As enticing and entertaining as our atmosphere is, what really sets us apart is our team their unique ability and training in communicating with kids combined with their passion for modern pediatric dentistry.
We know what it means for you to place the care of those precious smiles in our hands and we take that trust very seriously. Thats why we strive to stay absolutely up-to-date on all the leading techniques with yearly training and CE and continuously investing in the most state-of-the-art technology.
Excellence. Compassion. Prevention. Those are three of the most important words in our practice and central to our mission in the Chattanooga community. Every member of our team has dedicated themselves to providing specialty pediatric care of the highest quality in an atmosphere that nurtures, encourages, and educates. Our philosophy is simple: Todays healthy smiles; tomorrows healthy kids.
Our patients and our team LOVE Dr. Clay and its easy to see why. Hes kind, gentle, caring, funny, passionate about helping kidsand understands how to communicate with them (and parents) to ensure everyone has a positive dental experience, every visit. It makes sense that hes been voted the Best of the Best pediatric dentist by Chattanoogans for several years.
Dr. Clay is a true Chattanooga native who was awarded a full presidential academic scholarship to attend Murray State University where he earned degrees in biology and chemistry and played soccer for the Racers. He went on to attend the University of Tennessee, graduating with high honors and earning a doctorate in dental surgery in 2003. While attending dental school, Dr. Clay served as the president of the Richard Dogget Dean Honor Society. Later, he chose to complete his pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Kentucky and the Kosair Childrens Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year.
Dr. Clay takes great pride and energy in constantly remaining up-to-date on the very latest treatments and techniques available in the field of pediatric dentistry. Hes certified in gentle laser dentistry treatments and oral sedation, and offers deep sedation and general anesthesia when necessary in coordination with a fantastic board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologist. Remaining active in professional organizations is also important to Dr. Clay. Hes a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
When hes not busy helping patients and their smiles at the office, Dr. Clay enjoys taking care of children (and adults) on medical/dental missions, traveling to Honduras, Guatemala, and the Middle East (Turkey and Iraq). He has served as a Replicate Ministries board member, a frequent deacon, and both the personnel team and pastor search team at Brainerd Baptist Church. Dr. Clay deeply loves Jesus, glorifying Him, and making Him known where He is not yet worshipped. He strives to make disciples and help them make new disciples in Christianity. For those with ears to hear, his hope is that God would be glorified as Childrens Dentistry of Chattanooga cares for children and their families.
Dr. Clay is the proud dad to big brother Lukas, and fraternal twins Hudson and Hadley. He loves spending time with them, coaching their sports teams, traveling, vacationing, hiking with Smokey (our office dog), and snow skiing.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 693 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestsydney goe
a year ago
Amazing staff! Such an inviting atmosphere for kids and the parents!!
Elisa Cervantes
a year ago
Amazing doctor and staff!
Layla Layla
a year ago
First appointment went great for my children, The staff made my family feel very comfortable, very Friendly . Staff was smiling the whole time, The Dentist an his assistants were very informative on what each child needed an what they were going to do. Wish they had a 6 star.
Ashley Nakajima
a year ago
I previously left a 5 star review, however I have since stopped taking my children here and I thought it important to to share with other families what they might expect from this office. I never really liked the fact that they do not under any circumstance let you in the back with the kids, but the office is fun and Dr Goins is kind, so I just went with it. Dr. Goins is a very gentle, kind man, but their office policies are VERY ridged and they do not take into account the individual needs of children. When my son was 4 he was having a filling done and apparently he was startled during the procedure and Dr Goins accidently cracked the tooth next to the tooth he was performing the filling on. I was very upset, but they took care of it and put a cap on the tooth. In 2020 my son was 6 and I noticed a bump on his gum near that tooth. It turned out that the capped tooth was infected and needed to be extracted. On the day of extraction they stopped the procedure because my son was crying because he didn't like the taste of the numbing agent. They told me that he would need to be sedated to perform the procedure. I did not want to sedate my son just because he doesn't like the taste of medicine, so I called to speak to the office manager. I tried to explain that he just has an aversion to the taste of the medicine and asked if we could just try again without sedation. The office manager treated me like I was being absurd for even being concerned about the medication. She could not even tell me the possible side effects, but said it didn't matter because they use it all the time. She told me that they are doing what's best for THE CHILD and that they would not perform the procedure and potentially traumatize my child, implying that I was not acting in my child's best interest. I knew he had an infection and I didn't not want it to get worse, so I went through with the procedure and cried while I waited for him in my car because I felt forced to give my son strong medication for a routine procedure. After that procedure my son is now terrified of the dentist and shakes just going in to have his teeth cleaned, but at his new dentist I go back with him and chat with him while they clean his teeth and he stays calm. Recently the filling that Dr. Goins did fell out and he had to have it replaced. He did GREAT while I sat in the room with him even though he was initially afraid and he hated the numbing medicine.
Philip Hanner
a year ago
Nice dentist. However I was not given accurate data for informed consent regarding my child's extra procedure. Later was told it was my fault for not checking my insurance after taking them at their word when they said explicitly that they accepted my insurance. It's unfortunate to be told one thing and then blindsided with bill. I would expect more financial transparency. Will not be going back.
Hillarie Baker
2 years ago
Edited to add my daughters first trip went just as good as my sons! The staff and Dr. at Children's Dentistry of Chattanooga was very friendly and made my son's first trip the the dentist a great experience!
Jill Yeager
2 years ago
Dr. Goins and Jessica were amazing with my daughter at her first dental appointment. So kind and gentle, made a potential scary visit such a fun experience!
Victoria Reisinger
2 years ago
I went back and forth with leaving this review. I want to be objective and fair and understand that everyone will have their own experience...and after waiting a few days after our last appointment, I still believe this is well worth sharing. Our son has been a patient here for about 4 years, all routine appointments have gone well. The most recent appointment for a filling was when our negative experience took place and why we will be looking for a new dentist for our kids. My oldest son tends to be very reserved when he feels afraid, and as his mom I will always advocate for him and his best interests. Always. There were multiple situations over a few days that lead to our decision to leave this dentistry. After a first failed appointment to get a filling, I called and spoke with Dawn, the office "manager" about concerns and next steps. She attempted to answer questions she seemingly should not have, before transferring me to the appropriate person. At one point she tells me "we went above and beyond for your son" (sorry- you work with children...should you not do this for ALL of your patients?) She later admitted that was a "poor choice of words" so I will give her that- but regardless, the insinuation of what she was trying to get across was still uncalled for and came across rude. Come time for our re-try for the filling, one of the dental assistants tells my son (and me) "we're going to get your weight and then come right back to mom". He agrees and goes with her. Over 10 minutes go by and he still hasn't come back to the lobby, so I ask the front desk associate to check on him for me. She comes back and says "they're still trying to get him to take the medicine"....the same medicine that I was told days earlier he could take with me next to him so that I could be with him to help calm him. So ultimately they lied to me (and to my son)- not exactly the way to get a 4 year old, or their parent, to trust you. Maybe this is routine and works for other kids, but it really does not sit well with me. And to add- if you expect to sit with your fearful child to help their nerves- forget it unless you want to push them to only be told it is "policy". When I brought up my concerns to the assistant who checked me out before leaving the office, there was no true accountability or empathy shown. The office "manager" Dawn, stuck her head out of her office and says "I heard it all. I'll let Dr Goins know. He's not in the office today". A little empathy and understanding goes a LONG way...especially when dealing with parents of young kids. Basically, if your kid is the perfect child and has no reservations about the dentist, it's a great place. But if your child requires more than that or you want to sit with your child to help calm their nerves- I would look elsewhere.
Tosha Bonds
2 years ago
Great, inviting atmosphere. The staff is professional and welcoming.
Roger Sherrill
2 years ago
Rude and Pushy! Do Not Recommend!
cassidyxandersonn
2 years ago
from the moment we walked in we were so please! they displayed my kids on a chalkboard at the front welcoming them as new patients and it made them feel so special! it was a first time for both my babes and they were so calm and happy the duration of the visit. my daughter not only was terrified of going, but has to have a cavity filled and still came out smiling. truly, i can't rave enough about how amazing this office and staff is!! if i could give 10 stars i would! thank you!
nicole chess
2 years ago
Excellent dentistry !
Leah Hale
2 years ago
This place is a parent and child's dream dentist! So many wonderful things to keep our little one's attention. Murals, fish tanks, trains, toys, tvs. They even let him pick special prizes at the end from a treasure chest. All the while, the staff and Dr. Clay are the absolute best. I'm so happy with this place and feel so lucky to have found them.
Meredith Feira
2 years ago
We have always loved Dr. Clay and his staff. And today was our first time seeing Dr. Stanley. He was so very nice to my kids (4.5 and 3), and knew just what to say and how to handle my daughter who is a little more afraid of going to the dentist.
odaliz paz
2 years ago
We had a amazing experience:) Amazing stuff and the dentist was very nice gave me all the information for my Daughters oral Health . and All of the stuff were very professional . Thank you
Crystal Allison
2 years ago
Awesome dentist my daughter loves it. Staff is super nice
Laura Mobley
2 years ago
We love Dr. Clay and his office staff. Our son has been a patient since age 2. The office is fun and inviting for children. Services are done promptly and thoroughly. Communication from the office is excellent.
Joey Johnson
2 years ago
This office is quick and efficient. The staff is a pleasure to interact with and they have eliminated my son's fear of the dentist. The office is very cool aesthetically and the lobby chairs are comfortable for the wait. 5 stars all around!!!
Taryn Tijerina
2 years ago
Dr. Clay and his staff are super friendly, which made us have a fun and positive experience! Loved the atmosphere of the office, my kids did not want to leave!
Stephanie Linger
2 years ago
We have been seeing Dr. Clay since my daughter's first dentist appointment and we love it here! The staff is very friendly and helpful. Never had a negative experience here.
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