- New York City parents are increasingly seeking pediatric dentists who offer a holistic approach to oral health, considering factors like speech development and airway function.
- Gramercy Kids Smiles distinguishes itself by evaluating babies and newborns for tongue mobility, airway development, and speech readiness, alongside traditional dental checks.
- The practice utilizes advanced laser dentistry to address lip and tongue ties, supporting both breastfeeding families and children experiencing speech difficulties.
- Education is a cornerstone of the practice, with resources like worksheets, videos, and even a children’s book designed to promote healthy dental habits.
- Gramercy Kids Smiles prioritizes a comfortable, personalized experience for children, even those with special needs, fostering a positive attitude towards dental care.
For New York City families, finding the right pediatric dentist goes beyond just cleanings and cavity checks—it’s about ensuring a child feels safe, supported, and understood from the very first visit. Gramercy Kids Smiles offers a comprehensive approach to pediatric dental care, integrating oral health, speech, and airway development from day one.
A Holistic Approach to Children’s Dental Health
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Many parents are unaware of the strong connection between oral development and essential functions like feeding, speech, and breathing. Dr. Fatina, founder and board-certified pediatric dentist at Gramercy Kids Smiles, discovered this firsthand while navigating breastfeeding challenges with her son. This experience inspired her to learn about lip and tongue ties and their impact on development, leading her to help other families facing similar issues.
Early Evaluation for Comprehensive Care
At Gramercy Kids Smiles, evaluations extend beyond teeth to include tongue mobility, airway development, and speech readiness. “We start seeing kids when they are babies and newborns,” Dr. Fatina explains. “Our son had issues with nursing. That’s how we learned about lip and tongue tie.”
The practice employs advanced laser dentistry to address lip and tongue ties, providing support to families experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and continuing care as children grow. “We can also help when they’re a little older, and speech might be an issue,” Dr. Fatina adds. “We work closely with lactation, speech and myofunctional therapists.” This collaborative approach, alongside the expertise of Dr. Jason Berk, contributes to the practice’s strong reputation among parents.
Empowering Families Through Education
Gramercy Kids Smiles places a strong emphasis on education, believing that preventative care is paramount. “Our philosophy is very preventative-based and we really value education,” Dr. Fatina shares. “We’re teaching kids how to brush. We create all these worksheets to help parents reinforce healthy habits at home. We make all these videos so they can come back to it. And we’re always available for questions.” The practice’s website offers a wealth of resources, including interactive videos and quizzes, designed to make dental care enjoyable for families. Dr. Fatina even authored a book, A Book About Teeth, to help children understand brushing, flossing, and dental visits in an engaging way.
A Supportive and Playful Environment
Rather than focusing on perfection, the team at Gramercy Kids Smiles guides parents with understanding and support. “Cavities happen, and that’s okay,” says Dr. Fatina. “But with anything, it’s about educating and making sure parents understand risk factors. We are their quarterback for preventative care. Of course, kids have candy and juice, but we try to help guide them. There are certain times to eat ‘junk food’ to help minimize cavities. It’s about guiding the parents, guiding the kids, and getting them both in a good routine.”
The practice emphasizes the importance of early preventative care, recommending that children have their first dental visit by age one. “Some of the kids don’t come until they are three, and some parents don’t even know they should be brushing,” Dr. Fatina notes.
Visits are designed to be fun and comfortable, with a playful environment that puts children at ease. “We just try to get down to their level and make it as fun as we can,” says Dr. Fatina. “Stuffed animals, having them brush and giving them a toy. With intake forms, we get to know all of their favorite things to create a personalized experience.” Gramercy Kids Smiles is also equipped to care for children with special needs, thanks to Dr. Fatina’s fellowship training at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. “A lot of the kids ask, ‘Can we go back to the dentist?’” Dr. Jason says. “It’s truly an experience, and kids love experiences.”
Dr. Fatina, born and raised in the New York City area, remains closely involved in each child’s care, ensuring parents feel supported and informed. With a D.D.S. degree from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, a chief residency and special care fellowship at Stony Brook University Hospital, and a general practice residency at Staten Island University, Dr. Fatina and her team offer families accessibility, compassion, and a commitment to preventative dental health.
