The AAPD's 62nd annual session was held May 21-24, 2009 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Over 4,000 participants, including Drs. Creech and Staker, attended the annual session.

The session is a great opportunity to take continuing education classes on topics such as oral medicine, caries risk assessment, vaccines and oral sedation; as well as, reconnect with colleagues from around the world.

This Friday all four doctors, along with four dental assistants volunteered at the Give Kids a Smile event held at the A.T. Still University's School of Dentistry & Oral Health. This one of the highlights of our Spring as we joined forces with 7 other pediatric dentists, 14 general dentists and 75 student doctors to treat over 200 elementary school children. Care given included dental restorations, extractions, cleanings and oral hygiene instructions.
Research shows that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting 50 percent of U.S. first graders. Nationally, more than one-half of children ages 6 to 8 have tooth decay, and one-third of it goes untreated.
East Valley dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care. This worthwhile and inspirational program is one way we live out this commitment.

Since Dr. Kimberly Sherrill is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, she decided to dedicate this post to saying "GO HEELS!!"

Congratulations to the entire UNC team, coaches and fans on a terrific season and the NCAA Championship.

Welcome to the Pediatric Dental Specialist's Blog. We hope you will visit us often as we post about topics of interest to those of us that take of children's teeth; this includes pediatric dentists and parents!
A good place to start is probably to give a definition of Pediatric Dentistry and give some background on our specific office.

Dentists complete dental school in four years and receive either a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree. They are the same degree and doctors have the same training; some schools award a DMD, most award a DDS. Dentists wishing to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry must complete an additional two to three years of training.

This residency training focuses on care of infants, children, adolescents and teenagers, including children with special needs. Pediatric dentists provide comprehensive oral health care including infant care, preventive care, early assessment and treatment of malocclusion, repair of tooth decay, care for dental injuries and counseling on habits. Children are not just small adults. A pediatric dentist offers a wide range of treatment options, as well as, the expertise and training to care for your child's teeth.

Pediatric Dental Specialists has been in the East Valley for over 25 years! Our four doctors are all Board Certified Pediatric Dentists, we are all involved in our community and take pride in the opportunities that families give us; a chance to be a positive force in your child's life. We look forward to partnering with you in your child's health care.