Business Details
Healthy Smiles Happen at Half Moon Dentistry for Children
At Half Moon Dentistry for Children, we specialize in creating positive dental experiences for young patients. Our team of certified pediatric dentists combines advanced training with compassionate care to address preventive, restorative, and special needs dentistry. With expertise in managing childhood dental anxiety and utilizing modern techniques like nitrous oxide sedation, we prioritize long-term oral health education for families. Our practice emphasizes early intervention to prevent future complications, offering tailored services such as lap-to-lap exams for infants and interceptive orthodontics.Backed by affiliations with BC Children's Hospital and continuing education in developmental medicine, we provide holistic care that considers both dental and overall family well-being. Our child-centric environment fosters trust through transparent communication and evidence-based practices, ensuring each visit builds confidence in lifelong oral hygiene habits.
Services
Preventative Care
Restorative Care
Special Needs Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Lap to Lap Exams
Highlights and features
- We offer certified pediatric dentists with advanced training in child-specific care
- Our practice specializes in managing dental anxiety through behavior guidance techniques
- We provide comprehensive care including general anesthesia options at accredited facilities
- Our team includes educators actively shaping children's oral health policy in British Columbia
- We offer evidence-based early intervention programs starting from infancy
Services
Preventative Care
Our preventative care program focuses on early education and intervention to establish lifelong oral health habits. We provide dietary guidance, brushing/flossing instruction, and fluoride treatments tailored to each child's developmental stage. Regular check-ups help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
Restorative Care
Specialized restorative treatments address damaged teeth through fillings, crowns, and space maintainers. Our team uses child-friendly techniques to repair dental decay while minimizing discomfort and preserving proper tooth development for future oral health.
Special Needs Dentistry
We provide customized dental care for children with medical conditions, developmental delays, or autism. Our approach includes desensitization programs and general anesthesia options to ensure safe, effective treatment in a supportive environment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
This safe sedation method helps anxious children relax during dental procedures. Administered through a comfortable mask, nitrous oxide induces a calm state while maintaining patient consciousness and allowing for quick recovery post-treatment.
Lap to Lap Exams
Designed for infants and toddlers, these exams involve the child sitting on a parent's lap while we gently examine their teeth. This approach creates a comforting environment for early dental assessments and establishes positive associations with dental care.
People
Dr. Nancy Vertel
Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Vertel is a Royal College-certified pediatric dentist with a Master's in Craniofacial Science. She teaches at UBC, works at BC Children's Hospital, and founded the practice to combine her clinical expertise with family-centered care.
Dr. Kourosh Khodarahmi
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Khodarahmi combines neuroscience expertise with childhood dental experience. As UBC clinical faculty and former public health supervising dentist, he focuses on compassionate care for anxious young patients and special needs dentistry.
Dr. Ava
Certified Pediatric Dentist
A certified pediatric specialist with international experience, Dr. Ava creates positive dental experiences for children. She completed UBC's pediatric dentistry program and specializes in making dental visits enjoyable for young patients.
Dr. Nina Lee
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Lee brings 10+ years of dental experience and a gentle approach to children's care. A mother of two young boys, she understands child development and focuses on building confidence through positive dental experiences.
Questions
When should my child first visit a pediatric dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit by age one or six months after the first tooth erupts.
What makes pediatric dentists different from general dentists?
Pediatric dentists complete 2-3 additional years of specialized training in child psychology, growth development, and treating special needs patients beyond dental school requirements.
How often should children have dental check-ups?
We recommend biannual check-ups every six months, though some children with specific risks may require more frequent visits based on individual needs.
What options exist for managing dental anxiety in children?
We offer nitrous oxide sedation, behavior guidance techniques like Tell-Show-Do, and lap-to-lap exams for anxious patients to create comfortable dental experiences.
How do you accommodate children with special needs?
Our team provides customized care plans, desensitization programs, and general anesthesia options at accredited facilities to ensure safe, effective treatment for children with medical or developmental conditions.
What preventive treatments do you recommend for children?
We emphasize early oral hygiene education, fluoride applications, dental sealants, and regular check-ups to prevent cavities and establish lifelong dental health habits.
