As a pediatric dentist, my goal is to help children and adolescents achieve their full potential. Driven by a holistic view of wellness and based on sound scientific principles of growth and development, I focus on creating smiles that are appealing and functional.
My primary focus is prevention. Using the latest state-of-the-science approach, I teach children and teens how to have a healthy mouth and healthy teeth. But if dental disease is present, my team and I will create a personalized treatment plan to address all the issues in the most effective manner and in the most comfortable atmosphere possible.
One of my strong beliefs is that advanced technology has the potential to improve dental care. As such, we at Cranston Pediatric Dentistry invest heavily in technology to improve the quality of care and patient experience. Some of the high technologies we use include intra-oral scanners, lasers, and more.
One of the most promising technologies in Dentistry is the dental laser. The use of the laser demands that the operator has special training and experience. I am certified by the American Dental Laser Institute in the use of dental lasers and have extensive experience in performing laser-assisted dental surgeries. I often lecture regularly about the use of lasers in Dentistry and enjoy teaching young dentists how to use them efficiently and safely. I also serve as the Laser Safety Officer of the Boston University Dental School and I am a member of the University-wide Sub-Committee on Dental Laser Safety.
In addition to being a specialist in pediatric dentistry, I am also a specialist and certified Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health. Dental public health is one of the nine recognized dental specialties in the USA, and it is considered the specialty of disease prevention and health promotion.
Dr. Zavras's articles have been quoted by other scientists over 1,500 times. To see the impact of Dr. Zavras work please visit GoogleScholar page: http://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=hQVumvYAAAAJ
Dr. Sanaz Merchi was born in Iran and moved to the States at a young age. She grew up in Orlando, Florida, and completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at UCF. She followed her passion for dentistry by graduating from Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine where her desire to provide care for the pediatric and special needs population grew. She continued her dental training by first completing a one-year General Practice Residency at Helen Hayes Hospital in New York where she worked primarily on adults with Special Needs and then completing a two-year specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Staten Island University Hospital.
Dr. Merchi, or Doc Nas as her patients call her, delivers a comfortable and fun environment while providing excellent care. She is not only committed to providing exceptional clinical care but also to treat the unique thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and reactions of each child. She practices patience, communication, and empathy, striving to establish trust and rapport with her patients. She provides diet counseling, oral health hygiene, and anticipatory guidance that will help parents and patients create habits that will positively influence their lifelong health.
Our team of specialized dental healthcare professionals is dedicated to the oral health of our patients. We recognize that children and special needs patients require extra patience, thus we do all in our power to foster a trusting relationship.
Children are especially perceptive. Its important to empower the child and encourage comfort in every way possible, including in the environment. Cold, medical dental offices might trigger anxiety in more sensitive patients, children, and those with special needs.
Cranston Pediatric Dentistry is proud of our detailed and informative U.S. History themed dental practice. Patients find plenty of educational distractions throughout our office, allowing us to focus on their treatment as they focus on the details of our welcoming environment.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 46 reviews
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a year ago
All 3 of my children are patients at CPD and I absolutely love all the staff and how gentle and loving the providers and hygienists are. As soon as we walk in, we are welcomed by the wonderful front desk staff and my children instantly become interactive with the staff and all the wonderful decor in the office. My son came in today for cavity treatment and he walked right in the room without me and he was soo happy to be here, he wasn't afraid at all because of how engaging the staff are with the children! I cannot give enough stars to recommend CPD to any family looking for amazing dental care for their little ones!!!
Nany
a year ago
Love this place for my kids recommend my entire family and they all have their kids coming to this dentist. Great attention my kids love this dentist.
Hannah Cipriano
a year ago
They do a great job at making kids not scared of the dentist my son loves it there! Great bedside manner
Dory Mel
a year ago
The place is clean. The staffs are pleasant.
Shakyla Brown
a year ago
The staff are so friendly and provide great care and customer service. My kids are less fearful of returning. I appreciate the clean and bright office as well. They are very prompt with appointment times which I love, super quick and efficient!
Adriana Justiniano
a year ago
(Translated by Google) Very good care for children, a lot of patience and good quality of work. Good attention from the moment you arrive at the place. The very friendly reception girls, the assistants and the Doctor. Very satisfied with the . My daughters are in good hands. Thank you (Original) Muy buena atencion para los ninos mucha paciencia y buena calidad de trabajo. Buena atencion desde el momento que llagas al lugar . La muchachas de recepcion muy amables las asistentes y la Doctora. Muy satisfechas con la . Mis hijas estan en buenas manos . Gracias
rachel brito
a year ago
Great, friendly staff, convenient scheduling. My six year old is normally terrified of the dentist and went through a full cleaning and filling no problem, even said how nice everyone is!
Kivy Lammott
a year ago
First off, I just want to say my first time being there was absolutely fantastic. The staff right off the bat were super friendly and not just one person but all staff. My son loved the train that drove all around the room while we waited. He couldn't take his eyes off of it! Also the waiting room and the rooms were very clean and tidy and super kid friendly. Very colorful. Highly recommend! (:
Leo K
a year ago
I was very impressed by the service and help from front desk all the way to the back. My family experience has been excellent. Dr. Kim has been very gentle and kind, and she is extremely knowledgable!!!. She is the one I would recommend !!!!
None of your Business
2 years ago
My 2 year old had his first dentist appointment yesterday. He was great until it came to sitting in the chair. He SCREAMED. He fought us, wouldn't open his mouth, and refused to listen to the wonderful doctor (I can't remember her name but she was lovely). I was pretty embarrassed. Is it age appropriate? Of course. He was scared. But let me tell y'all, the nurse and doctor were SO patient, didn't make me feel weird, or put off any unsettling vibes. She successfully brushed and counted his teeth (it was a battle). The receptionist was so polite! Complimented his shirt and gave him a sticker. Which made his day. I saw the previous reviews right before the appointment and was pretty nervous. I was expecting to get the same experience. POLAR OPPOSITE. So please, disregard negative reviews. This place was wonderful. The people were all patient and kind with good energy. Thanks everyone!
Shannel Rany
2 years ago
Absolute worst experience I've ever had at Cranston Pediatric Dentistry from day one. Rude receptionists first and foremost. My daughter was supposed to have lip tie surgery, a procedure that should only take roughly 5 minutes. Instead we listened to her scream for 10 minutes just for the nurses to come out and say she has a "temper" (she's 1 and strapped down what do you expect?) and ask another associate for help with the laser machine. Then come out after another 5 minutes of her screaming just to tell us they didn't do the procedure at all. Why not make sure your equipment is working properly and why keep a baby strapped down for 15 mins while you're trying to figure it out? We did not have the main doctor we initially met with, we had Dr Sanaz Merchi who recently learned the procedure. Truly a parents nightmare and a pointless painful experience for everyone. Please avoid this place at all costs. I much rather pay full price oop for doctors who actually show empathy and care, and are not miserable just answering simple questions!
Liza Louis
2 years ago
Worst dentist place! The female dentist screamed at my 3 year old daughter. I will never go back there.
Matthew Smith
2 years ago
Insanely great place...went to 2 other places before finding this one...seriously thrilled to have found them
Amanda C
3 years ago
I love this office, my daughter had to have 2 crowns put on her molars today and I was just as petrified as she was. Dr Murray is amazing and so kind. The procedure was tough and my daughter had a hard time getting through it, but I knew it was necessary. He treated both her and myself with respect, dignity and kindness. They do accept Medicaid, with a smile. Thank you guys.
Amanda C
3 years ago
I love this office, my daughter had to have 2 crowns put on her molars today and I was just as petrified as she was. Dr Murray is amazing and so kind. The procedure was tough and my daughter had a hard time getting through it, but I knew it was necessary. He treated both her and myself with respect, dignity and kindness. They do accept Medicaid, with a smile. Thank you guys.
laurie horridge
4 years ago
Absolute best dentist office around. My kids have been going since they were 2 and now they're almost 20! Most recently Drs. Fotini and Ellis arranged to have my daughter's wisdom teeth removed days before she had to leave for a semester abroad. The hoops they jumped through for us were nothing short of miraculous! You guys rock!!!!!
Amanda Rodriguez
4 years ago
Grant Murray is great. Very clean place and friendly.
Frank R
4 years ago
Doctor Murray was right on queue today. My son who does not like going to the dentist office felt right at home. Doctor worked well with my son and we are very thankful. 5 stars from the front desk staff to the doctor and everyone in between.
Megan Durrigan
4 years ago
Saturday appointments, fun waiting room, TVs on the ceiling, friendly staff, and balloon animals. What a stress free visit!
Danny Ortiz
4 years ago
This place is the most attentive and caring place I've ever been too. From the moment you walk in your greeted with a smile and the doctor is out of this world. My kids are happy and feel great when they come here which is unusual lol. Thank you to Dr.Murray, Jei, and Fran you guys rock.
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