Pediatric Dentistry
Same-Day Appointments
Pediatric Dentistry for Infants, Toddlers, Children, Young Adults + those with Special Needs
Our goal is to make your child’s experience comfortable and positive, resulting in beautiful healthy smiles!
We offer oral health exams, preventive care through yearly check-ups to monitor growth and cleaning, filling cavities, assessment for orthodontics (braces), and treating gum disease.
Dr. Hoffman was very thorough and explained the status of my daughter’s dental exam in a very clear and informative manner. The office staff were all very professional and cordial COVID precautionary measures were put into place making me feel very safe visiting the office for my daughter’s dental exam.
The folks at Ann Arbor Smiles are caring, compassionate and professional. I really like and trust them with my daughter’s dental care.
We Love Kids!
A mini-guide to children’s dental care.
We offer oral health exams, preventive care thorough yearly checkups to monitor growth and cleaning, dental sealants, composite and amalgam fillings, orthodontics (braces) assessments, and treatment for gum disease.
Brushing: When they can walk, they can try brushing. Use a pea-sized amount of mild-tasting – even sparkly – toothpaste with a fancy kid-sized toothbrush. Brushing for at least three minutes may test a child’s short attention span, so build up to it and try making it a game. By age six or seven, children can brush twice a day independently.
First Visit: Schedule your child’s first dental visit between the ages of two and three. Most first visits involve introductions to our staff and a basic checkup. You can prepare them by playing dentist ahead of time and examining each other’s teeth. Communicate fun and excitement!
Sealants: Children should have dental sealants placed on their molars as soon as their teeth come in, and before decay has a chance to damage them. A plastic tooth-colored material will protect molar surfaces from cavities, without discomfort, for up to 15 years.
Emergencies: Some 14% of children will experience a toothache, a chipped or broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, so it’s important to prepare an action plan. The best protection for damaged or broken teeth is prevention with a mouthguard that can be custom-fitted at the dental office. No matter the cause of the emergency, it is crucial that your child gets to a dentist as quickly as possible for evaluation and treatment.
We can’t wait to help your entire family create a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles! By emphasizing the importance of early prevention, our goal is to make your child’s dental experiences comfortable and positive, resulting in a smile that’s beautiful for life. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
We See Kids
We’re thrilled to now offer pediatric care with our complete range of services. We can’t wait to help your whole family create a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles. We like to emphasize the importance of early prevention. Our goal is to make your child’s experience comfortable and positive, resulting in beautiful healthy smiles!
Meet our Doctor
Dr. Heather Hoffman , DDS, Pediatric Dentist, began her dental education at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where she earned a BS in Biology in 2010. She then earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in 2014 from the prestigious New York University (NYU). A kid at heart who has an innate ability to empathize with kids and anxious young adults, Dr. Hoffman pursued and earned her Pediatric Dentistry Certificate in 2016. She earned her diplomate status from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2017. She loves how sweet, strong, and appreciative children can be and enjoys helping kids get the best start for a lifetime of excellent oral health. Her focus is on preventing issues while creating a positive dental experience for those under her care.
Dr. Hoffman practiced for two years in Maryland while her husband Dr. Moe Hakim – also a dentist – completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency in Washington DC. She spent another two years practicing in Boston as Moe completed a fellowship in TMJ arthroscopy at Harvard/MGH. Because Ann Abor is such a charming, family-friendly town, Dr. Hoffman and Dr. Hakim are thrilled to raise their growing family here. When she’s not in the office, Dr. Hoffman loves to paint as a hobby, enjoys date nights with Moe, traveling, working out, boating, hiking, and listening to live music.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
Do I Need a Referral to see a Pediatric Dentist?
What is the Difference Between a Family Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist?
When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist for the First Check-up?
What Ages Do Pediatric Dentists See?
What Do I Need to Know About Thumb sucking, Pacifiers, and Nursing?
Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habits on their own, but if they are still sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of three, a mouth appliance may be recommended.
Wondering how you can prevent decay caused by nursing?
Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child’s teeth. Take your child to a pediatric dentist regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child’s first birthday.
What is the Best Diet for my Child's Teeth?
When Should We Start Toothpaste & How Much Should We Use?
Quality Dentistry for Your Kids with Pediatric Dental Care in Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Smiles offers pediatric dentistry in a range of convenient locations in Huron Parkway, West Stadium and Ann Arbor, MI. Our pediatric dental clinic provides support in building healthy oral hygiene habits in your children that will promote lifelong health of their smiles. To find out more or to schedule an appointment call our team today at (734) 677-8700.
Insurance Options
Care Credit
Delta Dental and Most Major Dental Insurances Are Accepted
Flexible Hours
Monday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Thursday: 8 AM – 5 PM
Friday: 7 AM – 2 PM
Saturday: 8 – 12 PM
Convenient Locations
Tel: 734-677-8700
2365 S Huron Pkwy
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
West Stadium:
Tel: 734-662-3222
1795 West Stadium Blvd
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Golfside Pediatrics:
Tel: 734-677-2272
2900 Golfside Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
© Ann Arbor Smiles Dental Group 2020