Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry

Born and raised in Cedar Rapids, I spent my college and dental school years in Iowa City. From there, my husband and I set off on a few adventures, including many years in the Twin Cities and a sun-soaked stint in Hawaii. But ultimately, Iowa called us back home, and now we’re here for good with our two little kids.

Outside of the office, you’ll usually find me outdoors. Whether it’s lounging on a beach, hiking in the mountains, or simply strolling our big, fluffy doodle down the block, I’m happiest when there’s some sun, a view, and a hint of adventure. My favorite food is ice cream, especially a scoop of Monster Mash from Heyn’s. Why pediatric dentistry? I love having the opportunity to make a positive impact on children’s health at an early stage. Every day is thought provoking, gratifying, and most importantly – fun! 

I moved to Iowa City from my hometown of Fort Dodge, Iowa to attend the University of Iowa almost 20 years ago.  The vibrant community captured my heart and I knew this is where I wanted to raise a family.  My husband and I have four children – 3 boys and a girl – and a yellow lab named Penny. Our family loves cheering on the Hawkeyes and going on adventures – especially exploring the corridor during the summer months!

My favorite part of being a pediatric dentist is “making magic” and seeing the smiles that come after a great appointment. It is a joy to build trust with young patients and their families. I pride myself on treating each child as if they were my own!

Pediatric dentists undergo additional education beyond dental school focusing on child development, behavior management techniques, and managing anxieties common in young children. These two extra years of specialized training empower pediatric dentists to handle the developmental stages and behaviors of young patients – infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special healthcare needs. As the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry puts it – we are the “experts on little teeth”. This training not only makes us more prepared for complex dental needs, but also prepared to put your child at ease in a fun, comforting environment.

Other benefits of choosing a pediatric dentist to care for your child include a focus on preventive treatments, the skillset to handle trauma and emergency situations, minimally invasive treatment options, treatment under nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and general anesthesia when deemed necessary, and an office setting that is made specifically with kids in mind.

Have questions or need to schedule your child’s next dental visit? The friendly team at Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry in Coralville, Iowa is here to help! We specialize in making dental care a positive, stress-free experience for kids of all ages — from toddlers to teens.

(319)259-1234
smiles@littlepearlsiowa.com
3401 Merchant Street, Coralville, IA 52241