleb L.
We love how kind the entire dental staff is and the knowledgeable doctors that always provide the best care to our kids. Our kids especially look forward to the treasures after their appointments!
Our care doesn’t stop with our patients
At Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry, we care deeply about the communities we serve and the families that live within them. That’s why we are actively involved with so many organizations that help make our communities even better. From local nonprofits to schools to youth sports teams, we do our part to create bigger smiles where we all live, work, and play. To learn more about how Southmoor Pediatric Dentistry gives back, visit us anytime.