Our patient-centered approach will make you smile

Learn what makes Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry such a special place.

Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry welcomes children of all ages, from infancy to young adulthood, including those with special health care needs. Whether you’re a patient or a parent, we invite you to come experience the Schenectady difference today.

Every parent thinks their child deserves the best—and they’re absolutely right. At Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry, your children aren’t just patients. To us, they’re family. Everything we do is focused on providing the highest-quality dental care for your child, teaching them healthy oral habits, and helping them develop a life-long positive attitude toward dentistry.

Our commitment to a patient-centered approach doesn’t stop there. We also want to build a partnership with you as a parent, taking the time to get to know you and your child so you both feel comfortable and fully engaged at every visit. Together, we can ensure your child enjoys a lifetime of oral health and a beautiful smile.

Patient-centered care is at the heart of our practice

Care

Highest-quality dental care provided by pediatric specialists

Pediatric dentists like those at Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry have an extra two years of training beyond dental school where they learn about the unique needs of children’s teeth as well as child psychology, growth, and development. Whether your child is an infant or in their teens, our board-certified pediatric dentists are expert guides in their oral health, including supporting children with special needs. We believe that providing excellent dental care and making a patient feel well cared for are equally important—and we’re really good at both. Just think of us as highly skilled pediatricians for your child’s smile, who care about your child as much as you do.

We care for

children

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists

Patients receive one-on-one time with a doctor at every appointment

Registered Dental Hygienists

All cleanings are managed by dental hygienists who are trained to provide comprehensive care

Tell-show-do

We use the tell-show-do method before and during their visit so they know exactly what to expect

We care for

parents

Presence and involvement

Our environment was created to encourage parents to sit with their child during exams and cleanings

Sibling appointments available

Same-time sibling appointments are available for convenience

Positive reinforcement

Reinforcing a positive attitude towards dentistry with parents helps children build dental trust and confidence

Culture

Patient-focused culture for a lifetime of happy smiles

At Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry, we’re proud to have a family-like culture that makes children and parents feel at home. If we had to define the culture at Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry in one word, it would be this: HAPPY! Our team loves what they do, and our patient-centered approach means that your child’s needs and comfort will always come first. We also make every effort to educate them as years go by, so they can build healthy oral habits that last a lifetime.

Our culture benefits

children

Patient education

We provide age-appropriate education to teach children how to properly care for their teeth, so they can maintain these habits later in life

Thoughtful experiences

Great experiences at a young age build dental trust and confidence in children that can last a lifetime

Child-friendly language

Our doctors and staff speak in age-appropriate language to ease their anxiety and build trust

Our culture benefits

parents

Parent education

Sharing information helps you take care of your child’s teeth at every stage, starting from their first visit at age one all the way to age 21

Partnership

We serve as advocates for your child’s oral health care (we’re in this together!)

Supportive team

You have access to a knowledgeable team that will happily answer your questions

Clinic

A fun, positive & comfortable environment where kids feel at home

From the moment that you and your child walk through the door, we want you both to feel welcome. We take great pride in making your child’s dental experience as pleasant and comfortable as possible—not just the first time, but every time. Our child-friendly reception area features bean bags to sit on while watching one of our always playing children’s movies, and that’s just the beginning. Come visit our clinic to see for yourself!

Our clinic is tailored to

children

Welcoming environment

A warm, soothing environment that puts a smile on your child’s face from their very first visit

Focus on learning

We use thoughtful details to keep them focused on learning about their smile and how to take care of it

Child-specific goodies

Children receive Schenectady dental goodies to take home at each visit, including a toothbrush and their favorite flavor of toothpaste, plus fun prizes

Our clinic is tailored to

parents

Reliable experience

We’ve been creating smiles for generations as the first and most experienced pediatric practice in Schenectady

Parent-friendly waiting room

Free Wi-Fi and refreshments are available in the waiting room for parents who do not sit with their child during their appointment

Shared space with pediatric specialists

Our clinic is conveniently located alongside Battiste Orthodontics

Your child deserves a pediatric dentist

You probably see a pediatrician for your child’s medical health needs. Well, choosing a pediatric dentist provides the same high level of care for your child’s oral health needs. Every child is different, and some have a hard time sitting still or being patient during a dental exam. With years of specialized training in the unique oral health and psychological needs of children—including those with special needs such as ADHD or Down syndrome—board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Lindsey Battiste, is well-equipped to care for your child’s teeth through all stages of their childhood.

At what age should my child visit a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child's first visit to the dentist should occur by twelve months of age. This visit will enable our pediatric dentists to evaluate your child and discuss proper oral hygiene. Early education and guidance about diet, fluoride, tooth eruption and finger/pacifier habits can help ensure optimal dental health.

How often should my child visit a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that most children visit the dentist at least twice a year. Some children need more frequent care and teeth cleanings because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene. Our pediatric dentists will help determine the best teeth cleaning schedule for your child.

Does your child use a pacifier or suck his/her thumb?

This type of sucking is completely normal for infants and young children. It provides security and relaxation. Most children stop sucking their thumb or pacifier between two and four years of age with no harm to their teeth or jaws. However, children should cease these habits prior to the eruption of their permanent teeth.

What are dental sealants and who can benefit from them?

The chewing surface of children’s teeth is most susceptible to cavities and least benefited from fluoride. Sealants are adhesive coatings that are applied to the tops of teeth and can be very effective in preventing tooth decay. Molars are the most decayed teeth because plaque accumulates in the tiny grooves of the chewing surfaces. Sealants prevent the cavities that fluoride cannot effectively reach.

If my child gets a cavity in a baby tooth, should it still be filled?

Yes! Primary or “baby” teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also hold space that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Pain, infection of the gums and jaw, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few problems that can happen when baby teeth are neglected.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how can I prevent it?

Baby bottle tooth decay is a pattern of rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing. It happens when a child goes to sleep while breast-feeding or bottle-feeding. During sleep, the flow of saliva is reduced and the natural self-cleansing action of the mouth is diminished. Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bedtime bottle.

What can parents do to help make dental experiences positive?

If parents have their own fear or anxiety about the dentist, they should not share those with their child. Dentistry has changed over the years, and it is important to allow their child the opportunity to like their dentist and their dental home. Parents can refer to the dentist and team as helpful and as friends. If the parents show they trust the dentist their child will too.

What do you recommend for busy families so they are making good dietary choices on a daily basis?

Diet plays a really important role for the development or risk for cavities. Eliminating chocolate milk or any juice all together is great, but moderation is key. Stay away from the sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade and even sodas because they have a lot of acid. Mostly importantly stay away from sticky snacks like gummy vitamins, fruit snacks, things that stick in the grooves of your teeth.

Aren't they just baby teeth?

Yes, but most children get their first teeth by age 1 and lose their last baby tooth by age 13. Early care and prevention are crucial. Baby teeth shape the mouth, allow for chewing, appropriate speech, and help guide permanent teeth into the mouth correctly. Cavities are a bacteria that if left untreated can cause significant pain and spread to neighboring teeth, surrounding bone and throughout the body.

A lot of young children like to suck on their fingers, thumbs and pacifiers, can these have adverse affects?

You’re right! Sucking on thumbs, fingers and pacifiers is very normal and actually provides security for the very young child. Most children will stop this habit on their own between the ages of 2 and 4. Our guidelines recommend stopping that habit around 3 years of age to prevent any issues with the developing jaw and the way the teeth are positioned.

What can a parent do to help stop oral sucking habits?

Most children do stop on their own, but some require additional help from their parents or pediatric dentist. For patients with a pacifier habit, the most successful way to stop is to simply take the pacifier away. For thumb/finger habits, we recommend using a rewards calendar. Your pediatric dentist may recommend placing an appliance that does not allow the patient to suck on their thumb or finger.

We’re committed to serving your child in a comfortable environment and ensuring they receive exceptional treatment to achieve and maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime.

Our patients (and their parents) say it best

Jessica

The staff is wonderful! They are always helpful, friendly, and accommodating. The office is clean and bright. I love the open layout where I can sit with both of my children during their appointments. It's a great place for young kids.

Our patient-centered approach will make you smile

Learn what makes Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry such a special place.

Schenectady Pediatric Dentistry welcomes children of all ages, from infancy to young adulthood, including those with special health care needs. Whether you’re a patient or a parent, we invite you to come experience the Schenectady difference today.

Patient-centered care is at the heart of our practice

Care

Highest-quality dental care provided by pediatric specialists

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists

Registered Dental Hygienists

Tell-show-do

Presence and involvement

Sibling appointments available

Positive reinforcement

Culture

Patient-focused culture for a lifetime of happy smiles

Patient education

Thoughtful experiences

Child-friendly language

Parent education

Partnership

Supportive team

Clinic

A fun, positive & comfortable environment where kids feel at home

Welcoming environment

Focus on learning

Child-specific goodies

Reliable experience

Parent-friendly waiting room

Shared space with pediatric specialists

Your child deserves a pediatric dentist

Preventive and restorative treatments for a smile that lasts a lifetime

We’re committed to serving your child in a comfortable environment and ensuring they receive exceptional treatment to achieve and maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime.

Our patients (and their parents) say it best