The questions parents
actually ask us.

The widely recommended guidance is to schedule a first visit by your child's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in. Starting early isn't about doing a lot of dental work. It's an easy, friendly visit that helps your child get comfortable, lets us catch anything small before it grows, and gives you a chance to ask all your questions. Because every doctor here is a pediatric specialist, these early visits are exactly what we're trained for.

We care for children from infancy and toddlerhood all the way through the teen years, including infant and toddler care, cavity prevention, and growing-up checkups. Because we also have a board-certified orthodontist on staff (Dr. Frank Crist), braces and pediatric care can happen under one roof with the same team, so your family doesn't get handed off as kids get older.

We use a gentle show-tell-do approach: we show your child each tool, explain what it does in kid-friendly words (no scary language), and only then do it, so there are no surprises. The first visit is usually a relaxed introduction: meeting the team, a look at your child's teeth, and time for your questions. And yes, there's a dinosaur theme throughout the office, slushies, and a Toy Tower of prizes waiting at the end.

Yes. This isn't a general dentist that also sees kids. Every doctor here is a board-certified pediatric specialist, with extra years of residency training devoted specifically to treating children. Drs. Donna Thomas and Claudia Lopez are Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry; Dr. Nicole Hawkinson completed her pediatric training at the University of Rochester / Strong Memorial Hospital with extensive work in child psychology, sedation, and dental trauma; and Dr. Frank Crist is a board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Thomas also served on the Kansas Dental Board as a Governor-appointed member, and was its President in her final year.

Meet all four specialists →

Pediatric specialists complete additional residency training focused entirely on kids: their growth and development, how to communicate with anxious children, behavior guidance, and the specific needs of baby and developing teeth. That training also covers caring for children with special healthcare needs and managing dental trauma. It's children's-hospital-level expertise, delivered in a setting built to feel fun rather than clinical.

Yes. Caring for children with special needs is part of our specialty training, and it's one of the services we offer. We'll talk with you ahead of time about what helps your child feel safe and comfortable, and pace the visit accordingly. Please call so we can plan the right approach for your family before you arrive.

For children who are especially anxious or need more involved treatment, we offer sedation options, and our team has specific training in sedation as part of pediatric residency. We also provide hospital dentistry when that's the safest setting for a child's care. The right choice depends on your child's age, health, and the treatment needed, so we'll discuss the options, the reasons, and what to expect with you before anything is decided. Nothing happens without your understanding and consent.

This is exactly what pediatric training is for. We go slowly, narrate every step in words that aren't scary, and use show-tell-do so your child always knows what's coming next. The dinosaur theme, slushies, and Toy Tower aren't gimmicks. They genuinely help a visit feel like something kids look forward to instead of dread. For children who need more support, we can talk through comfort and sedation options together.

We handle pediatric emergencies and dental trauma: a knocked-out or broken tooth, pain, or swelling. If your child has an urgent dental problem, call us at (913) 649-KIDS right away so we can guide you on what to do next and get your child seen. (If your child has a serious medical emergency or trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.)

Coverage varies a lot by plan, so the most reliable answer comes from a quick call. Give us your insurance details when you reach out and we'll help you understand what your plan covers before your visit — no guessing, no surprise bills. Call (913) 649-KIDS and our team will walk you through it.

We have four offices across the Kansas City metro: North Kansas City, Leawood, Country Club Plaza, and Lee's Summit. All are reachable through one phone number and staffed by the same specialist team. Pick whichever is most convenient for you. Office hours vary by location (and Country Club Plaza is by appointment), so see the details and maps on our locations page.

See all four offices, hours & maps →

Booking is one phone call: (913) 649-KIDS. Let us know your child's age and which office is easiest for you, and we'll find a time. For a first visit, bring your insurance information and a note of any medications or health conditions, so we can plan the right, comfortable care from the start. Our new-patient page walks through what to expect.