I have always wanted to work with children. Pediatric dentistry is particularly rewarding, because I get to be part of childrens first impression of dental care. Helping children by easing their pain so they can eat, sleep, and concentrate, literally changes their lives!
I always strive to make dental visits fun and informative. From a check-up and cleaning to getting a filling, each visit is a chance to educate and motivate. I love helping my patients learn about their mouth, why its important to take care of it, and how to do so. Getting a hug by a patient at the end of their visit, and seeing their happy smiles, makes every day rewarding for me.
I continually update my knowledge of pediatric dentistry by participating in local and national continuing education courses. By staying at leading-edge of developments in technology, treatment options, and materials, Im able to ensure my patients receive the highest level of care.
In 2009, I became board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and earned the highest clinical and educational achievement in pediatric dentistry. As part of my commitment to continue expanding my knowledge, Im an active member of the:
I was raised at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Utah, and am extremely excited to live in Fairbanks, Alaska! I love Alaska and have wanted to live here ever since my father took me fishing at the Kenai Peninsula for high school graduation in 1991. My wife, Susan, and I have four wonderful children. In my spare time, I enjoy everything outdoors, particularly fishing, camping, and going on outside adventures with my family.
I feel it is important to be active in our community. For that reason, I am an annual participant in the national 'Give Kids A Smile' day. On the designated day in February, I spend time providing dental treatment to children who do not have dental insurance and are unable to afford dental care.
Educating children about dental health is an activity I enjoy tremendously. One of my favorite opportunities to teach children about dental health is to give presentations in their classrooms. A dragon or kangaroo puppet will keep the childrens attention as we discuss proper brushing, flossing, and healthy diet habits. We distribute tooth care kits for the children to take home and practice their brushing skills.
Brittany recently movedto Fairbanks fromSoldotna, Alaska.Brittanyloves to adventure, fish and be outdoors.When not at work,Brittany is likely working on her studies at University of Fairbanks Alaska and would like to attend hygiene school next year, and continue working with children of course!
Carolyn is orginally from Texas but has since made Fairbanks, AK her home for the last 10 years! She spent 10 years as a Veterinary Technician. When it was time to move on, she chose a field where she could help kids who have a fear of the dentist have a better experience. Carolyn is our Treatment Care Coordinator and will schedule all procedures, explain benefits, patient portions and really any other questions you might have.
Shannon is our Insurance/Patient Accounts Coordinator. Her duties include navigating the sometimes confusing world of dental insurance benefits, and keeping patient accounts up to date. Shannons goal is to help our patients families understand their dental benefits, along with providing customer service to the high standard we expect in our office.
Reviews
Rating 4.5 out of 5 based on 205 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestJen Graham
a year ago
Their new space was so inviting and clean and the staff are super great and fun!
TERESA GAUTAM
a year ago
The Dentists are wonderful. The office staff are a different story. They don't seem to want to be bothered with questions. They can become abusive. I left the office with unanswered questions because the front office staff became abusive and unwilling to answer questions.
SUPERSqwack
a year ago
If I could give this office 0 stars I would. I paid for my children's procedures in full and then got a bill saying I still owed a couple hundred. I called the office and asked them to explain how I still owed money and the office person went off on me. She looked at my account and said I had been labeled a difficult mother. The only thing I could think of was when the dentist said my child needed some crowns which might need to be done under anesthesia I felt upset and the staff asked if I was okay. Apparently I was continuing to be difficult by asking to understand my bill and saying that I believed I had paid in full. She started telling me she was overworked and the office was understaffed so she couldn't provide the information. I told her I was sorry for her situation and she berated me for saying that and then hung up on me. It was the most horrible business call ever with her practically yelling at me. I called again and asked to speak with the manager and I could tell it was the same woman and she said she was the manager. They later cancelled the amount owed, but did not admit to the amount being incorrect.
KINGSAM Green
2 years ago
Far exceeded my expectations just being new here to Alaska the dental assistant I wish I remembered her name she was very good and knowledgeable and was able to get all the question I had and worries for my son answered and no more stress this place was very clean and on time with appt and had very high end equipment which shocked me cause back the states it's old X-rays and all the actual dentist was very good as well
Am
2 years ago
I like this place. My kid likes the dentist and hygienists a lot and they are always good to her. I really appreciate that they don't push unnecessary procedures.
Meghan Doherty
2 years ago
After waiting 4 weeks for a painful tooth, we were asked to pay up front for the filling the day we showed up. I have never been asked to cover the entire procedure while fully insured, but since my child was in pain I paid what they thought my portion would be, $975. This made no sense to me because when I made the appointment the month before, they printed out an explanation of the cost and everything and it was something like $120 after insurance. After they brought my child back for their filling I asked why I was given this explanation of cost a month ago, only to be asked to pay in full when I arrived. They said that they had called my insurance and that they had told them I had no benefit left. Also she was very snarky about it, even though I was just looking for clarification. I called my insurance and verified that they can NOT called, and I had over $2K in benefit left, and should only pay $120. I let them know at the front desk, and she said that I would get a refund in the mail. I had to call them a dozen times, and wait over 3 months to get my money back, and I fully think they were meaning to keep it, as they made up several different stories about my insurance company (which I have never had any issues with). I ended up getting a hand-written letter with a hand-written check, and it really seemed sketchy. I know they make their money by speeding though patients, but my child went in 6 months later for a checkup---and that same tooth hurt. Why? Because Young Smiles hadn't actually gotten all of the cavity, and had instead sealed in a rotting portion. They don't take their time, they are trying only to get as much money as fast as they can, and we will be driving to Anchorage from now on for dental work. I never thought I'd be that person, but the doctor was creepy, my kids didn't like him, and the front counter people are fully inept. They messed up scheduling my crying child's appointment 2 times, and then I had to pay up front, even though I have full dental with a $200 deductible? I'd rather drive to Anchorage.
Justin Bailey
2 years ago
We brought my daughter here after she had a traumatic experience at a different dentist office in Fairbanks Alaska... I could easily sit here and say as soon as you walk in you can just tell that this place was made for children, or I could say that the people that work there are amazing and go above and beyond their job because all of this is true as soon as we walked in the door I felt at ease my daughter is the most important thing in the world and to hear that they were going to have to remove one of her teeth frighten me. Every question and concern I had was answered directly the action and course of plan and the treatment that we were going to take was all explain to me perfectly all of these things were an amazing experience but the one thing that stood out more than anything was the dentist himself.... You could tell this man cares... I might be biased but I feel like I have the best father in the world, that's just my opinion, in all actuality, the dentist might actually be the best father in the world. he truly cares, and you can tell...!!! it's something that I can't just explain to you in a couple of sentences but spending just 5 minutes with this person and his amazing team you feel like you won the lottery when you left.. you'll know you made the right decision just by talking to him.......ok so just a couple hours after the procedure my daughter was back to normal. He even suggested that we split the procedure into two appointments so she didn't have so much pain at once. if you are in fact looking for a dentist I would definitely consider Young smiles children's dentistry... !!The only downside I see is that someday my daughter will be an adult, and she'll have to find a new dentist.. But until then she's going to Young smiles dentistry!!!
Kathleen Klynstra
2 years ago
All 4 of my kids go to Young Smiles Children's Dentistry. They book all of them at once and the kind and considerate staff help us get through all of our appointments quickly, efficiently, painless and with a fun treat at the end. They encourage, instruct and help project at what future care might be needed as teeth grow. They take time to help me, and my kids, understand what is going on with their care. I am so thankful for this office.
Amber Birklid
2 years ago
Love this place everyone is always so nice and helpful, they are excellent with my 3year old son would recommend to everyone!
carolyn
2 years ago
I came in to Young Smiles this morning as I was going to enquire about setting up appointments for my 2 grandchildren as my family have recently moved to Fairbanks from the Lower 48. This was my first time at your practice and let me tell you in all my years, I have NEVER witnessed anything so disgusting and humiliating towards any human being that I witnessed today by your front desk staff towards a young mother. This mother was told by your front desk staff that HER child was not allowed to bring any food or drink into the facility as the last time they were there, HER child made too much of a mess...are you kidding me? Then she proceeded to tell her that they have a lot of children that come here and none of them have ever made a mess like HER child did!!! OMG!!! I am even more disgusted as when I came on here to write this review, I see that this poor young mother (who I could see was visibly shaken and almost in tears during this slander by your front desk staff) has already written a review which I read before writing my own. Her young child is deaf and cannot speak!!!!!!!!!!! This is what she was trying to tell this woman at your front desk!!! OMG!!!! No wonder she was distraught and she did so well in keeping it together. If it was me, I would have unleashed on this woman!!! I just cannot put this into words anymore! This young child obviously has a disability. This young child cannot communicate with the world and has not learnt how too yet. This young child can only communicate the best way he knows how too in trying to get attention on what he is trying to say or what his needs are, and if that means he threw some crackers and knocked something over, what "hearing" child doesn't do that? You people should be totally ashamed of yourselves and I will never be bringing my family to your practice and I'll be damned if I ever recommend you to anyone!!
Emily
2 years ago
I could not have imagined a better experience for my five and three year old. Every staff member was patient, kind, sweet, and SO welcoming. My son is painfully shy and has never had X-rays before, and they convinced him to get a full set of X-rays AND a cleaning. I wish I could give them 10 stars- this staff will be our pediatric dentist for as long as we are in Fairbanks. So so so good.
Tim Motis
2 years ago
My three children were first time patients. All 3 are looking forward to their next visit. Excellent gentle, positive pediatric staff!
Destiny Salazar
2 years ago
Very good with the kids! I love how they turn on a positive personality for them!
Clare Kirby
2 years ago
An excellent experience for my children, each time we go there. Thank you
Megan Swank
2 years ago
The team at Young Smiles Children's Dentistry is amazing! They took the time to council my kid on how to hold the toothbrush to get the best results and made them feel so comfortable the entire time!
t r
2 years ago
We LOVE the staff and dentist at Young Smiles!!! After having a bad experience with a dentistry in N.P., we switched to Young Smiles...and I couldn't be happier! They are GREAT with children.
Eileen Mayer
2 years ago
Very friendly staff ! My son loves it there .
Natalie Morrill
2 years ago
VERY child friendly. Worked well with my son even as he had questions or got spooked and got out of the chair. Nothing they did spooked him, it was just a new situation and he wasn't sure what to expect.
Johanna
2 years ago
I took my child for a Cleaning and the staff was great. They even called us about moving our appointment to an earlier date which worked out better for us. the location was very clean as well.
MM FF
2 years ago
We really appreciated the kindness and patience of the office staff, technicians and the doctor. My son has sensory issues and the team worked so well together to make him comfortable for his cleaning and tooth vitamins. The office is beautiful, too. Thank you very much!
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