Business Details
Emergency
services
Pediatric Dentist in Arlington, VA
Michelle Keaney Flanagan, DMD, is a dedicated pediatric dental practice serving families in Arlington, VA. With over a decade of experience in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Flanagan relocated her practice closer to home to better serve the local community. Our team prioritizes compassionate care, creating a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable and excited about dental visits. We utilize advanced technology, including laser dentistry and digital radiographs, to deliver precise and minimally invasive treatments. Our philosophy centers on building lifelong oral health habits through education, preventive care, and personalized attention.Parents trust us to address their children's unique dental needs with expertise and empathy, ensuring positive experiences at every appointment. We are committed to staying at the forefront of pediatric dental advancements through continuous education and training. From routine checkups to specialized treatments, our goal is to protect and enhance the smiles of young patients while fostering confidence and trust in dental care.
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Fluoride Treatments
Dental Sealants
Orthodontic Evaluation
Emergency Dental Care
Nighttime Mouth Guards
Dental Cleanings
Tooth Decay Prevention
Pediatric Crowns
Oral Hygiene Education
Highlights and features
- We offer over a decade of specialized pediatric dental experience.
- Our office features advanced technology like laser dentistry and digital radiographs.
- We prioritize child-friendly care with a fun, anxiety-free environment.
- Our team includes experienced pediatric dental hygienists and assistants.
- We emphasize preventive care and parental education for lifelong oral health.
What people say
Child-friendly environment
Compassionate staff
Gentle approach
Effective communication
Positive experiences
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Comprehensive dental care for children from infancy through adolescence. Our practice focuses on preventive treatments, early orthodontic intervention, and restorative procedures tailored to young patients. We create positive experiences through child-friendly communication and anxiety-reducing techniques while addressing common issues like tooth decay, bruxism, and dental trauma.
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride applications strengthen developing teeth and prevent decay. We recommend these treatments during routine checkups for children with low fluoride exposure. Our team educates families on proper home care and dietary habits to maximize protective benefits while monitoring fluoride levels in local water sources.
Dental Sealants
Protective coatings applied to permanent molars to prevent cavities in hard-to-reach areas. This quick, painless procedure creates a barrier against bacteria and acids, particularly beneficial for children with deep tooth grooves. We evaluate each patient's risk factors to determine optimal timing for sealant application during regular visits.
Emergency Dental Care
Immediate attention for dental injuries, severe toothaches, and other urgent oral health issues. Our team provides same-day evaluations and treatment for children experiencing trauma or sudden dental pain. We guide parents through after-hours care instructions and maintain continuity of treatment for complex cases.
Orthodontic Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment of bite development and jaw alignment starting around age 7. We identify potential orthodontic issues early to determine optimal treatment timing. Our approach focuses on creating proper space for permanent teeth and addressing habits like thumb-sucking that could affect dental development.
People
Michelle Keaney Flanagan
Dentist
Dr. Flanagan earned her dental degree from Temple University in 2001 and has over a decade of pediatric dentistry experience. A Northern Virginia native, she opened her Arlington practice after relocating closer to home. She combines clinical expertise with personal understanding as a mother of two, prioritizing gentle, patient-centered care.
Jessica Gerstein
Clinical Coordinator
With an associate's degree in dental assisting and over five years in pediatric dentistry, Jessica specializes in child-friendly care. Originally from Pennsylvania, she brings a warm, engaging approach to patient interactions while managing clinical operations in our Arlington office.
Hannah Cristina Vera Zhao
Dental Hygienist
Licensed hygienist with pediatric specialization since graduating from Bergen Community College in 2017. She focuses on preventive care and patient education, combining technical expertise with a passion for helping children develop positive dental habits through engaging, age-appropriate communication.
Katrina Thomas
Dental Hygienist
Pediatric dental hygienist with experience from the University of Alaska (2019). Known for calming nervous patients, she creates positive dental experiences through patience and creativity. Her approach combines technical skill with genuine connection to help children feel comfortable during treatments.
Bianca Gamble
Front Desk Coordinator
With 26 years of pediatric dentistry experience, Bianca manages our front office operations. She builds relationships with families through compassionate communication while ensuring smooth practice operations, combining professionalism with personal warmth in every patient interaction.
Questions
What age should a child have their first dental visit?
We recommend the first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Early exams help establish good oral health habits and detect potential issues early.
How do you handle children with dental anxiety?
Our team uses child-friendly communication, positive reinforcement, and gradual exposure techniques. We create a playful atmosphere with interactive waiting areas and multimedia tools to make visits comfortable and educational.
What technology do you use for pediatric dental care?
We utilize digital radiographs for reduced radiation exposure, intraoral cameras for visual education, laser dentistry for precise treatments, and nitrous oxide for anxiety management in a modern, child-safe environment.
Do you treat dental emergencies for children?
Yes, we provide urgent care for dental injuries, toothaches, and trauma. Contact us immediately for same-day evaluations and treatment plans tailored to your child's emergency situation.
How can parents prevent tooth decay in children?
We recommend regular checkups every six months, proper brushing/flossing techniques, fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and dietary guidance. Our team provides personalized education for parents during each visit.
What options exist for children who grind their teeth?
We evaluate bruxism causes like stress or misalignment and may recommend mouth guards, stress management techniques, or occlusal adjustments. Regular monitoring ensures timely intervention for this common childhood habit.
