At Waco Kids Dental, were all about fun, friendly dental care. Your child should never fear visiting the dentist, and starting them out with a dental practice that caters to children is a great way to ensure that they actually enjoy the time spent here. Drs. Aaron Blackwelder, Vernesha Lockhart, Tjel Olson, Alex Piedra and Colleen Segall are experienced in dental care and treatment for infants, children, and adolescents. Dr. Blackwelder specialized in pediatric dental care and also has extensive training with childhood behavior management and working with children with special needs. His dedication to understanding and working productively with your children takes the stress out of bringing them to the dentist. Dr. Lockhart has a decade of dental experience and holds diplomate status as a board-certified pediatric dentist. Dr. Olson has years of general dentistry practice limited to children, and he loves getting to know your child so that visits to the dentist become something to look forward to. Drs. Blackwelder and Olson are fluent in Spanish in order to meet the communication needs of our Spanish-speaking parents and patients.
Originally from Fairfield, Connecticut, Dr. Blackwelder completed his dental degree at the Baylor College of Dentistry. Then he completed his Pediatric Dental Residency at the University of Iowa. He is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in pediatric care and loves helping young patients smile.
Outside of work, he enjoys water sports like sailing and fishing. He also enjoys hiking, spending time with his family, grilling, and doing humanitarian dental trips to Third-World countries. Fun fact: he once climbed Mt. Washington in a snowstorm!
Dr. Lockhart has been practicing dentistry since 2010. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and completed her pediatric specialty studies at Howard University. She also holds diplomate status as a board-certified pediatric dentist and is a member of the following professional organizations:
In her spare time, she loves traveling, singing, and spending time with friends, family, and her sweet pup, Ms. Avie Pickles. She is a big fan of all things Disney, with a few of her favorite movies being Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.
Dr. Olson has more than 12 years of experience in dentistry. Originally from Mesa, Arizona, he completed his studies at Arizona State University and the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Next to providing excellent service, his favorite thing about working in our office is listening to the children and parents share their excitement about the treatment that they received. In addition to treating young smiles, Dr. Olson is a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.
When hes not helping patients achieve better oral health, he loves spending time with his wife and three daughters. His other interests include running, fishing, and traveling. Dr. Olson once spent two years living in Ecuador.
Dr. Alex Piedra was born in Ecuador but raised in Seattle, WA. He completed his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah where he earned his degree in Exercise Science. Dr. Piedra speaks spanish fluently, having served as a missionary for his Church in Guayaquil Ecuador. Dr. Piedra later attended the University of Utah School of Dentistry matriculating as the second class to graduate from this prestigious program. He then journeyed back to Washington State where he completed his Pediatric Dental Studies in Yakima, WA serving hundreds of children.
While not at work, Dr. Piedra loves spending his time with his children and wife. He loves creating positive and happy memories with everyone. His other interests include going to the gym and being a foodie. Fun fact: Dr. Piedra collects sneakers!
Dr. Segall was born and raised in Pennsylvania. She attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia for dental school with a Health Professions Scholarship from the US Army. After graduating, she served as a general dentist for 4 years, with assignments in Fort Sam Houston, TX and Grafenwoehr, Germany. Dr. Segall was selected for the pediatric dentistry residency program at Texas A&M/Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. During her two-year residency program, she worked at Childrens Medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Here, she developed the skills to care for children with special health care needs. After completing her residency, Dr. Segall was assigned to Fort Hood, TX, where she served as the pediatric dentist for the installation. She also served as a mentor for the Advanced Education in General Dentistry 2-Year Program and Assistant Professor for the Uniformed Services University.
Dr. Segall is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and maintains active membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Her hobbies include travel, exercise, foodie experiences, and spending time with her family. Dr. Segall met her husband, Michael, in dental school. He is an orthodontist for the US Army. Together, they are navigating the excitement of parenthood since they welcomed their daughter, Sophia, to the family.
Dr. Segall is looking forward to her transition to civilian practice, and is honored to be part of the Waco Kids Dental team. Dr. Segall loves interacting with children and helping them build their confidence in visiting the dentist. She looks forward to getting to know the patients and their families.
Reviews
Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 173 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestTydejia Edwards
a year ago
Dr.Blackwelder Is the best and his assistant was even better Mrs.Julie they made my daughter so comfortable
Taylor renea
a year ago
This was my first dental visit with my first child, wasn't too sure what to expect but if it's better then getting shots at the doctor, I'm going to be open minded. I left very shook up because of my child's experience. The doctor did not take the time to explain anything to me or to my child (who is two) so we can know what to expect, if I dont know what's going on how can I explain and calm my child because of what is going on. I was expected to just hold my child down as he did the exam. Which I understand was most likely needed either way explanation before hand or not but I strongly feel if I was able to explain to my child "okay we are going to lay the chair back now" "okay open your mouth big and wide ahhh so he can see your teeth show him all of your teeth" maybe my child would have been more willing to calmly do the exam instead of me being asked to hold him down while his mouth is being stretched open and tools are going in he's never seen before. I left questioning is this normal? Was Doc having an impatient day? Is this every two year olds experience at this dentist or all dentist? It was worse then getting shots at the doctor.. and the doctor is trying to tell me what he examined and I can barely hear him or give him my full attention because I'm trying to calm my screaming child. Thinking back on it I'm upset at myself for putting my child through that, I should have stopped the exam altogether, how is my child supposed to ever be comfortable going to the dentist with a visit like that? The front desk was great, the dental assistant was great, the comfortable painted rooms was great, everything was great until the doctor came in, he didn't even say hello to my kid and try and make friends or make him comfortable or anything. And all the reviews show this place to be 5 star.. I gave it 3 stars being nice.
Breanna Sanchez
2 years ago
Dr. B was amazing and Mari made Elijah feel at ease!
Kayla Gutierrez
2 years ago
My kids have gone to WKD for years. Most recently, Dr Piedra just finished a dental procedure on one of my kiddos and was absolutely phenomenal to me & my boy, both. He was very informative on what was going to be done before, during and after the procedure and made my very anxious 8 year old feel at ease before going under. He checked in with us the next day to make sure everything was healing well and to let us know to reach out at any time if we develop any concerns. Absolutely satisfied with the care we received there - as always.
Chris Meza
2 years ago
We love the offices and staff. Dr Blackwelder is awesome with our toddler and infant. Thanks Waco Kids Dental!
Anointed Crowns
2 years ago
Dr. Piedra is an awesome dentist. Staff was great as well. He had my daughter in and out for her dental procedure very quickly.
Melissa Trevino
2 years ago
Dr Piedra has been amazing with my 3 kiddos!!
carlos
2 years ago
My son is one of THE most neurotic children I have ever known, however, Dr.B and his staff were not only super patient, but genuinely kind. As soon as you walk through the door, kids and parents are warmly greeted and treated with respect. There are many dentists that claim to be for children but just do it for a paycheck. You can tell Waco Kids Dental does it because they care for kids. This staff is truly special.
Haley Fuller
2 years ago
Wouldn't go anywhere else. Dr. Blackwelder is the absolute best!
J-PETAL & POKE'
2 years ago
Dr. Piedra was amazing with both of my boys. He's very nice and professional. My boys had several procedures and they were comfortable throughout their visits. I would highly recommend Dr. Piedra and his staff! Thank you!
Christopher Grider
2 years ago
My 4 year old said, "Oh, I love this place!" As soon as we drove up today for his teeth cleaning. The staff is super friendly, professional, efficient, and amazing at making the kids feel comfortable!
Callie Smith
2 years ago
Have only had great experiences here. When we had a dental emergency because of another pediatric dentist in town who did a horrible job, Dr Blackwelder got us in immediately and took care of everything. And my daughter came for a cleaning today and needed extractions done and they got it all done today!! Dr Piedra took care of the extractions and did such a good job that my daughter giggled when they came out! All the staff are pleasant and friendly and make my kids feel calm and comfortable.
Allie Rhoton
2 years ago
We have to wait over 45 minutes after our appointment time each time. They are apologetic, but after many chances the same keeps occurring. It feels like the doctor doesn't read the chart before walking in the room and you're just a number. They are friendly.
Alicia Parrish
2 years ago
I have an adorable, but very stubborn 4 year old who has not yet found his love for going to the dentist. Dr. Lockhart and her staff handle this situation flawlessly. Despite his antics, I never feel stressed out or judged at Waco Kids 2 and I know my son gets exceptional care at each visit.
Omar Pargas
2 years ago
The staff was so nice and patient with my son! Thanks to Dr. Piedra and his staff for being friendly and professional. Definitely recommend if your child needs a dentist!
Bailey Gonzales Milstead
2 years ago
We waited over two hours past our appointment time. I asked twice and kept being pushed off by the front desk staff. If you respect your time then I highly do not recommend this place.
Makenna Hart
2 years ago
The staff is so friendly and attentive. Everything was great!!
Mannie Barraza
2 years ago
(Translated by Google) I am very happy with this clinic. The Doctor is very young but he is very good with his work. Thank you. They helped me with my daughter, who is very nervous, and they did a wonderful job. Thank you for your help and the nurse, the whole service was very good. Thanks (Original) Estoy muy contenta con esta clinica el Doctor es muy joven pero es muy bueno con su trabajo gracias me ayudaron con mi hija que es muy nerviosa y lo hizieron maravilloso gracias por su ayuda y la enfermera muy bien todo el servicio Gracias
Audrey Reed
2 years ago
Felicia was great with Libby! Super sweet! Celeste was made Libby feel comfortable and made her laugh. Dr. Lockhart explained the treatment plan change and I, as a parent, felt comfortable with her. The front office staff were kind and ...
Laynie Keen
2 years ago
Professional and thorough
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