Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work another day in your life is a quote that Dr. Spates strongly believes. This mantra allowed her to develop Just Kidz Dentistry over 18 years ago in Peoria, Illinois. She believes in gentle, compassionate dental care. She also believes that going to the dentist can be an enjoyable experience for children.
Dr. Spates completed dental school at the Medical College of Virginia, where she discovered her passion for treating kids. She later completed her pediatric dental residency at the Childrens Memorial Hospital in Chicago, where she served as Chief Resident. She also spent an additional year as a fellow training future pediatric dentists and completing her research in the Hematology division. Dr. Spates is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Illinois Society of Pediatric Dentists and the American Dental Association.
A pediatric dentist is a dentist who has completed a graduate program accredited by CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. A dentist who graduates from a specialty program becomes a pediatric dentist and is eligible to become board certified through the voluntary examination process of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). Involvement in the certification process is a demonstration of the pediatric dentists pursuit of continued proficiency and excellence.
