Dr. Donna Thomas was born and raised in the Kansas City area. She attended St. Marys high school and Rockhurst College. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry. Following graduation, Dr. Thomas completed a 2-year Pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha where she also obtained a Masters Degree. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association. She previously served on the Kansas Dental Board, after being appointed by the Governor, for 5 years and was President during her last year. Dr. Thomas completed the prestigious Leadership Kansas program and is currently serving as a Board of Trustees for the program. She was appointed to the Friends of Cedar Crest Association. Most recently, Dr. Thomas was appointed by the Governor to serve as on the Board of Directors to The KU Hospital Authority Board. She is married to Dr. Daniel Thomas, a Periodontist and they have 2 children, Alexandria and Preston, both currently in college. Dr. Thomas enjoys spending her free time with her family, traveling and exercising.

Dr. Nicole Hawkinson was raised in central Iowa and attended Luther College where she received a degree in biology. She then attended the University of Iowa, College of Dentistry, where she completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Hawkinson went on to continue her education and received a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry at Strong Memorial Hospital and the University of Rochester, NY. She received extensive training in child psychology, dental trauma, sedation, hospital dentistry and development.

Following residency she and her husband returned to the Midwest and settled in the Kansas City area. They are members at Church of Nativity, and are avid fans of Sporting KC soccer and the Kansas City Ballet. Dr. Hawkinson enjoys spending most of her free time with her children, Ethan, Henry and Kate.

Dr. Claudia Lopez is originally from Bogot, Colombia. She graduated first in her class at the El Bosque University of Dentistry. In 1992, she moved to the United States and obtained a certification in Pediatric Dentistry from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Lopez completed a DDS certificate and one year of dental research fellowship training at Childrens Mercy Hospital and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. Dr. Lopez is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is fluent in Spanish and has 17 years of teaching experience. She is active in the community and enjoys Tae-kwon-do, volleyball, yoga and swimming.

Dr. Frank Crist attended Park Hill High School where he graduated in 1982. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Kansas State University in 1986 and went on to attend the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1990. Dr. Crist completed a General Practice Residency at the Miami Childrens Hospital in Miami, Florida.

In 1993 he earned his certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science in Oral Biology from UMKC School of Dentistry. Dr. Crist is a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Crist and his family reside in Leawood, Kansas. He and his wife have three daughters, all of whom attend Blue Valley Schools.

We make every effort to ensure that your child has a positive experience in our office. At their first visit we will count teeth and tickle or brush their teeth. Should your child require further treatment such as a filling based on findings in your childs exam, our experienced staff will be selective in their use of words. We try to avoid words that may scare your child. We ask for your support in not using words that are often used for dental care. They include:

Our equivalent:-- Sleepy Water-- Whistle or water toothbrush-- Wash a tooth-- Wiggle a tooth out-- Sugar bugs-- Count teeth-- Tickle teeth or brush teeth-- Tooth counter-- Raincoat-- Laughing Gas/Happy air-- Discomfort

Our intention is not to fool the child; it is to create a dental experience that is positive. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us build a great relationship with you and your child. And remember, here at Pediatric Dental Specialists PA, we not only care; we truly believe Kids are Dino-mite.