Patience and flexibility are the key words. We listen to each child, to hear their concerns, so their experience is positive. We value each child as an individual and want to develop personal connections to enhance the feeling they will get in our office. We believe you will find our office cheerful, personable, comfortable and accommodating. Our office has a tropical look and is as non-dental as possible.

Our vision is to have your child or teen have such a good experience, their generation may enjoy going to the dentist. We strive to educate our patients and parents in the latest fact-based dental techniques, in an age appropriate manner and provide quality dentistry in a supportive environment.

All metal instruments, burs and high speed hand pieces are heat sterilized. We have both a chemical heat sterilizer and a steam heat sterilizer. Both sterilizers are tested weekly, by an outside lab for adequacy of sterilization. All other plastic items, plastic covering, rubber prophy cups, brushes, saliva suctions, etc. are thrown away. We use many plastic coverings (barrier method) so we do not have to spray as many chemicals.

Since our reopening, per CDC guidelines, we have developed enhanced infection control to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep patients and staff safe. We have temperature checks for all employees, parents and patients. All business staff wear level 2 masks, shields and gloves. All dental staff wear level 3 KN95 OR N95 masks, shields ,gloves, and extra layers of clothing including gowns and head coverings. All parents and patients are asked to wear masks, and hand sanitizer several times during their visit. The office is fogged with hydrochlorous acid at lunch and at the end of the day.

Dental Insurance is a wonderful aid to help cover the costs of dental care if you are lucky enough to have coverage. Every insurance is different. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with your dental insurance. Call your carrier and check to see:

To help us be more efficient, if you have dental insurance to help you pay for your childs dental care, please provide us a copy of the insurance card, along with the toll-free telephone number. In order for us to verify insurance eligibility, we need:

My daughter was a lifer at Head-Royce School and I was on the Board there for nine years. She has now started her own custom bakery business [Full Belly Bakery] and of course, I help her as much as possible.

I have many hobbies such as hiking (with my Outdoor Mocha Divas), traveling, gardening and mosaic tiling, but my favorite avocation is skiing. I have skied since I was in 7th grade. Three years ago with the encouragement of a few ski friends I decided to be a part time ski instructor at Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows. I love sharing my love of the sport and teach adults and children at Squaw on some weekends and holidays.

I am a native Oaklander. I graduated from Skyline High School. I earned a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of San Francisco. I went on to earn my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1991.

For the first two years of my career, I practiced mostly on adults. In 1993, I found myself associating in a pediatric office in San Francisco. I soon realized that I much preferred working with children. Since then, I have treated very few adults. It was wonderful to find a position in my hometown with Dr. Denise with whom I have been and an associate dentist since July of 2001. I am the mother of two fabulous daughters. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, musicals, a good binge-worthy show, and traveling.

Dr. Niekia loves working with children and has loved waking up to serve the most precious patients every day for the past five years! She is very involved in her community including participating and hosting in Give Kids a Smile events for the past 9 years! As a national committee member and National Ambassador for the Give Kids a Smile Program, Dr. Niekia believes all children should receive the very best dental care. Dr. Niekia has received numerous awards such as National ADEA Preventive Dentistry Scholarship, International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award, and Warren Parker Community Dentistry Award. Her hobbies include exploring the Oakland and Berkeley trails with her adopted corgi/spaniel son-dog Maximus, exercising, camping, hosting dinner parties, and organizing tailgates (a throwback to her Southern roots).

Top 3% of her dental class at the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Franklin completed specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Riley Hospital for Children and Indiana University School of Dentistry with extensive experience in sedation and working with patients who have cleft lip/cleft palate, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays. Dr. Franklin completed her certification to become a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in the top quintile in all 8 tested categories. She loves keeping up with all the latest pediatric dental evidence especially regarding the oral-airway and oral-systemic connections, conservative treatment alternatives, and minimally invasive procedures.

Desiree was born and raised in San Francisco, California. She has been in the dental field since 1998 and has beenwith Dr. Denise since 2001. She enjoys watching sports, traveling the world, and spending time with her family and friends, especially her little Yorkie (son) Dallas.

I was born in Veracruz, Mexico and was raised in Oakland. I attended Carrington College and took ESL at UC Berkeley. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I have 3 children and in my spare time I enjoy doing childrens activities.

(fala Portuguese) Isilda was born in the Azore Islands of Portugal but came to the United States at age 3. She currently lives in Alameda, has 3 children, and loves spending her time with her immediate and extended family. She has worked for us for over 10 years.

Patricia received her B.S. from the University of Wyoming. She enjoys ballroom dancing, traveling, and working with rescued rabbits. She is mom to two house rabbits and a cat. She has worked for us for over 10 years.

In 1988, Donna graduated from Bryman College. Shes been an RDA since 1991. She worked in general dentistry for over 7 years. She has worked for us for over 10 years. She has really enjoyed working with kids the most because every child is unique. Shes currently married with 3 children. Her hobbies include swimming, crafts, and cooking.

Stacey studied to be an RDA at Contra Costa College and has been an RDA since 1995. She first worked with General Dentistry for 5 years and has worked in Pediatric Dentistry since 2000. Stacey enjoys camping, fishing, reading and spending time with her family. She has 3 young adult children.

I received my RDA in2009 and have been in Pediatric Dentistry since then. I have no children of my own but enjoy working with them very much. I am bilingual in Spanish and English. I love to read in my spare time.