As any parent knows, children aren’t just little adults, and this goes for their dental needs, too. Pediatric dentists like those at Smiles in Motion receive an extra two years of training focused on treating children from birth through adolescence. They are not only educated in how to treat the unique needs of children’s teeth and oral structures, but also receive special training in child psychology, child development, and caring for children with special needs.

Building a compassionate team is key, Spitz explains. “What we focus on training our team to do is to have empathy with every situation,” she says. Like adults, children may be scared or nervous when visiting the dentist. At Smiles In Motion, the pediatric dentists and their teams are amazing and skilled at calming and distracting kids. The dental instruments and procedures are given child-friendly names and children can choose to chat about the sugar bugs being chased away or put on headphones and watch movies instead. All of this helps children not only gain better dental health but also confidence in a dental setting, Spitz says.

The Smiles in Motion team also works to put adults at ease. “If a parent finds out their child has treatment needs, it can elicit various emotions, so all treatment options are discussed,” she says. Parents may have had negative experiences with dentists during their own childhoods, and they appreciate bringing their kids to a place where smiles are the focus.

Smiles in Motion strives to create a fun, comfortable environment. Their Eau Claire office, for example, features a lobby outfitted with a real-life slide and other interactive play equipment, as well as colorful exam rooms.

While it looks like all fun and games, the Smiles in Motion team puts in a lot of hard work to ensure they are providing top-notch care to families in the Chippewa Valley and beyond. Pediatric dentists like those at Smiles in Motion complete an additional two years of training that go far beyond general dental care. They not only learn how to diagnose and treat children, but they also receive special training in child psychology, child development, caring for children with special needs, and much more.

Smiles in Motion’s team of pediatric dentists provide a full spectrum of dental services. If your child’s smile needs it, chances are they can do it – and do it well.

“We care deeply about the communities and families we serve, and that’s why we are actively involved with organizations that help to make our communities better,” Dr. Spitz said. “We do our part to create bigger smiles where we all live, work, and play.”