The kind and gentle team at Kids Dental Center is passionate about caring for kids of all ages! Our Chandler, AZ pediatric dental office aims to be the very best dental center for kids in the entire area. We work with infants, elementary-aged children, tweens, teens, young adults, and patients with special needs. Our caring team is here to help your child develop positive oral hygiene skills that keep their smile healthy for life!
Kids Dental Center is conveniently located to serve our patients from Chandler, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler Heights, Power Ranch, Gilbert, and Sun Lakes. We are proud to be a part of the Chandler, AZ and larger Maricopa County community.
At Kids Dental Center, our top priority is to prevent dental disease and maintain the best dental health for infants, children, and teenagers, including those with special needs. Our team takes pride in providing a modern, gentle approach to pediatric dental care and oral health. Prevention and education are the keys to the proactive approach we practice!
Dr. Valenzuela (known by his patients as 'Dr. V') is originally from San Diego, CA but was raised in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Valenzuela attended the University of Arizona where he obtained a triple degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, and Spanish on a four-year scholarship. Dr. Valenzuela was awarded the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship coming out of high school. He pursued his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dental Medicine & Oral Health, graduating in 2015.
Dr. Valenzuela followed his brother-in-law's (Dr. Abdoll's) footsteps and completed his training in pediatric dentistry from the distinguished Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine where he graduated with excellence in orthodontics and patient care in 2017. While in residency, Dr. Valenzuela had the privilege to work in multiple affiliated hospitals and community centers (Franciscan Childrens, Boston Medical Center and East Boston Community Health Center) that exposed him to a diverse and culturally rich population of patients.
Dr. Valenzuela received extensive training in treating patients with special needs and medically compromised (cancer, blood disorders) comprehensive pediatric dentistry, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, hospital dentistry, space management and appliance therapy, behavior management, emergencies/trauma, and oral surgery.
Dr. Valenzuela recently passed the written portion of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry examination and now awaits to take the oral portion of the examination to become a Board Certified (Diplomate) Pediatric Dentist. Dr. Valenzuela is committed to providing the latest dental care and technology to his patients by attending year-round continuing education courses.
Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Timothy Yu was born and raised in Michigan and went to Oberlin College in Ohio where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Biology. He continued his love of science by attending Temple University School of Dentistry in Pennsylvania where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree, graduating near the top of his class.
During dental school, he found his lifes calling - orthodontics - and continued his pursuit by remaining at Temple University to complete his orthodontics residency and earning a Masters of Science Degree and Orthodontics Specialty Certificate. During residency, he was able to explore many cutting-edge areas of orthodontics, culminating in his masters thesis studying the effectiveness of Invisalign compared to conventional braces. As a resident, he also enjoyed introducing dental students to the intricacies of orthodontics as a preclinical lab instructor. In 2008, he moved to Phoenix with his wife Lucia and began to set roots, welcoming their first child Noah in 2010.
Dr. Yu is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics, and American Board of Orthodontics. In his spare time, he loves golfing and spending time with his wife and family.
Dr. Christensen has been practicing in the Valley since 2002. He brings a high level of experience and expertise to Kids Dental Center and helps to ensure that our patients receive optimal dental care by minimizing discomfort and making it possible for dental work to be completed. His goal is to deliver the anesthesia in a way that is comfortable for every child and parent. Dr. Christensen is always happy to address any questions or concerns that children and parents might have in regards to anesthesia.
Dr. Christensen was born in New Mexico, but was raised in Mesa, so he considers himself an Arizona native. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1987 and then enjoyed two years of community and missionary service in Peru. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah, completed dental school at the University of Connecticut in 2000, and was accepted into Loma Linda University Dental Anesthesiology residency. In 2002 he moved back to Arizona where he currently resides in Gilbert with his wife Cheryl and their children Nick, Zach, and Emily.
The 58 square miles of land that was to become the city of Chandler was purchased by Dr. Alexander John Chandler in 1891. Dr. Chandler secured over 80 acres of land and proceeded to build irrigation canals in what was then an infrastructurally barren desert landscape.
In 1920, the Town of Chandler was voted for and incorporated. Although this was during the Great Depression, most of Chandler's residents were not impacted. However, Dr. Chandler himself suffered economic adversity. He lost many investments during this period but was still able to retire comfortably.
As Chandler continued growing at an unexpected rate, there were other trials that arose. The number of vehicles versus road space led to accidents and difficult travel. In 1940, Route 87 was proposed. Residents were not happy but it was necessary for the safety of the community, as well as for the facilitation of goods and services.
Dr. Chandler passed away on May 8th of 1950. By this time, Chandler consisted of 3,800 residents. By 1954, Chandler was no longer a town - it was promoted to a city! By 1980, resident numbers had grown to 30,000 and today the numbers have grown dramatically to 250,000 residents.