Business Details
Trusted Pediatric Dentistry Services in Charlotte Hall, MD
At Tender Care Dentistry, we specialize in pediatric dentistry and are committed to establishing positive dental experiences for children from their very first visit. Our team of dedicated professionals has received specialized training in primary teeth care, ensuring we address both clinical needs and emotional comfort. We prioritize creating a welcoming environment where children feel safe and engaged, using evidence-based procedures to deliver lasting results.Our approach emphasizes collaboration with parents, offering guidance on at-home care while maintaining open communication with pediatricians when necessary. With over a decade of service in Charlotte Hall, our practice continues to focus on building trust through patience, education, and personalized attention to each child's unique needs.
Services
Cleanings and Exams
Fillings
Sealants
Sports Mouth Guards
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Digital X-Rays
Fluoride Treatments
Bonding
Space Maintainers
Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia
Highlights and features
- Our team has specialized training in pediatric dental care for primary teeth
- We create positive dental experiences through child-friendly techniques and environments
- We use evidence-based procedures for lasting dental health results
- We provide personalized parental guidance for at-home dental care
- We accommodate urgent scheduling needs with same-day appointment availability
What people say
Great with kids
Minimal wait times
Patient and understanding
Positive experience
Highly recommend
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Our pediatric dentistry services focus on creating positive dental experiences for children. We specialize in treating primary teeth with gentle techniques while addressing dental anxiety through child-friendly approaches. Our comprehensive care includes preventive treatments, restorative procedures, and specialized care for children with special needs, all delivered in a welcoming environment designed to make dental visits comfortable and educational for young patients.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants provide protective coverage for children's back teeth. This preventive treatment smooths tooth surfaces to prevent food particle accumulation, reducing cavity risk by up to 80%. Applied quickly and painlessly, sealants create a barrier against decay while allowing normal chewing function. We recommend this treatment for children aged 6-14 as their permanent molars develop.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Our nitrous oxide sedation safely helps anxious patients relax during dental procedures. This mild sedative produces feelings of warmth and happiness while maintaining patient consciousness. Effects wear off quickly after treatment, allowing immediate return to normal activities. We use this technique for children requiring additional support during complex procedures while maintaining strict safety protocols throughout administration.
Sports Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted sports mouth guards protect children's teeth during athletic activities. These protective devices prevent dental injuries while improving athletic performance by reducing jaw clenching. Available in various thicknesses for different impact levels, our mouth guards are designed for comfort and proper speech while providing essential protection for children participating in contact and non-contact sports.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding restores damaged teeth using tooth-colored composite material. This procedure repairs cracks, closes gaps, and improves tooth appearance in a single visit. The bonding material bonds directly to tooth structure, creating natural-looking results that match surrounding teeth. Ideal for minor cosmetic improvements and structural repairs, this treatment provides immediate functional and aesthetic benefits for children's dental concerns.
People
Dr. Dana Kim
Owner
Dr. Dana Kim joined Tender Care Dentistry in 2013 after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. Fluent in English and Korean, she specializes in pediatric dental care and focuses on helping children overcome dental fears through personalized attention and positive reinforcement.
Rachel Dougherty
Hygienist
Rachel Dougherty, our lead hygienist, joined the team in 2015. She specializes in calming anxious patients and making dental visits educational and comfortable. Her approach combines technical expertise with child-friendly communication to create positive dental experiences for young patients.
Melanie Benjes
Hygienist
Melanie Benjes brings extensive experience in pediatric dental hygiene to our team. With a background in children's dance instruction, she effectively connects with young patients while maintaining professional dental standards. Her approach combines technical skill with child-friendly interaction techniques.
Audra Keeler
Office Manager
Audra Keeler manages our office operations with 15+ years of dental industry experience. Her expertise in dental insurance and billing, combined with her background managing large families, makes her particularly effective in supporting parents through the dental care process.
Questions
What age should children first visit the dentist?
We recommend children's first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits help establish good oral health habits.
Do you accept new patients?
Yes, we welcome new patients of all ages. Our practice specializes in pediatric care but also provides dental services for parents accompanying their children.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and check payments. Our office staff can help explain insurance coverage and payment plans for dental treatments.
How do you handle dental emergencies?
While we don't offer 24/7 emergency services, we prioritize urgent cases during business hours and work to accommodate emergency appointments promptly.
Are your dentists specially trained for children?
Yes, our dental team has specialized training in pediatric dentistry, including techniques for treating primary teeth and managing children's dental anxiety.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain strict infection control protocols following dental industry standards. Our office regularly updates safety procedures to ensure patient and staff protection.
