We offer pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for children, teens, and patients with special healthcare needs. With years of education, hands-on training, and experience, our doctors and staff are uniquely able to meet the specific dental needs of our young patients.
Patients who undergo orthodontic treatment are able to have their orthodontic wires removed for dental cleanings and then have their braces adjusted during the same visit by the orthodontist. This service enables you to make fewer visits to the dentist during your childs orthodontic treatment by having all the care in one office.
Our dental and orthodontic charts are digital, which allows for better communication with other dental and medical doctors. This reduces the number of X-rays patients undergo, and improves communication between providers, which leads to better care.
As a new patient, your young child will receive a personalized book with his or her name and the name of the dentist. This book is kid-friendly and leads young children through their first dental visit and introduces them to, the dentist, dental staff, and some tools they will see during their visit. Read this to your child before his or her first visit to ease any fears.
We have a No-Cavity Club Program to reward children who perform good oral hygiene and have no cavities whereby they get entered into monthly drawings for gift cards. We also have many fun contests throughout the year to keep kids engaged and have positive experiences when visiting the dentist.
The doctors at Pediatric Dental Specialists are on-call for after-hours emergencies, including holidays and weekends. In the event of an emergency, you may contact our office to page the doctor on call, and expect to hear back within 30 minutes. The doctor will discuss the emergency over the phone and determine what action needs to be taken. Some emergency require seeing the patient in the office, other situations may be handled over the phone.
My practice philosophy is to provide the best possible dental care for children in a friendly environment and to advocate for the children's welfare in any way that I can. I enjoy seeing children who perhaps have been afraid of what we do for them, then develop trust and a positive attitude toward dentistry. After more than 35 years of continuous private practice, I still enjoy working with families every day and helping keep children in good oral health.
As a professional, there are a number of courses that I take each year in order to advance my skills in providing excellent care for my patients. It's about keeping abreast of the latest research and techniques in pediatric medicine and dentistry.
I have been on the teaching staff of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry since 1980 and work with the Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program on a part-time basis. I have also participated on the medical staff at Miller Childrens Hospital and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. I have been on several committees there and have served on the governing board of directors for more than eight years.
I enjoy working within communities, both locally and internationally. I work with Mission of Mercy-type dental clinics in California on behalf of the California Dental Association, and have participated in dental missions in many countries with the International Health Emissaries.
I like to inspire and motivate my team members to enjoy what we do and to train them to help me deliver excellent care. I like the positive attitude and great energy that they bring to our team. They bring new ideas for discussion and are excited when we adopt and implement those ideas. I enjoy seeing them develop and grow personally and professionally. I encourage them to advance their skills through continuing education to develop their clinical skills as well as their customer service skills.
Dr. Cortez is amazing! His gentle nature makes going to the dentist a joy for both of our kids! The dental hygienists are quick and efficient with cleanings, so the kids are finished before even thinking about it. The office staff is amazing as well!
Dr. Sanchez is a superb dentist who took the time to explain to my child exactly what she needed to do to maintain acceptable oral health. Words from a caring professional work better than nagging from mom! Thank you!
As a pediatric dentist, I have the opportunity to provide quality dental experiences for children. I feel passionate about giving children personalized care so they can achieve their most beautiful oral health. Being a mother myself, I strive to create a comfortable and gentle environment for the families.
Dr. Planells has been in dental practice since 2004 when she joined Pediatric Dental Specialists as a recent graduate from the UCLA Combined Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Program. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from UCLA, where she graduated in the top 5% of her class and was invited to join the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society. She received her pediatric dentistry and orthodontic specialty training at UCLA, and went on to become board certified in Pediatric Dentistry in 2007. For several years Dr. Planells held a Lecturer Faculty position at UCLA where she worked with the pediatric dental residents.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 134 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestMatt Dobberpuhl
2 years ago
Great experience! Thank you Chewie!!
Nancy Martin
2 years ago
My son is an anxious patient and I am always impressed at the level of patience and care given by Dr. Sanchez and her staff. Thank you!
Kimberly Mccartney
2 years ago
My son has been seeing Pediatric Dental Specialists since he was 6 months and he's not 11. We were recommended by a friend. We love the office staff some have been with the practice for about 25 years. They never over book. We are always right in and out. My son is terrified of the dentist due to his very high gag reflex. Chuy (pronounced Chewie) is one of the hygienist and he is THE MOST patience "COOL" man I know. He takes his time to explain every step so my son feels at ease. I can't say enough about this Man. My husband passed a few years ago and Chuy takes time to give my son some amazing life advice. Yes, this is at a dentist office. You gain more than just healthy teeth when you bring your child here. I couldn't wait to write this review because it's so easy to when it's all true. Lastly, we moved about an 1.5 away from the office and choose to still go to their office because we know we won't find anyone like them around.
Linda Vera
2 years ago
My kids have been going here for a few years. Dr. Cortez and staff are amazing. I would totally recommend this dentist to a friend.
Gloria Calderon
2 years ago
Everyone there in awesome but Chuy is the best! He makes the kids feel comfortable, very gentle & he is very sweet. Love this place
Clockworkreapers
2 years ago
Staff was very kind and understanding. They also helped me figure out payment since this is my first time paying by myself which was super helpful! All around good experience
John Forsyte
2 years ago
The staff were really nice and everybody was super helpful!
Edwin Lewis
2 years ago
Great experience for my two boys. Super helpful and kind and great advice on how to keep their teeth healthy and take better care at home.
Raquel Perez
2 years ago
Delightful, friendly staff and office. We love Dr. Cortez!
Immanuel Urzua
2 years ago
Our 7 year old son always looks forward to seeing Dr. Cortez work on his teeth as well as his dental assistant. Simply the best children's dentist for us since 2018:)
Gillian Waldenfels
2 years ago
The office is always amazing with my kids. They are kind and caring.
Dalila Salas
2 years ago
This place is amazing. Everyone is so friendly and professional. Chuy is amazing!! Every time my 6 yr old comes in, he is so attentive and makes him feel so comfortable. He always looks forward to going to the dentist because of how great Chuy is with him. Dr. Cortez really takes the time to explain everything and make sure we are informed of the treatment plan.
Art Jo
2 years ago
Love how prompt they are with their appointment times. Zero to little wait time in waiting room. Dr Ana Planells and her team are Awesome!!!!!
Jess Ordaz
2 years ago
Great office!! Everyone is always so nice and friendly and makes getting check ups fun and easy.. My kids love coming to the dentist
Nicole
2 years ago
Excellent service. Very efficient and clean. They are patient and sweet with the kids. Highly recommend taking your kiddos here!
Maggie Gallo
2 years ago
Once again we had a great experience at Pediatric Dental Specialist! We have been coming here for 11 years and every time we have had the best experience with all of the staff and Dr. Cortez. A special shout out to Mr. Chuy! He is always wonderful with my girls! He makes them feel comfortable, especially my little one who is always afraid of going to the dentist. But once she sees Mr. Chuy, she is relaxed and ready for her treatment. Thank you to all the staff and Dr. Cortez.
Dana Prickett
2 years ago
Doctors and dental visits have always been stressful because my 2.5 year old son typically cries hysterically the entire time. Today I took him and my 4.5 year old for their cleanings and Chuy and Dr. Cortez we're so patient, gentle and really took the time to make them both comfortable. It was my son's first cleaning and he actually had fun. Thank you for making this a great experience! The office is also clean, efficient and had great Covid procedures.
Christine Lawson
2 years ago
Always a great experience with Pediatric Dental Specialists. Dr. Sanchez is thorough and responsive and takes the time to take care of my little ones. She is gentle, friendly and very understanding. I feel like I can trust her judgement. And our hygienist is so personable and kind.The office itself is clean and they are abiding by COVID regulations. I highly recommend this dental office for your little ones!
Juanita Ramirez
2 years ago
We've been coming here for years and absolutely have been pleased with the whole office as a whole! Thank you for your excellent care of all my children through out the years!
nugged247
2 years ago
Dr. Cortez is the absolute best! My son has been seeing him since he's had teeth (he is now 17). My son is autistic and Dr. Cortez and his staff do an AMAZING job making my son feel comfortable. They are very accommodating. My son does not like the exam chair so they let him sit on the doctor's chair while they perform the exams and cleaning. I cannot recommend Pediatric Dental Specialists enough, especially if you have a special needs child.
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