Trusted Palmetto Bay Kids Dentist
We're proud to be your trusted Palmetto Bay kids dentist serving Palmetto Bay and the surrounding areas.
Palmetto Bay Kids Dentist
Address
Smiles of Palmetto Bay
7290 SW 168th Street, Bay B
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
Office Hours
Monday: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday: 9am – 5pm
Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Your Palmetto Bay Kids Dentist
Dr. Mario J. Martinez was raised in Miami, FL, and attended Christopher Columbus High School, class of 1988. He graduated from the University of Florida (Bachelor’s of Science in Advertising) in 1993 and the University of Iowa (Doctor of Dental Surgery) in 1998. While at the University of Iowa, he was presented with the “Dean’s Leadership Award” his senior year.
After graduation, he completed a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Lutheran Medical Center (LMC) in New York City where he served as Chief Resident his second year and taught at NYU’s College of Dentistry. While at LMC he published an article in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry titled “The New Era of Pretracheal/Precordial Stethoscopes.”
Dr. Martinez is involved in many local dental study clubs and has served as President of the Rivera Dental Study Club and South Dade Dental Study Club. He has lectured locally and internationally on Pediatric Dentistry. In 2009, he presented a lecture in Barbados to the Caribbean Dental Conference titled, “Nitrous Oxide and Pediatric Dentistry.”
Why should you choose a Palmetto Bay Kids Dentist for your child?
A Palmetto Bay kids dentist is a dental specialist who is well-trained to treat infants, children, adolescents, and children with special needs. To qualify as a pediatric dentist, an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited, post-doctoral course must be completed, along with at least two academic and clinical years in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This extensive training gives pediatric dentists the knowledge to treat children's specific dental and orthodontic needs, provide a positive dental experience, and educate children on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Because they have a lot of experience treating younger patients, kid's dentists also tend to be better at handling the emotional and developmental issues that can have an impact on a kid's dental appointments. A trip to the dentist can be scary at any age, and this can be especially true for a young child who is not sure what to expect. Dentists for kids like Dr. Martinez have the educational training and skills to make kids feel more comfortable and at ease during their dental visits, reassuring them and keeping their early experiences positive.
What our dentist has to offer your child
At Smiles of Palmetto Bay, we have tailored our dental practice to specifically cater to children. Our dentists and staff have years of experience treating children of all ages with the highest level of care. During a patient's first visit, our staff will use reassuring words and phrases, such as asking younger kids if they want to have their teeth "counted and brushed" rather than asking if they are ready for a "dental cleaning." To help children feel comfortable with our staff, we'll play games, sing songs, or let them get out of the dental chair to explore the treatment area. Bringing your child into a kid-friendly environment gives us the opportunity to make the appointment more interactive for everyone involved.
In an unfamiliar environment, children sometimes find comfort in groups, so we have designed the office layout with this in mind. We have larger, more open rooms equipped with multiple dental chairs. While adults may not be used to this type of arrangement, it is actually quite helpful for children. With this setup, your kid will not feel alone during his or her dental procedures, and seeing others being treated can make children feel more at ease about their own treatment. Our newly-built state-of-the-art office also encourages socializing.
Our Palmetto Bay Kids Dentist helps take the worry out of dental visits
We know that visiting the dentist can be scary for kids sometimes. That is why we strive to minimize any anxieties or fears our young patients may have. Our staff practices the "tell, show, do" method to help pediatric patients understand what is happening during their appointment. We use phrases such as "put your tooth to sleep" when numbing the teeth, "put vitamins on your teeth" as we apply fluoride, or "take pictures of your teeth" to describe the X-ray process.
It is not uncommon for parents to have their own anxieties about dental care, but it is important to avoid projecting those fears onto your child. If you're not sure how to do this, Dr. Martinez will be happy to provide you with tips and advice. By allowing our pediatric dentists to detail the specifics of your child's treatment, you convey to them your confidence and trust in us, which leads to a more positive and enjoyable dental visit for parents, kids, and staff alike.