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.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 183 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKim Hamm
a year ago
Absolutely top notch, caring staff that treated my son with ASD with kindness and dignity. I'm so grateful.
Alia Potts
a year ago
I love taking my son here. the space is clean with friendly workers. I love how its decorated. My son enjoys seeing all the Dinosaurs and being rewarded at the end. Its a very professional atmosphere.
Candice Childress
a year ago
My kids dentist is GREAT but the front desk workers not so much. They pick and choose when they want to give you a breakdown of charges for your services and you're surprised with a bill at the end of your service. The billing manager is extremely rude and does not know how to talk to customers. I have been calling to speak with the practice manager for almost a month now and she isn't returning my calls although I've left several msgs. I hate to switch my kids dentist because the doctor does a great job but at this point I have to. Update: Still no call to address my concerns. This shows how much they don't care about their clients.
Ruth Keenan
a year ago
I appreciate their way with children and parents! We were treated well and informed perfectly at both the Lee's Summit and Leewood locations. We are so happy to have found this group!
Wendy Bowman
a year ago
Jessica is so patient and kind with my son on the spectrum. She's just as awesome with my daughter. The staff is friendly and helpful. I am always happy to recommend our dentist.
Kelly Benscoter
2 years ago
All staff are so kind and helpful. I love how they give the kids a coin to get you from machine! It makes the experience much better for little ones!
Kristi Rasnic
2 years ago
Staff is able to work very well with children that have a fear of dental work including just cleanings. Busy offices but the Doctors will take all the time you need for things to be explained.
Louise Wilson
2 years ago
As always a great experience. Team are so friendly, they put you at ease by explaining everything they are going to do before doing it and it is extremely clean.
Amy Stafford
2 years ago
Dr Lopez is the absolute best with our kiddo. She is kind, positive, reassuring, and has made all the difference in our dental journey. Our kiddo faced a lot of repair needs and complex painful visits due to a neglectful prior dentist, and having her support is something we're so grateful for.
TerriAnn White-Bowling
2 years ago
I've taken my two kids since 2007. My daughter once needed a filling and they were so gentle with her that she was totally unaware of even receiving a numbing shot. They have terms they use for procedures as to not alarm little ones. My children absolutely love it there! Very glad to know they can still go even when they are in high school and college since that's the only place they've known. I will have to look hard to find another place to match the kindness, professionalism and care they give. Best comments dentist in Kansas City imho.
Tamara Tilton
2 years ago
I was extremely nervous because my 4 year old son to be put to sleep to have his teeth worked on. Everyone here was incredible & I definitely recommend them!! My son is doing so good & his teeth look great!
Erin Krasick
2 years ago
Clean and the staff we experienced were kind, friendly and gentle with my sensitive boy. We do have to return for a filling in a few months so I'm hoping for a continued kind, gentle experience.
Demetria Booth-Williams
2 years ago
We have been coming to Pediatric Dental since my son was at least 2 with teeth! We love the staff and Dr. Hawkinson. Not just a number! They treat you like family!
Shelby Curtis
2 years ago
PLEASE READ: VERY HONEST REVIEW I have been bringing my kids here for last couple of years. I will say it is VERY kid friendly and my kids never mind going because of the toys and the video games and the slushies. HOWEVER they take you through at least an hour of paperwork every time you go even if nothing has changed-the most I have ever had to repeat in any office setting. Even though they make you do that, they do not update their system based on what you take your sweet time to fill out. They will bill the wrong insurance over and over and over again until you die. I have called I have emailed and they finally corrected it-but did not let me know. I had to hear it from my insurance. Secondly-We have been customers since my kids have had teeth. We used to go the location up North, but now live in Lee's Summit so we take them there. Since you make Dentist appointments 6 months in advance (again that's typical not complaining), there isn't really a way to know if you actually be free that day or not. When I called this morning to try and move my kids appointment, they told me I have to come or they won't get my kids in for another 5 months. That was kind of the last straw. I don't even mind pushing it out a month if they are busy, but this was the last straw. In summation: no problem with the actual dental care or kid friendly environment. Administrative staff will not do their job; will not communicate, will not update your insurance even after scanning it in 12 times, and will be very rude and refuse your kids service for half a year if you need to move appointments. I sincerely hope this place gets back to how it used to be.
Kimberly Harmon
2 years ago
My daughter has gone here for years and we couldn't be happier with the staff and doctors!!
Kristin Cochran
2 years ago
LOVE the staff!!!!
Jamie Shillito
2 years ago
We love Pediatric Dental Specialists in Lee's Summit, MO! The hygienists are great, the atmosphere is fun and comfortable and both of my kids have had great experiences here. I will say that my kids are not the greatest patients (i.e. loud, criers, afraid of pain). They do a great job of helping to calm them down, stay focused on the work and get the job done. We also used them for their ortho work and it was a great experience with great results! Highly recommend!
Melissa Viayra-Mailen
2 years ago
I have been bringing my daughter here since 2012 and she is now 15 with braces. We love this dentist office. I am shocked at the comments as well. We never feel rushed or crowded. I personally see it as a great place when a business is actively busy. It means they're doing things right. She has always loved the slushies as they have provided comfort to her sometimes sore gums, with a little fun. Thanks for all that you do for my daughter's care, I am most appreciative, and will continue to bring my daughter to those we both trust.
Melanie Adkins
2 years ago
We always love it here, they take great care of both our daughters!
Hannah Newkirk
2 years ago
We have taken our three children to Pediatric Dental Specialists for the last several years. They love coming to the dentist. The kid-friendly atmosphere and welcoming staff makes each visit a positive one...even when they require some sort of dental work that could be considered traumatic to some!
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