Pediatric Dentistry

Our state-of-the-art Englewood, NJ children’s dentistry makes young patients feel comfortable right away with books, games, prizes and special character days which are both fun and educational for children and their parents. You’ll find that The Children’s Dental Health Center in Englewood, NJ provides comprehensive, age-appropriate dentistry care for infants and preschoolers, elementary-aged children, middle school children, and high school/young adults.

This includes preventive, general, restorative, and orthodontic care, among other dentistry services. We offer low radiation digital X-rays and all of the latest techniques. In addition, we provide a modern, fully-equipped surgical suite for more complex dental treatments and an in house dental lab.

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 Englewood 201-871-3556  Map & Directions

Expert Children’s Dentistry Team, Englewood, NJ

Our special Englewood, NJ children’s dentistry team consists of our board-certified pediatric specialist, Dr. Jennifer Akkaway; our board-certified orthodontic specialist, Dr. Karolyn Kopcza; and Co-Directors Dr. Anna Hong and Dr. John Minichetti. Dr. Nadine Keegan is our board-certified anesthesiologist who is also board-certified in pediatrics.

We offer free character days throughout the year to help children feel at home and learn dental maintenance techniques in a fun and relaxing way. Our staff speaks Korean, Italian and Spanish. We accept Delta Dental and MetLife for patients up to age 13.

Why A Pediatric Dentist?

Has your child ever begged you not to leave the dentist? Impossible you say? Not at our office. It could be our gentle touch and special way with kids. Our pediatric specialists and staff love children and are specially trained to put them at ease. We teach your children the proper way to take care of their teeth and just as important, they learn that going to the dentist can be fun.

What Is A Pediatric Dentist (Pedodontist)?

Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health of children and adolescents. After completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two to three additional years of rigorous training are required to become a pediatric dentist. This specialized program of study and hands-on experience prepares pediatric dentists to meet the needs of infants, children and adolescents, including persons with special health care needs.

At the Children’s Dental Health Center, our Englewood, NJ pediatric dentists are concerned about your child’s total health care. Good oral health is an important part of total health. Establishing us as your child’s dental home provides us the opportunity to implement preventive dental health habits that keep a child free from dental/oral disease and dental fear. We focus on prevention, early detection and treatment of dental diseases, and keep current on the latest advances in pediatric dentistry.

Pleasant visits to the dental office promote the establishment of trust and confidence in your child that will last a lifetime. Our goal as a Englewood, NJ pediatric dentistry, along with our staff, is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth. From our special office design to our communication style, our main concern is what is best for your child.

What Dental Problems Could My Child Have?

Some dental problems begin very early in life. One concern is early childhood tooth decay, a serious condition caused by a child staying on the bottle (or breast) too long. Another problem is gum disease. About 40 percent of children two to three years old have at least mild inflammation of gum tissues. Oral habits (such as digit or thumb sucking) should also be checked. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chances of preventing problems. Strong, healthy teeth help your child chew food easily, speak clearly, and feel good about his or her appearance.

Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

Primary teeth are important because they help with proper chewing and eating, help in speech development, and add to an attractive appearance. A child who can chew easily, speak clearly, and smile confidently is a happier child. Healthy primary teeth allow normal development of the jaw bones and muscles, save space for the permanent teeth, and guide them into place. If a baby tooth is lost too soon, permanent teeth may come in crooked. Decayed baby teeth can cause pain, abscesses, infections, and can spread to the permanent teeth. Also, your child’s general health can be affected if diseased baby teeth aren’t treated. Remember, some primary molars are not replaced until age 10-14, so they must last for years.

What Should I Tell My Child About Their First Dental Visit?

We are asked this question many times. We suggest you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first hair-cut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the trip, then the less you say the better. You cannot hide your anxiety from a child (they have radar for these things). We will send you an activity/coloring book before the appointment that will explain everything. Have fun going through it with your child. Your child’s reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.

What About Preventative Care?

Tooth decay and children no longer have to go hand-in-hand. At our office, we are most concerned with all aspects of preventive care. We use the latest in sealant technology to protect your child’s teeth. Sealants are space-age plastics that are bonded to the chewing surfaces of decay-prone back teeth. This is just one of the ways we will set the foundation for your child’s lifetime of good oral health.

What About Sterilization?

Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern; therefore, we use state-of-the-art sterilization procedures. After each patient’s visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat-sterilize all non-disposable instruments. Our staff wears gloves and masks during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for information on the measures we take to ensure the safety of you and your children or a tour of our sterilization area.