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 4.4 out of 5 based on 311 reviews
Sort by
newest oldest highest lowestRosie Afriyie
2 years ago
Very thorough and dedicated to their patients.
Zuheily Esteves
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Nice, very attentive and very friendly staff, everything very clean (Original) Lindo, personal muy atento y muy amable, todo bien limpio
Elizabeth Medina
2 years ago
My girls are always happy to go the dentist. Excellent with kids and ver professionals.
Sheila Ramos-Pagan
2 years ago
Excellent services!
Lorna Quintana
2 years ago
You die before someone answers the phone, beside that they are great with kids and front desk service is aswome if you are there in person of course...
Ki Ki
2 years ago
This place is awesome.
Erika Surrency
2 years ago
The office was well lit, clean and colorful. Perfect for kids! The staff was very pleasant and patient. I'm so happy I found them!
Cindy Gamesa
2 years ago
Dr. Maya was great. Had wonderful bedside manner. The hygienist was great as well. I was not pleased with the initial interaction. There was no sensitivity with regard to the child's first visit. I initially was not allowed to come back with my son and he didn't know what to expect. It was a shock to my son and quite a traumatic experience. He said that the person was very impatient and not friendly. I am seriously reconsidering seeking an alternate office.
Chrissy George
2 years ago
I would definitely recommend for parents to bring young ones here. My little one is special needs and they were awesome with them. They were able to answer and address my concerns and the experience was not at all traumatizing for my little one. My little one threw up and the dentist stood and held a bag for them to throw up in. So sweet and considerate of all my little ones needs.
Luis Vega
2 years ago
It is ALWAYS a great experience at Kool Koala. My five children get seen there. They are patience and professional. I highly recommend them. Thanks Kool Koala!!!
Janieta Jennings
2 years ago
My experience was very good
jennifer cruz
2 years ago
Experience was really great awesome workers Best experience ever this will be my kids permanent dentist
Lourdes Roman
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) Excellent service (Original) Excelente servicio
katie
2 years ago
The staff made me feel judged and uncomfortable. They talked to me like I was a 2 year old that just started speaking and to be honest it felt like they were making fun of me. The whole point of a kids dental office or any dental office in this matter is to make the patient feel comfortable, not judged, made fun of, or uncomfortable. If you don't like kids then don't work at a place for kids. Don't go here or bring your kids here.
eddalis olmo
2 years ago
My boys love coming here
Renee Jarrell
2 years ago
Staff are always friendly and attentive. They make my 8 year old feel comfortable
victoria RUTH
2 years ago
My children went to Kool Koala for several years while I was an employee. I left Dr Ballard's practice because of inappropriate advances towards me and so my children found a new dentist . My daughter is a teenager and at the new dentist, needed several fillings. Dr Ballard had previously treated these teeth and the insurance denied the new filling for " frequency". This means that Dr Ballard's fillings were not done properly or with qualify products. As the clinical ordering manager, I can assure you he was always finding the least expensive options. My daughter should not have needed four fillings redone that were just done within the past two to three years. We had to pay 100% for new fillings to be done right. I am so mad! I haven't said anything about his behavior out of respect but when I have to pay again For fillings to be done correctly, I am really annoyed. Two stars for the nice ladies that work there.
Najaah Gayle
2 years ago
I am always in and out and the staff is really friendly.
Pilkia Dailga
2 years ago
Absolutely wonderful, understanding and they take their time. Me and my son had to come all the way from Atlantic city to come to Kool Koala. My son was in pain for weeks and no one in Atlantic city would offer to give him and appointment on short notice. We also were at chop er in Pennsylvania but our insurance is from lacking NJ so we were stuck. I'm greatful for Kool Koala!
David Oldham
2 years ago
EDIT (changed rating): Look at the other recent reviews, same story. We were initially excited to bring our kids to this practice and liked Dr. Ballard on our first appointment. That was 5 years ago and we haven't seen him since. The other dentists have seemed good (with one noteworthy exception I won't get into here) though we were never notified who we would see. The problem as noted below is the waiting area and administrative staff. We took time off work for our kids' appointment this morning to find out they were cancelled because we didn't confirm a text message. I put this appointment on my calendar, I expect them to put it on theirs. I will be there unless I cancel, I don't call them to confirm they're keeping it. It doesn't help that the TV is at full volume so you can't hear the desk staff and have to yell to be heard, so the stage is set for bad communication. We were told the next available appointment is in 3 months so I'm making it with a different practice. And because a reviewer below mentioned her kids have health issues, I note that the mask mandate appears to be lifted here. Sorry, Dr. Ballard, take care.
Load more