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.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 65 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestPrecious Hamilton
a year ago
This office is just the kind of place you want to take your kids to. When you first walk in everyone is friendly and since masks are optional you can actually see their smiles which I loved! Once back in a room everyone who passed smiled and was super nice. They knew exactly how to handle my wild child and how to get him to cooperate. I can not recommend this office enough. It was worth the hour drive I had!
Jennifer Mata
a year ago
We have always had a great experience at your office. My daughter has been coming to your office for a few years and every experience we have ever had has been a great one. I couldn't imagine taking her anywhere else. Thank you for a you do! You're all wonderful!!!
Marissa Colson
a year ago
Absolutely terrible experience and continued issues. Refuse to give any compensation. My child now has huge anxiety about going to the dentist. Poor dentist, staff and managers. How you are still in business after continued reports of your poor bedside manner and causing trauma to children is beyond me. We are now seeing a different dentist to correct everything this group of dentist could never do right in the first place. Do not go here for anything other than a cleaning if you dare!
Teresa Yazujian
a year ago
Our granddaughter asked to go to Just Kidz Dentistry because her friend liked going there. It really didn't matter to us where we took her. Every time she has an appointment at Just Kidz, we have a great experience. The dental hygienist is so kind and gentle. The Dentist is kind, knowledgeable, and efficient. She loves going there. Now it DOES MATTER to us where we take her. We won't be going anywhere else.
B F
a year ago
We love this office. So fun and engaging for the little ones. They make my daughter feel comfortable and right at home.
Heather Flynn
2 years ago
We were referred from Dr. Cunningham's office. We were there to fill a tooth using gas; when we got there we found out on the x-ray that it was worse than we thought and they were able to get him in last minute to do a crown. The team all did very well with him and I was very appreciative of their care. Excellent.
Jessica Mellican
2 years ago
As new patients, the staff at Just Kidz Dentistry always does an excellent job of explaining to my kids what they're doing. They explain the tools they use and tell the kids what they will do. The staff members are friendly and build my kids up each time they come in. My kids love going to the dentist! I would not take my kids anywhere else!
Breanna Regguinti
2 years ago
My daughter has been seen twice at this office and both times were great. This last visit she unfortunately did have to get 2 fillings but the process was simple and easy! They were also able to do the fillings same day right then. I never would have imagined it could go so well. From the parent of a 3 yr old, thank you!
Heather Evans
2 years ago
The entire office is so nice that if I tried to describe it would sound unbelievable but they really are just amazing. Today my son had a filling with a laser instead of shots - technology that sounds like sci-fi - totally painless and fast!
Janelle Sylvester
2 years ago
Today my 4&5 year old had a dentist appointment here. It was my 4 year olds first time going to a dentist. My 5 year old has been to the dentist before but gets very nervous and scared. As soon as we walked in, I loved the atmosphere. My kids really enjoyed there being a "play zone" as they have never been to a dentist that had an area like that. It kept them occupied until we got back to the room. Although I wish there was a little more to do in there. But, it was still nice. My kids don't like to just sit. Once we got back, the girls did an amazing job making sure my kids weren't scared or nervous. They walked them through everything that they were doing. It made me as a Mom feel comfortable. When we checked out, they got some goodies and prizes. By far the best dentist I have ever taken a kid to. We were in search of a new one for a reason and it exceeded every expectation that I had!
Kala Wagner
2 years ago
My son is a new patient. He is 8 and he has Autism. These ladies were absolutely wonderful with him. I can not say better things. My son doesn't like to sit still for long but everyone was so nice & patient with him. It melted my heart. I definitely recommend this place! Great Staff!
Sarah Roe
2 years ago
We absolutely love them. So great with my child with anxiety!!
Ellise Conley
2 years ago
I made a appointment at the Washington office to check my son for a toung and lip tie. when the dr came in she did not lay him down or do the proper check position of " knee to knee" she was done with her exam in less then 1 minute and suggested he may have acid reflux and that is where all the feeding problems are coming from. she then told me brestfeeding is really hard and maybe a lactation consultant would fix his problems. she told me to follow up with my primary. I followed up with his primary and my lactation consultant they did a much more extensive exam, well my son has a lip tie and a severe toung tie he is scheduled for surgery next week.
Ryan Davis
2 years ago
My son is terrified of going to any type of doctor. We took him to the dentist and he was a rockstar due to the excellent staff. They walked him through everything so he wasn't scared. I am so impressed.
jenny meier
2 years ago
They are always so patient and helpful with our daughter. They even gave her extra prizes for sitting still during X-rays! :). Great facility!
Genie Mocny
2 years ago
We love Just Kidz they are great with kids of all ages. My daughter seen the same person for almost 7 years we had to come here for some dental work and within one visit my daughter wanted to switch and be a patient for Just Kidz so we did just that. Now her little brother goes here as well.
Casey Heavrin
2 years ago
My son does not handle new situations and anything with his teeth very well. Everyone was so amazing to him and he had no tears at all. Actually smiled and laughed. I can't thank Dr. Spates and her whole team enough!
Stephanie Sollberger
2 years ago
Just Kidz is amazing! The staff is super friendly and really good with my kids. I would always recommend Just Kidz!
Janet Thielen
2 years ago
They got my son in for an emergency visit on short notice. My son has behavioral problems and everyone was so friendly and patient with him! They make kiddos feel relaxed and comfortable and explain things well to the parents as well!
Cori Singleton
2 years ago
Super friendly staff amazing service.
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