When youre looking for a local kids dentist in San Antonio who will help your child have their very best smile, visit Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry. Wed love to welcome your family into our practice family! Our team of pediatric dental professionals are committed to making you and your kids visit a great one.
Many patients wonder why they should bring their child to a certified pediatric dentist rather than just taking them to their own family dentist who sees all ages. Think of it this way: You would find a pediatrician to take care of your kids overall physical health, so why shouldnt you do the same for their dental health?
Dental professionals who have received certification to be considered official childrens dentists have been specifically trained to understand and work with kids unique dental needs, including tooth development. They not only understand the ins and outs of what children need to maintain healthy smiles, but they also know on a personal level how to work with children so they dont feel nervous or afraid.
An added bonus is that a dental office completely devoted to younger patients will more likely have a fun, inviting atmosphere that sets kids at ease. Take our dental practice for example, in addition to our bright accents we have specific toys, books, and decorative touches that lighten up the visit for a positive experience.
Heres an easy way to remember when to bring your kid to the dentist for the first time: Get it done by year one! Your child should start seeing a dentist by their first birthday. Many babies will get their first tooth around six months old. Even though primary teeth, or baby teeth, eventually fall out, its crucial to monitor them to ensure proper alignment of permanent teeth and speech development. Not to mention, baby teeth can still get cavities too.
We proudly serve patients from Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Olmos Park, Oak Park, Northwood, and more! Our practice is right off of 281 and just a short drive down Sunset Road. Our office is also a five minute drive away from Howard Early Childhood Center, Woodridge Elementary, Alamo Heights Junior High, and several other schools in the area, which helps make dental visits on school days easier. We strive to make our care as convenient and accessible as we can!
At Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry, we are a team of trusted pediatric dental specialists who take pride in caring for your childs dental needs. We love helping kids start off on the right path for a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Dr. Joanna Ayala was born and raised in San Antonio. After earning her bachelors degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dr. Ayala went on to complete her dental degree at Boston University. Her passion for children inspired her to continue her education at Miami Childrens Hospital, where she earned her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry.
Dr. Handa earned her dental degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During this time, she was involved in various pediatric patient-centered activities, including the Infant Oral Health Care Club, Craniofacial Center at Ronald Reagan Hospital, UCLA.
Her dedication and passion for children made her go a step further and she earned her specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where she served as the chief resident. Her training covered the full spectrum of behavior management, basic and advanced, which included sedation and hospital dentistry. She also excelled in working with children with autism at the Mailman Segal Center for Human Development as part of her residency.
Dr. Jennifer Hole is a San Antonio native, born and raised in the Alamo Heights area. She attended the Honors Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she double majored in Biology and Chemistry. Upon being awarded the Bush-Jones Sprenger Scholarship for Leadership and Academic Excellence, she attended Baylor College of Dentistry, where she graduated with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2012. During her time at Baylor, Dr. Hole was involved in many leadership positions, including student council class representative, philanthropy chair, student consultant for Admissions Committee and a mentor for the summer pre-enrichment program for prospective students.
Dr. Hole lives in the neighborhood she grew up in with her husband, Dr. Steven Hole, who is a Captain in the United States Army. They have two children together, a daughter, Riley, who is two years old and a son, Everett, who turned one this past May. While life with two kids can get busy, in her free time she enjoys cooking, crafting, and running!
Dr. Kara Whittington was born and raised in nearby Castroville, Texas. She received a bachelor of science degree in psychology at Texas A&M University, class of 2008. Gig Em Aggies! She then moved back to San Antonio and completed her DDS at UTHSCSA. She practiced in San Antonio for the next 6 years where her passion for treating children grew until she decided to return to school to specialize in pediatrics, completing her residency at UT Health San Antonio-Laredo.
Born and raised in Palma de Mallorca, off of the coast of Spain, and moving through Madrid (Spain) and Munich (Germany) for her dental degree, Dr. Font ended up at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio for her Orthodontic and Masters degree.
Dr. Font has been Board Certified since 2014 and is an affiliate member of the prestigious Angle Society. Involved in all national and local associations, including the American Association of Orthodontists, the Southwest Society of Orthodontists and the Texas Association of Orthodontists, she is one of the two women who serve in the Board of Directors in the Texas Association of Orthodontists.
Like many of us, Dr. Font likes outdoor activities and is involved in teaching and lecturing, but also values quiet time to do some reading, cooking or going to TaeKwondo hoping to achieve a black belt someday. Come and meet her!
Dr. Poonam Shah received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Childrens Hospital of Michigan. She also graduated from the University of the Pacific Dental School in San Francisco, CA and received her Bachelors degree from University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. She is a Board Certified Specialist with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Shah was motivated to go into pediatric dentistry due to her own dental experiences as a child. Although Dr. Shah did not grow up in Texas, both her parents are UT Austin graduates (Go Longhorns!) and lived in Texas for 10+ years. Dr. Shah was drawn to Sunshine Pediatric Dentistrys commitment to their patients and oral health. Dr. Shahs goal is to create a positive dental experience at Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry so children can grow into healthy adults without feelings of fear or worry when visiting a dentist. With patience, communication and by truly caring, she hopes to make each visit an easy one.
Dr. Lori Fulk is a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics. She graduated Magnum Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University and then completed her degree in June of 1999 at SIU School of Dental Medicine. In 2001, she achieved her Masters degree in Orthodontics at St. Louis University. Dr. Fulk was also inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society.
Dr. Fulk emanates compassion and commitment in her services to all people, in all places. She has traveled to provide dentistry to the underprivileged in Haiti and Honduras. Her volunteer efforts were recognized with an award for the best Give Kids a Smile Day initiative by the state of Illinois.
In 2007, Dr. Lori Fulk relocated to San Antonio after working at a private practice for six years in Peoria, Illinois. She has been practicing orthodontics in San Antonio for 16 years before joining Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry.
Since moving to San Antonio, Dr. Fulk has been blessed with two sons, Ian and Evan. She is enjoying raising her boys here in Texas as well as serving the community of Alamo Heights and surrounding areas. Dr.Fulk and the incredible staff look forward to creating beautiful smiles for the patients of Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry!