We offer pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for children, teens, and patients with special healthcare needs. With years of education, hands-on training, and experience, our doctors and staff are uniquely able to meet the specific dental needs of our young patients.
Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment are able to have their orthodontic wires removed for dental cleanings and then have their braces adjusted during the same visit by the orthodontist. This service enables you to make fewer visits to the dentist during your childs orthodontic treatment by having all the care in one office.
Our dental and orthodontic charts are digital, which allows for better communication with other dental and medical doctors. This reduces the number of X-rays patients undergo, and improves communication between providers, which leads to better care.
As a new patient, your young child will receive a personalized book with his or her name and the name of the dentist. This book is kid-friendly and leads young children through their first dental visit and introduces them to, the dentist, dental staff, and some tools they will see during their visit. Read this to your child before his or her first visit to ease any fears.
We have a No-Cavity Club Program to reward children who perform good oral hygiene and have no cavities whereby they get entered into monthly drawings for gift cards. We also have many fun contests throughout the year to keep kids engaged and have positive experiences when visiting the dentist.
The doctors at Pediatric Dental Specialists are on-call for after-hours emergencies, including holidays and weekends. In the event of an emergency, you may contact our office to page the doctor on call, and expect to hear back within 30 minutes. The doctor will discuss the emergency over the phone and determine what action needs to be taken. Some emergency require seeing the patient in the office, other situations may be handled over the phone.
My practice philosophy is to provide the best possible dental care for children in a friendly environment and to advocate for the children's welfare in any way that I can. I enjoy seeing children who perhaps have been afraid of what we do for them, then develop trust and a positive attitude toward dentistry. After more than 35 years of continuous private practice, I still enjoy working with families every day and helping keep children in good oral health.
As a professional, there are a number of courses that I take each year in order to advance my skills in providing excellent care for my patients. It's about keeping abreast of the latest research and techniques in pediatric medicine and dentistry.
I have been on the teaching staff of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry since 1980 and work with the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program on a part-time basis. I have also participated on the medical staff at Miller Childrens Hospital and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. I have been on several committees there and have served on the governing board of directors for more than eight years.
I enjoy working within communities, both locally and internationally. I work with Mission of Mercy-type dental clinics in California on behalf of the California Dental Association, and have participated in dental missions in many countries with the International Health Emissaries.
I like to inspire and motivate my team members to enjoy what we do and to train them to help me deliver excellent care. I like the positive attitude and great energy that they bring to our team. They bring new ideas for discussion and are excited when we adopt and implement those ideas. I enjoy seeing them develop and grow personally and professionally. I encourage them to advance their skills through continuing education to develop their clinical skills as well as their customer service skills.
Dr. Cortez is amazing! His gentle nature makes going to the dentist a joy for both of our kids! The dental hygienists are quick and efficient with cleanings, so the kids are finished before even thinking about it. The office staff is amazing as well!
Dr. Sanchez is a superb dentist who took the time to explain to my child exactly what she needed to do to maintain acceptable oral health. Words from a caring professional work better than nagging from mom! Thank you!
As a pediatric dentist, I have the opportunity to provide quality dental experiences for children. I feel passionate about giving children personalized care so they can achieve their most beautiful oral health. Being a mother myself, I strive to create a comfortable and gentle environment for the families.
Dr. Planells has been in dental practice since 2004 when she joined Pediatric Dental Specialists as a recent graduate from the UCLA Combined Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Program. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from UCLA, where she graduated in the top 5% of her class and was invited to join the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. She received her pediatric dentistry and orthodontic specialty training at UCLA, and went on to become board certified in Pediatric Dentistry in 2007. For several years Dr. Planells held a Lecturer Faculty position at UCLA where she worked with the pediatric dental residents.
