Dr. Prater was the first pediatric dentist to practice in Olathe, Kansas. Since 1980, he has actively participated in organized dentistry at the local, state, and national levels. Always keeping an eye on current trends in pediatric, orthodontic, and preventive dentistry, Dr. Prater has regularly trained with recognized leaders in many branches of dentistry and is certified by the Academy of Laser Dentistry.
Since starting his private practice, Dr. Prater has performed over 2,000 general anesthesia cases in the operating room, completed over 2,000 full orthodontic cases, and has had 10 years of laser experience treating soft and hard tissues. This is in addition to the fillings, crowns, extractions, and preventive care performed daily in his dental office.
Dr. Prater is very proud of his family. He has been married to his wife, Patricia, since 1975, and has two children, Sean and Breanna.Sean is in psychiatry residency and Breanna recently joined the practice after completing her pediatric dentistry residency.
Dr. Praters many years of experience in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and laser treatment make him uniquely qualified to care for the oral health of newborns, infants, growing children, adolescents and teenagers.
Our staff members enjoy a long term relationship with both the office and our patients. Several staff members have been with us since we began practicing over 20 years ago. Many of our current patients parents were also seen by our office as a child!
I have enjoyed working for Dr. Prater since 1998. I started out working in the office as an assistant and in 2004, I graduated from JCCC with a degree in Dental Hygiene. I enjoy getting to know the patients and their families! Its really fun watching our patients grow up through the practice. I have been married to my best friend Dave since 2002 and we have 2 Children-Noah and Jillian. We love spending time with each other fishing and hiking in Colorado or relaxing on the beach in Florida.
My name is Jessica and Im one of the newest additions to the dental office. I grew up in Lees Summit, Missouri, where I attended Lees Summit West high school, where I also played soccer all four years. Following that, I continued my soccer career at Metropolitan Community College Blue River for another two years. I graduated from MWDA with my CDA in 2013. Ive been enjoying the orthodontics side of dental since 2013 as well. Since then I have moved out to Johnson County. I really enjoy getting to know my patients and watching them grow. Ultimately, I would love to go back to school and work towards my RDH. In my free time I love spoiling my two 90lb Doberman lap dogs, hanging out with friends, and being outdoors. Also, making custom home decor, sign and yard game orders for my side business, Chic Happenings. I love keeping busy!
Hello, my name is Cherie and I have been Dr. Praters Dental Assistant since 2006. I have a 15-year-old daughter, Paige, who is active in Cheerleading and Girl Scouts. In my free time I enjoy going to the lake and relaxing by the water, spending time with my family, and crocheting. I love talking to and getting to know all of my patients. I am a die-hard Denver Broncos fan, I enjoy cheering on my K-State Wildcats, and I LOVE my RoyalsSalvy is my man! Thanks for taking a minute to get to know me, I look forward to seeing you in our office!
Hello, my name is Emylee and I am the front office receptionist for Dr. Prater. I went to school to become a dental assistant and got my CDA in 2012. I have since made the jump to front office work and I absolutely love it! I enjoy getting to know new people and I get the chance to do that every day now! I graduated from Lees Summit High School in 2009, and started classes at Longview community college. I got married in 2012 and moved out to Kansas. I have two sons who keep my Husband and I on our toes. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, baking and going on walks with our family and our two dogs Pickles and Kane. I look forward to meeting and getting to know all of you!
Hello, my name is Brianna. I started with Dr. Prater in 1999 as a chairside assistant and with years of training I am currently one of Dr. Praters orthodontic assistants. I love working in pediatric dentistry and seeing my orthodontic patients month after month creating beautiful smiles. I married my husband Brian in 1998 and we had our daughter Bailey in 2004. We love taking summer vacations, especially to the mountains in Colorado. I get to spend a lot of time at the softball fields during the summer watching Bailey play! We also enjoy going to see movies as a family in our free time. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better! I cant wait to see you all in our office!
Reviews
Rating 3.7 out of 5 based on 22 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJ Max
2 years ago
Sadly, I think Prater should lose his license. Putting it kindly, he is unqualified to perform tongue and lip ties revisions. We did not know better, and we took our first baby to him. We were desperate for help, and I did not research him like I should have. Prater did not release our son's ties properly. My baby suffered needlessly. Prater was rough and uncaring. His wound aftercare is nonsensical. He is the only health "professional" that recommends healing by reopening a wound. To be clear, stretching and exercise is important. Not reopening a wound. We finally took our baby to a second provider, who properly adjusted his ties. I have no doubt Prater would say we just got "unlucky" and there are many variables. No doubt there are. However, I have had revisions done on three kiddos now, and never had an issue with the other provider. It does not take much research to see how many children Prater has hurt due to his incompetence. I am a very calm individual. There are very few things that make me upset. One of the things that really troubles me, is someone who causes needless pain to children. I get the desperation that parents have with nursing struggles. Please look elsewhere. If you need answers there are tongue tie support groups on FB. To date, taking my little guy to Prater, is one of my biggest regrets in life. Don't make the same mistake I did.
Heather Fine
2 years ago
Loved everyone at the office. Dr. Prater is very thorough and knowledgeable. He took care of my son's lip, tongue and cheek ties. It has made our breastfeeding journey a lot easier for both of us! We would highly recommend this amazing office!!
Free Fromya
2 years ago
I've been bringing both my children here since they were infants. I now drive 40 minutes just to keep going to Praters, even though I have many closer options. We've had tie lasers, crossbite orthodontics, and regular cleanings.
Taylor Ostling
3 years ago
I appreciate dr. Prater and the staff taking such good care my daughter. They throughly explained everything and made sure I understood everything.
Shane Johnson
3 years ago
Horrible experience. Dr. Prater doesn't know what he is doing with a laser and should not be allowed to do such a complex procedure on babies so young. Completely traumatized and ruined feeding for our 3 week old son. He is 4 months old now and still hasn't recovered from this experience. Please do your research and go elsewhere.
Carli Johnson
3 years ago
Honestly, I wish I could give negative stars. I never write reviews, but this is how strongly I feel. We brought my son to see Dr. Prater at 3 weeks old to help with breastfeeding latch issues, reflux symptoms, gas pain, etc. due to a tongue tie. The day that Dr. Prater did our son's revision was the day our nightmare began. My son is ten thousand times worse than he was when we brought him there to begin with, and I would do anything to get my old son back. I followed his aftercare instructions PERFECTLY, and yet was still told that his tie reattached due to my negligence with the exercises (Also - since when is it aftercare/healing to rub an open wound??? NEVER) Tongue tie revision is a very complex issue that requires more than just lasering the tie. Dr. Prater does not have the necessary training on optimal timing for tongue tie release, as well as the importance of body work before/after revision. Now that we have been working with so many providers who have done extensive training in tongue tie revisions, we are getting another tongue tie revision, however we are going somewhere else and paying the cost again even though we could get it done for free at Prater's office. That's how much I DO NOT recommend him. Please please I am begging you to see a chiropractor/CST trained in tongue ties before getting a revision, especially with Dr. Prater. I would never wish my situation upon anyone.
Heather Fine
3 years ago
Loved everyone at the office. Dr. Prater is very thorough and knowledgeable. He took care of my son's lip, tongue and cheek ties. It has made our breastfeeding journey a lot easier for both of us! We would highly recommend this amazing office!!
Kendra Harris
3 years ago
I am a very thorough person when it comes to medical practices for my children, and I always do ample research before any treatment given to them. When my 2-year-old son had cavities on his front two teeth, I called at least ten pediatric offices to ask about how they would be filled. Every single one said they would sedate him, either in their dental office or in a local hospital. Beyond the thousands of dollars this would have cost I also did not desire anesthesia for my toddler, as the small risk associated was too scary for me. These offices also did not allow parents to be in the same room with their child as they were being put under/treated. Finally I discovered laser dentistry, and through that Dr. Nick Prater. Dr. Prater offered Versed as a partial sedation, a liquid my son could drink in his office and become a little sleepy with but not be fully under. And I was allowed to stay in the room. I was beyond grateful. And then when I said I didn't even want the Versed and just preferred to nurse him to a sleepy state and have them work on him in my arms, they agreed to let me do it that way too. Basically, this a practice that gives parents the choice and does not strong arm them or push them into doing things they are not comfortable with or are totally unnecessary expenses. Dr. Prater and his staff worked quickly and professionally. My son's fillings look great and though he cried during the first procedure at age 2 with no anesthetic (again, my choice), the whole thing took 15-20 minutes and as soon as it was over he bounced right off of me with no tears or grumpiness in sight. He discovered Dr. Prater's claw machine as a reward and was overjoyed! Such a brilliant thing to have in a doctor's office. Fast forward to age 3 and he couldn't wait to go back, was actually counting down the days. Had another fast filling with no anesthesia and ZERO tears. Absolutely fabulous practice, hygienists, and dentist. And the fact that he offers laser dentistry for children speaks volumes: most do not yet. Dr. Prater is ahead of the game and deserves recognition for staying up to date on the latest dental treatments available. So grateful to them and glad my son and I have them!
Lauren Nicole Wilkinson
3 years ago
They took great care of my son. Thank you.
Brooke Fleshman
3 years ago
I took my 3 yr old son to Dr Prater. Our insurance does not cover anyone who uses this laser so we had to pay out of pocket which I was fine with if the laser could be used versus using general anesthesia / drill and fill. I scheduled and paid for a consultation just so the dentist could look at the cavities and confirm that the laser could be used on them. He suggested an oral sedative to which I agreed to and said the laser could be used. We went to the scheduled appt, gave my 3 yr old the sedative, and it wasn't until my son was sedated and in the chair ready to go that the dentist said "nevermind, we'll have to use the drill. Can't use the laser." I felt very on the spot given that he was already sedated. He screamed. The experience was bad. Got a $1k bill for something that could have been covered elsewhere and feel it's ridiculous because I paid for a consultation to confirm the laser could be used before the first appt. I expressed how I felt and got the whole "well, sorry for the miscommunication" Vented about this in a Facebook moms group only to hear many other moms have had bad experiences. Go elsewhere.
Kelly Wills
3 years ago
Dr. Prater and Team are incredible! Our appointment was set up promptly and we were greeted warmly upon arrival. Dr. Prater addressed our son's tongue tie and lip tie, providing consultation and treatment within the same appointment. We are lucky to know him and those in his practice. We will be returning in the near future for pediatric dental needs!
Shealei Miller
3 years ago
Dr. Prayer used the laser to release
Randall Landzettel
3 years ago
Today we took our son Christian to see Dr. Prater for a tongue tie revision. Couldn't be happier with the care that our son received! The entire medical staff was very thorough with us in regards to post-op care for our son, and took the time to explain things to us. Thank you so much to Dr. Prater, Cherie, and another female doctor who I missed name (blond short hair who she herself had had a tongue tie revision). You all were amazing!
Carli Johnson
3 years ago
Honestly, I wish I could give negative stars. I never write reviews, but this is how strongly I feel. We brought my son to see Dr. Prater at 3 weeks old to help with breastfeeding latch issues, reflux symptoms, gas pain, etc. due to a tongue tie. The day that Dr. Prater did our son's revision was the day our nightmare began. My son is ten thousand times worse than he was when we brought him there to begin with, and I would do anything to get my old son back. I followed his aftercare instructions PERFECTLY, and yet was still told that his tie reattached due to my negligence with the exercises (Also - since when is it aftercare/healing to rub an open wound??? NEVER) Tongue tie revision is a very complex issue that requires more than just lasering the tie. Dr. Prater does not have the necessary training on optimal timing for tongue tie release, as well as the importance of body work before/after revision. Now that we have been working with so many providers who have done extensive training in tongue tie revisions, we are getting another tongue tie revision, however we are going somewhere else and paying the cost again even though we could get it done for free at Prater's office. That's how much I DO NOT recommend him. Please please I am begging you to see a chiropractor/CST trained in tongue ties before getting a revision, especially with Dr. Prater. I would never wish my situation upon anyone.
Britni Fleshman
3 years ago
Nephew is not comfortable with dentists anymore. Unethical facility.
Taylor Ostling
3 years ago
I appreciate dr. Prater and the staff taking such good care my daughter. They throughly explained everything and made sure I understood everything.
Shane Johnson
3 years ago
Horrible experience. Dr. Prater doesn't know what he is doing with a laser and should not be allowed to do such a complex procedure on babies so young. Completely traumatized and ruined feeding for our 3 week old son. He is 4 months old now and still hasn't recovered from this experience. Please do your research and go elsewhere.
Lauren Nicole Wilkinson
4 years ago
They took great care of my son. Thank you.
Kendra Harris
4 years ago
I am a very thorough person when it comes to medical practices for my children, and I always do ample research before any treatment given to them. When my 2-year-old son had cavities on his front two teeth, I called at least ten pediatric offices to ask about how they would be filled. Every single one said they would sedate him, either in their dental office or in a local hospital. Beyond the thousands of dollars this would have cost I also did not desire anesthesia for my toddler, as the small risk associated was too scary for me. These offices also did not allow parents to be in the same room with their child as they were being put under/treated. Finally I discovered laser dentistry, and through that Dr. Nick Prater. Dr. Prater offered Versed as a partial sedation, a liquid my son could drink in his office and become a little sleepy with but not be fully under. And I was allowed to stay in the room. I was beyond grateful. And then when I said I didn't even want the Versed and just preferred to nurse him to a sleepy state and have them work on him in my arms, they agreed to let me do it that way too. Basically, this a practice that gives parents the choice and does not strong arm them or push them into doing things they are not comfortable with or are totally unnecessary expenses. Dr. Prater and his staff worked quickly and professionally. My son's fillings look great and though he cried during the first procedure at age 2 with no anesthetic (again, my choice), the whole thing took 15-20 minutes and as soon as it was over he bounced right off of me with no tears or grumpiness in sight. He discovered Dr. Prater's claw machine as a reward and was overjoyed! Such a brilliant thing to have in a doctor's office. Fast forward to age 3 and he couldn't wait to go back, was actually counting down the days. Had another fast filling with no anesthesia and ZERO tears. Absolutely fabulous practice, hygienists, and dentist. And the fact that he offers laser dentistry for children speaks volumes: most do not yet. Dr. Prater is ahead of the game and deserves recognition for staying up to date on the latest dental treatments available. So grateful to them and glad my son and I have them!
Shealei Miller
4 years ago
Dr. Prayer used the laser to release
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