Pediatric dentists fulfill many important functions pertaining to the childs overall oral health and hygiene. They place particular emphasis on the proper maintenance and care of deciduous (baby) teeth, which are instrumental in facilitating good chewing habits, proper speech production, and also hold space for permanent teeth.
EducationPediatric dentists educate the child using models, computer technology, and child-friendly terminology, thus emphasizing the importance of keeping teeth strong and healthy. In addition, they advise parents on disease prevention, trauma prevention, good eating habits, and other aspects of the home hygiene routine.
Monitoring growth By continuously tracking growth and development, pediatric dentists are able to anticipate dental issues and quickly intervene before they worsen. Also, working towards earlier corrective treatment preserves the childs self-esteem and fosters a more positive self-image.
Prevention Helping parents and children establish sound eating and oral care habits reduces the chances of later tooth decay. In addition to providing check ups and dental cleanings, pediatric dentists are also able to apply dental sealants and topical fluoride to young teeth, advise parents on thumb- sucking/pacifier/smoking cessation, and provide good demonstrations of brushing and flossing.
Intervention In some cases, pediatric dentists may discuss the possibility of early oral treatments with parents. In the case of oral injury, malocclusion (bad bite), or bruxism (grinding), space maintainers may be fitted, a nighttime mouth guard may be recommended, or reconstructive surgery may be scheduled.
We know there's nothing in the world that gives parents more joy thanseeing a warm smile spread across their children's faces.We want your kids to have everything in the world to smileabout - unabashed, confident, and beautiful.AtTra Le, we have the passion, dedication, commitmentand knowledge to make that happen.
Dr. Tra Le, D.D.S. is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry at the University of the Pacific and her dental degree from UCLA School of Dentistry. Following dental school, she completed a hospital general dentistry residency at UCSF-Fresno University Medical Center. She went on to complete a residency in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Southern California with additional training at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center exclusively in pediatric hospital dentistry. Dr. Le is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at the USC School of Dentistry and is a member of the Craniofacial Team at CHOC (Childrens Hospital of Orange County).
Because of their extensive medical needs, she co-ordinates her work, with that of their physicians, according to their unique needs. She also cares for young children at CHOC, St. Joseph's and Tustin Medical, where she is on staff.
Pediatric dentistry primarily focuses on children from birth through adolescence. The American Dental Association (ADA), recognizes pediatric dentistry as a specialty, and therefore requires dentists to undertake two or three years of additional training after completing a general dentistry degree. At the end of this training, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry issues a unique diploma (Diplomate ABPD).Some pediatric dentists (pedodontists) opt to specialize in oral care for children with special needs, specifically children with autism, varying levels of mental retardation, or cerebral palsy.
One of the most important components of pediatric dentistry is child psychology. Pediatric dentists are trained to create a friendly, fun, social atmosphere for visiting children, and always avoid threatening words like drill, needle, and injection. Dental phobias beginning in childhood often continue into adulthood, so it is of paramount importance that children have positive experiences and find their dental home as early as possible.
Reviews
Rating 4.4 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJesse Mullen
a year ago
Extremely unprofessional and no regard for patients time. My 11 year old son was scheduled for a painful procedure and was left to wait in a chair in the back for an entire hour before I was notified that they were "running late" and was offered the opportunity to reschedule. If they were running late this should have been brought to my attention much sooner. Leaving a young boy sitting in a dental chair for an hour waiting is ridiculous.
Monique Quiroz
4 years ago
Beautiful and super kid friendly environment! Highly recommended!
Ray
4 years ago
Great place very professional.
Katherine Roth
4 years ago
Like many children, my daughter has a fear of the dentist and cries each time we are there. Each visit, Dr Le gets visibly frustrated, which I let pass the first couple times because I understand a crying toddler can be frustrating and we live close to the office- however, I expect more patience of a PEDIATRIC dentist. From my experiences, it seems most of her patients seem to be elementary to high school age so she doesn't have good patience and rapport with younger patients. Dr. Le was so harsh and rude our last visit and my daughter actually asked me to find a new, "not mean" dentist after our last visit, so we will be. I wish I would have done this sooner! I'm sure it won't be hard to find someone with a little more patience than Dr Le, as she has none. She should be ashamed of herself and her impatience with a 3 year old, she almost acts like a toddler herself with her impatience. I am also expecting so at the end our visit she sarcastically gestures towards my daughter and goes "hope THAT gets better after 2 kids!" My daughter also said "Hi Dentist" to her at the beginning of the visit, trying to establish some connection, and instead of returning her greeting she just sighed and replied rudely "okay lets get this done quick" and harshly cleaned her teeth. If you have a younger child AVOID this office at all costs!!!! The dentist is truly awful.
Monique Quiroz
5 years ago
Beautiful and super kid friendly environment! Highly recommended!
Ray
5 years ago
Great place very professional.
Katherine Roth
5 years ago
Like many children, my daughter has a fear of the dentist and cries each time we are there. Each visit, Dr Le gets visibly frustrated, which I let pass the first couple times because I understand a crying toddler can be frustrating and we live close to the office- however, I expect more patience of a PEDIATRIC dentist. From my experiences, it seems most of her patients seem to be elementary to high school age so she doesn't have good patience and rapport with younger patients. Dr. Le was so harsh and rude our last visit and my daughter actually asked me to find a new, "not mean" dentist after our last visit, so we will be. I wish I would have done this sooner! I'm sure it won't be hard to find someone with a little more patience than Dr Le, as she has none. She should be ashamed of herself and her impatience with a 3 year old, she almost acts like a toddler herself with her impatience. I am also expecting so at the end our visit she sarcastically gestures towards my daughter and goes "hope THAT gets better after 2 kids!" My daughter also said "Hi Dentist" to her at the beginning of the visit, trying to establish some connection, and instead of returning her greeting she just sighed and replied rudely "okay lets get this done quick" and harshly cleaned her teeth. If you have a younger child AVOID this office at all costs!!!! The dentist is truly awful.
Hiep Nguyen
5 years ago
Dr. Le is simply the best pediatric dentist in the Orange County area. She is an amazing, caring, thorough and sensitive dentist who is incredible with kids. She explains everything up front and afterwards in depth, and genuinely cares about her patients. The office is clean, spacious and kid friendly. There are personal TVs to entertain and distract the kids during the cleaning/procedure and she's patient with the challenging kids. All of the staff is just as welcoming and excellent at what they do.
Hiep Nguyen
6 years ago
Dr. Le is simply the best pediatric dentist in the Orange County area. She is an amazing, caring, thorough and sensitive dentist who is incredible with kids. She explains everything up front and afterwards in depth, and genuinely cares about her patients. The office is clean, spacious and kid friendly. There are personal TVs to entertain and distract the kids during the cleaning/procedure and she's patient with the challenging kids. All of the staff is just as welcoming and excellent at what they do.
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