Kiddsmiles

Specialists in pediatric dentistry, Kiddsmiles aims to provide comfortable and fun care to youths in its four locations on Long Island, New York. The Kiddsmiles team of dentists has two to three years of additional specialized training after dental school, and are comprised of eight experienced and engaging professionals.

Kiddsmiles owner Michele Savel, D.D.S., is a board certified dentist and a mother of two. She attended New York University and was awarded the American Childrens Dentistry Award as an undergraduate student. After undergoing a bad experience at the dentist's office as a youth, she now strives to create a generation of non-phobic dental patients and hires dentists and dental professionals who share this same goal at Kiddsmiles. Other Kiddsmiles dentists are Kellie A. Alberry, D.D.S., Jeannie Alvarado-Astaiza, D.D.S., Loren Buonocore, D.M.D., Amy Honig, D.M.D., Hajira Husain, D.M.D., Natasha Larson, D.M.D., and Amy O'Callaghan, D.M.D.

During a patient's first visit to Kiddsmiles, the parent is welcome to join their child in the office. The patient's comfort is of utmost importance. Kiddsmiles advises that words associated with common dental practices, such as needle, shot, etc., should not be used around a young patient or prior to the visit. The Kiddsmiles staffers are skilled in using selective words that convey the same message happily, and without inducing unnecessary fear. After the child has had his or her first appointment at Kiddsmiles, it is recommended that the parent stay behind during future visits. This practice lets the dentist establish a better rapport with the young patient, and allows the patient to gain confidence, independence, and overcome any anxieties.

Kiddsmiles holds offices in Manhasset, North Babylon, Holbrook, and Merrick, New York, and accepts all major insurance policies, including Aetna, Delta Dental, MetLife, and many others.