Dr. Frederick Ballard was born and raised in Baltimore, MD home of the Baltimore Ravens! After graduating from high school from Milford Mill Academy, he ventured off to the United States Army where he became a combat medic/dental assistant. During his time in the Army, he was stationed in Fort Riley Kansas, Camp Paige, Korea, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper.
After leaving military service, Dr. Ballard attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, earning a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology. Once completing his undergraduate studies, he attended the prestigious Howard University College of Dentistry where he found his love for pediatric dentistry.
During my senior year in dental school I was torn between endodontic and pediatric dentistry. In my mind, I thought that pediatric dentistry was the furthest thing from my mind until I realized that this was my true calling in life. It is truly a blessing that I found pediatric dentistry, without this opportunity I would truly be incomplete.
During Dr. Ballards time in dental school, he met Dr. George Thomas, the Chairman of Howard University College of Dentistrys pediatric dental program, where he was groomed to become a pediatric dentist during his two-year pediatric dental residency.
Five years ago, Dr. Ballard, along with his familymigrated to South Jersey where he took a position with a large dental group and was given the opportunity to sharpen his skills and learn to become the best pediatric dentist that he could be for his patients. Through the development of a special needs and hospital dentistry program, he was able to offer complete service to all of his child/special needs patients to ensure adequate treatment.
With a continued commitment to training and service, Dr. Ballard intends to serve his patients at Kool Koala Pediatric and adolescent dentistry with the latest a greatest techniques and materials, for the highest quality results.
Dr. Ballard currently resides in Southern New Jersey with his wife Nia, daughter Jordan, son Mason, and newborn baby Raven. Spending time with family is his priority outside the office, but when given the chance, Dr. Ballard enjoys gardening, landscaping, and catching up with the Baltimore Ravens football team.
Dr. Sophia Yi received her dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur a Dugoni School of Dentistry. She completed her Pediatric Dental residency at Interfaith Medical Center where she served as Chief Resident. Following her residency, Dr Sophia served in the U.S. Army as a dentist. Dr Sophia is a Board Certified Pediatric dentist and a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Her memberships include: The Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. In Dr. Sophias free time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two dogs.
Dr. William Wils' Desonne grew up in South Orange, New Jersey and attended the College of William & Mary where he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Dr. Desonne attended Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and received a degree as a Doctor of Dental Medicine. He then went on to complete his two year Pediatric Dental Residency at Jacobi Medical Center located in the Bronx, New York.
Dr. Wils wanted to be a dentist from a very young age because of the positive experiences that he shared with his pediatric dentist. It is his goal to extend those same experiences to children and parents alike in creating an inviting environment where children feel comfortable. His goal is to promote prevention from an early age and to foster a life long dental home.
We recognize that all of our young patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your child to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
Nia has been our operations manager since 2015, a position that allows her to manage our office, accounts receivable, and human resources. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and MBA in Project Management. Her outstanding skills and knowledge allow her to train new employees and continue to guide our practice forward. Nia considers being part of Dr. Ballards team a truly rewarding and educational experience.
Outside of work, Nia loves spending time with her family to include her three beautiful children, husband and bull terrier 'Teddy'. Her favorite pastime is traveling, experiencing new cultures and trying new cuisine. Nia is also an advocate for youth, adult mental health and mental well-being. She enjoys learning about homeopathic remedies, and mental health literature.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 265 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMarilyn Peralta
a year ago
No waiting time. I was in and out. Very friendly. I recommend it.
Samantha Lore
a year ago
If I could give zero I would. If you enjoy calling for months on end leaving messages to book an appointment for your child that no one will ever call you back for then this is the place for you.
Tiny Evans
a year ago
Ladies at check in desk have horrible attitudes but besides that I love it here
Kaylee Arce
a year ago
deptford office. love the doctors, so caring, and amazing and attentive to the children. the assistants in the back as well. BUT front staff, inconsiderate and unprofessional. as someone who works as an MA at a doctors office I know better to follow what the DR says. Doctor stated about seeing a patient within a certain time period for emergency treatment and staff (front) didn't care to listen to doctor and didn't give the patient the emergency appt. The mother was not going to wait months to get this done, and the child's infection spread through out the jaw and had to get emergency treatment elsewhere. wish the doctors really knew how the front staff is with their attitudes as well.
Heather Pereira
a year ago
Very nice, perfessional, accommodating. My daughter loves it there. It was her first time there and wants to continue on going there.
Shaira Vazquez
a year ago
Not Recommend at all. My daughter (2) was supposed to get a treatment for her front baby teeth she end up having an unnecessary full mouth restoration. Totally regret taking her to this place. She came out of "surgery" with dirty mouth still bleeding with two teeth extractions. Now she even freaks out to go to regular Dr. appointments when she never did.
m I
a year ago
I wish to give 1 star instead of 2 stars but as i have good experience with collingswood office so i give them 2 stars My daughter cap fall down after five minutes i call them they schedual me again after 2 weeks to fix it and charge me 75$ without any fault from me , it is only dentist fault , then it fall fown for the second time after one day I call them they ask me to go to another dentist as it must be installed by adult dentist
Melinda Baum
a year ago
Looking forward to our next visit. They did amazing with my sons first appointment. Very friendly staff.
Kelly Simpson
a year ago
It was our 1st visit. The office was absolutely clean. Front desk was courteous & professional. The medical assistant, lady that does the brushing and the doctor were all awesome. Thank you for being so patient with my son.
Nicole Molinari
a year ago
We have been going to Kool Koala for many years. We started out in Collingswood and recently moved to the Deptford office as it was closer. The wait times are getting longer and longer. My son had a 3:30pm appt today and I arrived at 3:20. I watched the patients that were there already get called in 1 by 1. Rightfully so. Then some children who arrived after me were still called before us. At 350 I went to the front desk and made sure they heard me correctly when I checked in. She said yes he's checked in. She then said something about the order which people are called but it didnt make sense... I don't understand how 4 people who arrived after me were all called in before me. Two more people who arrived after me were still called in. At 405, 35 mins after my appt time and 45 mins of waiting with a 4yr old with NO impulse control, we finally were called back. He needed his first set of xrays and the tech had ZERO patience with him. Her demeanor was rude and she was frustrated that he didn't understand her directions. He's only 4, although he is the size of a 6 yr old, so I figured maybe she thought he was older, even though I'm pretty sure his birth date is on his chart.... she then threatened him more than once, "do you want me to turn the TV off!" "Pay attention to the directions or I have to turn the TV off!" She was trying to get him to lift his chin and bite down on the equipment at the same time. She did not give these directions one at time, it was rushed and hurried, for obvious reasons. We had waited long enough for him to deserve time and patience like anyone else. So I stepped in to remind her, he was only 4 and this is his first time. He isn't just ignoring you on purpose. She then apologized and tried again, and praised him when she finished but it felt fake and forced. My son has special needs, but doesn't present as such. He has some processing issues and following more than 1 direction at a time can be difficult for him. The saving grace was the hygienist who was quick and thorough and Dr Maya who actually took 30 seconds to talk and engage with him before shoving something in his mouth. His actual appointment only took 15 minutes but including our wait time it was over an hour. Frustrating to say the least.
Jenifer Abarca
a year ago
amazing experience.
Samantha Horsey
a year ago
Amazing staff and experience I cannot be happier it's nice to see people who enjoy their practice as much as my child enjoyed coming there I can't wait to bring back all her brothers as well 10/10 for bedside manner and thorough yet positive outlooks two very important things to me when I have anyone caring for my family I love that they were worried about more long term problems that could arise by rushing this process of removal. That made me so much more comfortable about my daughters entire procedure . I would definitely recommend.
Jennifer Dalo
a year ago
The staff was very pleasant and didn't wait long for appointment. Doctor was nice and gentle.
Naeemah Mitchell
2 years ago
Always a great experience!
Jechelle Cosme
2 years ago
This was going to be the last time I bring my kids here however that is no longer the case . My kids have been attending this dentist for six years (started at the Collingswood office ) and the last time in December the front desk was just awful ! She was huffing and puffing , rolling her eyes and sucking her teeth like a grumpy teenager . Seems like they have new staff at the front desk because when we went today they were extremely kind and helpful ! The office is always clean and the lighting is great . The dental assistants who took the kids back were all very polite and knowledgeable! The hygienist was amazing ! She made my kids feel very comfortable! The dentist was fantastic as well! I'm so glad the front desk got it together because the experience the kids get with the hygienist and dentist is what kids should experience for first time dental visits etc. I definitely recommend Kool Koala of Deptford !
Erin Mcg
2 years ago
Charlie absolutely loves this dentist! She is always comfortable, feels safe and has fun with the staff . I am very grateful for this place
Shelly Sparks
2 years ago
My daughter (3) was sent to Kool Koala on an emergency basis. They squeezed her in without issue and the doctor was extremely friendly. Not only did he make her comfortable with kind words but he also made me comfortable with a detailed explanation of the problem and how we should proceed.
Xxxwolfyfire rose
2 years ago
Today was my nonverbal, very rambunctious son's first dentist appointment. The staff at Kool Koala were amazing. They were able to do a quick but thorough exam while I held onto my son as best as possible. He's a fighter, and I knew it was going to be difficult but the staff and doctor were so easy and laid back with him. They showed a lot of patience and I never felt for one second judged by anyone there for my son's behavior. And my son did give them a run for their money. Lol. Would totally recommend to anyone who has a child with a speech delay and rowdy behavior as my son has. I look forward to continuing to have my children seen by the staff at Kool Koala. And the Doctor ain't bad to look at either. .
antonietta carozza
2 years ago
Staff was great and friendly! And the wait was not long at all! My kids are terrified of the dentist! They loved the place and are not afraid to go back!
Valerie tomaszewski
2 years ago
My experience was outstanding and I was comfortable. I liked the movie and the sunglasses. Colton 8yr old
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