Look no further for an expert pediatric dentistry team with
a fun, easy atmosphere.
It is a privilege to treat your child.
Don't be surprised when they ask to come back again and again.
Wishes for great visits
granted everyday.
Looking forward to seeing
your smile soon!
Meet Our Pediatric Dental Specialists
Dr. Michelle Harmon
Board Certified
Pediatric Dental Specialist
"I have a passion for pediatric dentistry because, in our field, we are able to teach children and adolescents healthy dental habits that can positively affect them for a lifetime!"
more
Dr. Brandi Owensby
General Dentist
Limiting Practice to Children
"Making your child's dental
visit fun, educational and
memorable is my priority."
more
Dr. Melissa Shaw
Board Certified
Pediatric Dental Specialist
"As Pediatric Dental Specialisits, we are committed to treating only infants, children, teens and those with special needs."
more
Our Pediatric Dentistry Office
Welcome to Athens Dentistry for Children, a state-of-the-art dental office for infants, children and teens located in Athens, Georgia. We like to call our office Athens Smile Tree because it is our job to grow healthy smiles for our patients. We believe that every child is entitled to a beautiful, healthy smile and it is our mission to make a difference in each of our patient's lives.
Our Approach
Our mission is to provide quality, comprehensive dental care to our patients in a loving environment and to emphasize education and prevention of dental disease.
At Athens Dentistry for Children, we believe that comprehensive dental care is the best way to ensure your child's oral health. For you and your child this means we will not only diagnose any dental needs, but we will educate you on how to prevent cavities from forming. Using age appropriate milestones and anticipatory guidance, our staff will educate you about what to expect during each stage of dental development and how to maintain your child's healthy smile. We will discuss your child's diet, oral habits and oral hygiene practices at each check-up appointment.
We are committed to recommending
and providing the best treatment options
for your child.
Dr. Harmon, Dr. Owensby or, Dr. Shaw will develop a treatment plan that is specifically designed for your child and our team will then explain to you the costs and benefits of any necessary treatment before treatment is ever completed so that you will always be well informed.
Our office is happy to file insurance for you. We will make every effort to ensure that your insurance benefits are utilized properly and fairly to minimize any potential costs to your family. Please bring your insurance information to the appointment so we can better assist you.
Athens Dentistry for Children is committed to having fees that are among the most competitive in the area, and has helpful financing options available for families that may have need. We are currently accepting new patients.
Please do not hesitate to ask us questions about your child’s treatment plan or our financial policy as we want you to be well informed and comfortable with these matters.
Online Payments
We now offer an easy way to pay your account balance online through our secure payment here.
You may bypass the login window by clicking "Make Payment' on the upper right.
First Visit
Easing Your Child’s Fears
We know a visit to the dentist can be frightening for some children – especially a first visit – but we hope to avoid and conquer most dental fears. Sometimes it is normal for a child to cry at the dentist, especially if it is new experience. If this happens, please do not be disappointed in your child, yourself, or us – we will simply respond with care and praise.
What to Expect at the First Visit
At your child’s first visit, we will review your child’s medical history. Please read your Welcome Letter and bring your child's completed Patient History, Financial Policy and Privacy Statement. We will examine your child’s teeth and determine if x-rays and/or a cleaning is indicated. If any further treatment is necessary such as fillings or sealants, this will occur at a follow-up visit.
The Parents’ Role
You are invited and encouraged to accompany your child to their cleaning and “check-up” appointment. This allows you to meet the doctor and clinical staff, ask questions and learn which oral hygiene techniques your child might need to work on. However, if any dental treatment is required, we request that you allow your child to enter the treatment area by themselves. This allows your child to establish an uninterrupted relationship with the doctor and staff and allows them to gain confidence during dental treatment.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Harmon and Dr. Shaw are Board Certified Pediatric Dental Specialists.
A pediatric dentist is a general dentist who has received an extra two years of training in school and at a children’s hospital residency. As pediatric dentists, Dr. Harmon and Dr. Shaw are highly qualified to treat your children’s beautiful smiles. As a pediatric dental specialist, our practice is limited to infants, toddlers, adolescents as well as those with special healthcare needs.
Everyone at Athens Dentistry for Children uses a lot of positive reinforcement and child friendly descriptions to help your child feel at ease during their dental procedure. We make recommendations depending on the child’s age, ability to cooperate, and amount of treatment needed. The treatments provided take the dental needs and behavioral aspects into consideration.
Learn more about pediatric dental topics:
Establishing your Child's Dental Home
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents and other care providers to help every child establish a dental home by 12 months of age. Establishing a dental home provides some key components to dental care for your child including...
• Comprehensive oral health care including acute care and preventive services.
• Individualized preventive dental health program based upon a caries-risk assessment.
• Anticipatory guidance regarding growth and development.
• Plan for acute dental trauma (emergencies).
• Dietary counseling.
• Referrals to dental specialists when care cannot directly be provided within the dental home.
• Referral at an age determined by patient, parent, and pediatric dentist.
Our patients and their families give us thumbs up!
“Amazing, amazing, amazing group of ladies (dentists and staff)! I've been taking my kids there for years, and my kids do not dread going to their appointments, because of how they treat the kids. They are very accommodating and understanding.”
~ Nikki G. on Facebook
“I was so impressed with the customer service at this practice. I travel over half an hour to take my kids here and will continue to do so. They have thought of everything and my boys had such a blast during what could have been a nerve wracking experience for them. I had to drag them out. And when the rain drenched us on the way in, they even gave us warm towels to get dry and comfortable again. Stellar staff, service and amenities!
~ Tammi B. on Facebook
“My kids look forward to visiting the dentist and it is all due to the wonderful, caring staff and pleasant, vibrant atmosphere of the office. Athens Dentistry For Children is the best around! Not only am I confident that my children are receiving the best dental care, but I am also receiving the best care as the parent. All my questions are answered quickly and politely. The procedures are explained in as many details as I need to put mine and my children's fears at rest. When I bring my older children every effort is made to be sure that they are comfortable and at ease. There is always a helpful staff member ready to help with my little ones as well. When we go to the dentist it feels like home because the staff and dentists are like family!”
~ Leah G. on Facebook
Request a visit
We look forward to seeing you!
Call us at 706.355.3109
Fax 706.543.8746
Email us! info@AthensSmileTree.com
We can't wait to see your smile...
