Business Details
18 Years
experience
Your Child's Trusted Dental Care Partner in North Carolina
Smile Starters is committed to transforming lives through exceptional dental care for children and young adults. Since 2008, we have dedicated ourselves to serving underserved communities across North Carolina with a focus on preventative care and early diagnosis. Our team of experienced professionals prioritizes patient comfort and long-term oral health, offering services ranging from routine cleanings to specialized hospital dentistry. We accept most insurance plans and provide flexible payment options, including online payments and an in-house membership program.With locations in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, and other key cities, we ensure accessible care for families throughout the state. Dr. Rafael Rivera Jr., our founder, brings over two decades of pediatric dental expertise and a passion for community service, guiding our mission to make quality dental care available to all. Our practice combines advanced techniques with compassionate care, creating positive dental experiences that foster lifelong healthy habits.
Services
Dental Cleanings
Sealants
Fluoride Treatments
Hospital Dentistry
Orthodontic Appliances
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
X-Rays
Stainless Steel Crowns
Teeth Whitening
Comprehensive Exams
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Specialized pediatric dental care since 2008
- Multiple locations across North Carolina
- Accepts most insurance plans with online payments
- In-house membership program for uninsured patients
- Community-focused with free dental service days
What people say
Courteous, understanding and knowledgeable
Best experiences here since 2008
Positive transformation of lives through dentistry
Flexible appointment scheduling
Effective child anxiety management
Services
Dental Cleanings
Professional dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup to prevent tooth decay. Our pediatric hygienists use child-friendly techniques to ensure comfortable experiences. Regular cleanings every six months help maintain optimal oral health for growing smiles.
Sealants
Dental sealants protect permanent molars from decay by sealing deep grooves. This quick, painless procedure creates a barrier against bacteria. Recommended for children ages 6-14, sealants can last several years with proper care.
Hospital Dentistry
General anesthesia services for complex procedures or anxious patients. Available at multiple North Carolina locations with board-certified anesthesiologists. Ensures safe, stress-free treatment for children requiring extensive dental work.
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride varnish applications strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. Recommended every 3-6 months, this quick treatment provides concentrated protection for children's developing teeth.
Orthodontic Appliances
Custom-fabricated space maintainers and orthodontic devices created in our in-house lab. Treatments include thumb-sucking devices and pediatric dentures. Partner referrals available for comprehensive orthodontic care like braces.
People
Rafael Rivera Jr., DDS
Founder & Lead Dentist
Dr. Rivera has dedicated his career to pediatric dentistry since 2002. A UNC-Chapel Hill graduate, he served in the U.S. Navy and leads multiple dental health initiatives. He founded Smile Starters in 2008 to improve access to care.
Questions
What age groups do you treat?
We specialize in dental care for children through young adults, from infancy to age 21.
Do you accept Medicaid or CHIP insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans including Medicaid and North Carolina Health Choice programs.
Are emergency dental services available?
While we don't offer 24/7 emergency care, we prioritize urgent cases during regular business hours.
What sedation options exist for anxious patients?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available at all locations to help nervous patients relax during treatment.
Do you offer orthodontic treatments?
We provide basic orthodontic appliances through our in-house lab and partner with Wiry Smiles for braces.
How can uninsured families access care?
Our Smile Starters Club Membership offers discounted rates for uninsured patients without insurance coverage.
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