Childrens Dental Clinic & Orthodontics of Las Cruces has pediatric dental specialists on staff overseeing our dental operations. Pediatric dentists are childrens dentists who elect to take an extra two years of schooling to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Our childrens dentists work with children aged nine months to 18 years, and with special needs patients up to 26 years. No matter how minor or serious your childs needs are, we have the knowledge and technology upon which you can rely.

Robert Johansen, DDS Orthodontist (Dr. Rob) grew up in Sandy, UT. He graduated with a BA in Behavioral Science and Health from the University of Utah. After completing his undergraduate studies, he went on to earn a DDS degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Following dental school, Dr. Rob completed a 1-year General Dental Residency program at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. After practicing for a couple of years as a general dentist in Central Ohio, he decided to further his dental education at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, New York where he completed a 3-year residency in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Rob loves creating beautiful smiles for children and adults alike. He and his family are excited to be calling New Mexico home. He enjoys reading, hiking, camping, photography, and spending time with his family. Hes also excited to be back in an area where he can speak Spanish again!

Leonardo Galvez, DDS was born and raised in Peru. He has studied and been licensed in dentistry in two different countries. He studied and earned his first degree and license in Peru, where he practiced for 7 years. Next, he completed his DDS at University of Colorado, where he then practiced for a year in public health. Though he moved to New Mexico looking for warmer weather, he also found great people and an undying love for tacos. Dr. Galvez loves nature and enjoys hiking and exploring new places. Most of all, he enjoys helping kids achieve good oral health.

Farqad Abuoudeh, BDS, DDS (Dr. A) was born and raised in Nablus, Palestine. After graduating with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Cairo, Egypt in 2007, he went on to practice general dentistry in his hometown, Nablus, for five years. Eventually, Dr. A decided to study dentistry in the USA. After passing his board exams, extensive English tests, vigorous and intensive applications, and numerous interviews, he got accepted at a prestigious research program at NYU School of Dentistry. In less than one year, he and his colleagues had published three research papers in different areas of orthodontics. After completing one year of dentistry research at NYU, his passion for practicing dentistry was calling! That was when he was accepted at Indiana University School of Dentistry, where he earned his DDS. After graduation Dr. A. practiced dentistry in Texas, where he met his wife Dina. Dr.A loves to use his knowledge and expertise in the field of dentistry to help people and is excited to call Las Cruces his new home and be a part of the Childrens Dental Clinic & Orthodontics of Las Cruces family! Aside from his love of dentistry and a good challenge, on weekends, Dr. A enjoys hiking with his wife and their fur baby Max. He also, loves to travel, cook, and read.

Rachel Williams, DDS, grew up in Seattle, Washington and did her undergraduate studies inZoology and French at Brigham Young University.She graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry where she also completed a general practice residency, further studying pediatrics and care for special needs and medically compromised patients.Dr. Williams has practiced in Washington, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Virginia, working in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, head and neck Oncology, and private practice.Dr. Williams loves working with children and creating a comfortable, positive experience for each child.

Ellie Kwon, DDS, grew up in southern California. After graduating magna cum laude from University of thePacific, Dr. Kwon moved to San Francisco and completed her training at Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and graduated with honors. She then found her passion in treating children, and pursued additional training in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Kwon served as chief resident and received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from BronxCare Health Systems. Dr. Kwon was awarded with the Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award, which honors candidates who score in the top three percent of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry written board exam. She worked at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania as an attending dentist where shehad the opportunityto work extensively with children who had special healthcare needs.She provides comprehensive care based on each patients needs utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological advanced behavior management.In her spare time, Dr. Kwon loves traveling, hiking, and enjoyingtime with her husband and her dog Ruby.

For most people, achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason for receiving orthodontic care. If you're self-conscious about your smile, correcting your concerns with braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel.

When your treatment is complete, you will have the smile you've always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off! We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.

Orthodontic appliances are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to the proper position.

Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose clear or metal brackets, and in some cases, you can even choose the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to wear braces!

Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years depending on several factors, including age, treatment method, and the severity of your case. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. For children, receiving interceptive or early treatment can also help provide a quicker treatment time.