Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Pediatric Dentistry in Erie, PA
Shapter David E has been dedicated to providing specialized dental care for children since 1985. Our practice combines advanced clinical expertise with a commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for young patients. Led by Dr. David Shapter, a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry with over 35 years of experience, we emphasize preventive care, early intervention, and patient education. Our team maintains rigorous infection control standards and utilizes modern techniques to ensure comfort during treatment.We actively engage with the Erie community through youth organizations and prioritize personalized care that addresses each child's unique needs. Our facility features a nautical-themed design to create a calming atmosphere, and we offer multilingual support to better serve diverse families.
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Preventive Care
Dental Emergencies
Orthodontic Evaluation
Sedation Dentistry
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Board-certified pediatric dentist with over 35 years of experience
- Implementing advanced infection control measures exceeding industry standards
- Multilingual team fluent in Ukrainian and Russian languages
- Specialized care for children with special healthcare needs
- Community-focused practice with active involvement in youth organizations
Associations and certifications
- Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Specialized dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. Our practice provides comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each child's developmental needs. Services include routine checkups, cavity prevention, and behavior management techniques that create positive dental experiences. We utilize child-friendly equipment and treatment rooms designed to reduce anxiety while maintaining high clinical standards.
Preventive Care
Proactive dental maintenance programs to prevent oral health issues. This includes professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and personalized home care instruction. Our team educates families about proper brushing techniques, dietary habits, and injury prevention strategies. We emphasize early intervention to establish lifelong oral health routines and monitor dental development milestones.
Dental Emergencies
Immediate treatment for dental trauma and acute oral conditions. Available for knocked-out teeth, fractured teeth, severe toothaches, and soft tissue injuries. Our staff provides urgent care guidance over the phone and prioritizes same-day appointments for critical cases. We maintain emergency protocols following American Dental Association guidelines to ensure prompt, effective treatment.
Orthodontic Evaluation
Early assessment of dental alignment and jaw development. We identify potential orthodontic issues during childhood growth phases to determine optimal treatment timing. Services include monitoring tooth eruption patterns, addressing harmful oral habits, and coordinating future orthodontic referrals. Our approach focuses on creating proper dental arch development to minimize future corrective needs.
Sedation Dentistry
Specialized care options for anxious or special needs patients. We offer nitrous oxide sedation and other behavior management techniques to ensure comfortable treatment experiences. Our team is trained in pediatric sedation protocols to safely accommodate children requiring additional support during dental procedures while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
People
Dr. David Shapter
Pediatric Dentist
Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry with over 35 years of experience. Served in the US Army Dental Corps before establishing this practice in 1985. Active community member involved with Boy Scouts and Erie County Dental Association.
Phyllis
Office Manager
Over 20 years of experience managing patient relations and office operations. Ensures smooth practice workflow and coordinates patient care logistics with attention to detail and family-centered service.
Kim
Receptionist
Primary scheduling coordinator who manages appointment logistics and initial patient communications. Provides warm, efficient front desk support for families visiting our practice.
Marina
Dental Hygienist
Experienced pediatric dental hygienist fluent in Ukrainian and Russian. Creates comfortable clinical experiences for children while delivering preventive care services with expertise and cultural sensitivity.
Anna
Dental Hygienist
Specializes in working with apprehensive children and patients with special healthcare needs. Combines technical skill with compassionate care to help patients achieve optimal oral health outcomes.
Questions
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a Dental Home by one year of age for early preventive care and guidance.
How do you handle dental emergencies after hours?
Contact our office line for emergency guidance. We provide immediate phone consultation and arrange urgent care visits as needed during regular business hours.
What infection control measures are in place?
We follow enhanced safety protocols including pre-visit screening, social distancing, mask requirements, and comprehensive disinfection procedures exceeding standard dental practice guidelines.
Do you treat children with special healthcare needs?
Yes, our team has specialized training and experience providing dental care for children with developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions.
What payment options are available?
We accept major credit cards, cash, and checks. Payment is expected at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
How can I prepare my child for their first visit?
Maintain positive language about dental care, avoid using words like 'needle' or 'hurt', and let our team guide your child through the experience at their own pace.
