What Does
“Board Certified” Mean?

A Board Certified pediatric dentist is a pediatric dentist who after their residency, has chosen to take several extra examinations and have a panel from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry observe their office, patient treatment, charts, staff and paper work.

WHAT IS A PEDIATRIC DENTIST?

A pediatric dentist is a dentist who after four years of dental school has two to three more years of specialized residency training, including hospital training. The pediatric dentist is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, preteens and teens each need different approaches to dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.

WHAT WE DO

Our practice offers all aspects of state-of-the-art Pediatric Dentistry. We offer white (composite) fillings for primary and permanent teeth. We have the Biolase® water laser which removes decay with minimal anesthesia for small and medium size cavities. As of January 2009 we have the state of the art PlanMeca Digital Panoramic X-Ray Machine. We can now provide a complete range of extraoral x-ray images, while reducing the amount of radiation exposure to our patients.

We are experienced in all aspects of dental care for children. Exams, x-rays, cleanings, deep cleanings, fillings, extractions, esthetic bonding for front teeth, space maintainers, treatment of trauma (broken or knocked out teeth), root canals, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and athletic mouth guards. For healthy children (under 80 pounds), we have Pediatric Anesthesiologists to sedate patients in the office for their dental needs. Dr. Allen and Dr. Smith can do the dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia at Children’s Hospital Oakland or Walnut Creek.