Trusted Pediatric Dentistry in Lakeland

We're proud to be your trusted Lakeland kids dentist, serving the surrounding communities.

 

Address:
2961 Canada Rd #101
Lakeland, TN 38002

Phone: 901-382-0280

Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8 am - 5 pm
Tuesday: 8 am - 5 pm
Wednesday: 8 am - 5 pm
Thursday: 8 am - 5 pm
Friday: 8 am - 2 pm

Your Lakeland Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Josh Brink

Joshua A. Brink, D.D.S. is a life-long Mid-Southerner and has been a part of the dental community since 1997.  He feels that “Treating children is the best possible opportunity in dentistry. Working with kids — who will say anything — creates a joyful and refreshing experience, and it allows us to develop life-long relationships with multiple generations in the family. Families are the core of our society, and we are privileged to be a part.”

After completion of dental school, Dr. Josh entered pediatric residency in Memphis, which he completed in 2003. Dr. Josh is board-certified in Pediatric Dentistry and is a fellow and diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. These qualification allow him to specialize and thus limit his practice to pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Jason White

Dr. Jason White, DDS is excited to be back as a partner with the practice.  Dr. Jason spent 5 years working with Dr. Josh as a general dentist before returning to get specialty training through a residency in pediatric dentistry with the University of Tennessee.  He loves the fast pace of a pediatric practice and the unpredictable nature of each day and loves how the kids keep him on his toes!

 For dental school, Dr. Jason came back to his hometown and attended the University of Tennessee where he was the recipient of the Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Association Award.  And upon graduation, Dr. Jason worked for 6 years in both the office of Dr. Josh and the office of Dr. Chuck Hughes in Dyersburg, TN.  But the calling to return for more training in pediatric dentistry led Dr. Jason to leave private practice for 2 years to join the graduate pediatric dental residency program at the University of Tennessee.  While there, Dr. Jason served as the Chief Resident of the program and received a Masters of Dental Science degree.

 

 

Dr. Emily Sheppard

Emily M. Sheppard, D.D.S. brings 14 years of dental experience to our practice. She holds an undergraduate degree in biology from Millsaps College, and she graduated with high honors from the University of Tennessee at Memphis Dental School. During her tenure at the UT Dental School, Dr. Emily was a member of the dental honor society Omicron Kappa Upsilon, received the Tennessee Society of Pediatric Dentistry's Award for Excellence, and became board-certified in Pediatric Dentistry in 2013.

Dr. Emily has also earned her certifications for residency in pediatric dentistry, PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), conscious sedation, CPR, and has operating room privileges at LeBonheur Children's Medical Center and LeBonheur East Surgery Center. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Memphis Dental Society.

Why should you choose a Lakeland Pediatric Dentist for your child?

A Lakeland kids dentist is a dental specialist who is well-trained to treat infants, children, adolescents, and children with special needs. To qualify as a pediatric dentist, an American Dental Association (ADA) accredited, post-doctoral course must be completed, along with at least two academic and clinical years in the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This extensive training gives pediatric dentists the knowledge to treat children's specific dental and orthodontic needs, provide a positive dental experience, and educate children on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

Because they have a lot of experience treating younger patients, kid's dentists also tend to be better at handling the emotional and developmental issues that can have an impact on a kid's dental appointments. A trip to the dentist can be scary at any age, and this can be especially true for a young child who is not sure what to expect. Dentists for kids have the educational training and skills to make kids feel more comfortable and at ease during their dental visits, reassuring them and keeping their early experiences positive.

What our Lakeland Pediatric Dentists have to offer your child

At Brink & White Pediatric Dentistry, we have tailored our dental practice to specifically cater to children. Our dentists and staff have years of experience treating children of all ages with the highest level of care. During a patient's first visit, our staff will use reassuring words and phrases, such as asking younger kids if they want to have their teeth "counted and brushed" rather than asking if they are ready for a "dental cleaning." To help children feel comfortable with our staff, we'll play games, sing songs, or let them get out of the dental chair to explore the treatment area. Bringing your child into a kid-friendly environment gives us the opportunity to make the appointment more interactive for everyone involved.

In an unfamiliar environment, children sometimes find comfort in groups, so we have designed the office layout with this in mind. We have larger, more open rooms equipped with multiple dental chairs. While adults may not be used to this type of arrangement, it is actually quite helpful for children. With this setup, your kid will not feel alone during his or her dental procedures, and seeing others being treated can make children feel more at ease about their own treatment. Our newly-built state-of-the-art office also encourages socializing.

Our Lakeland Pediatric Dentists help take the worry out of dental visits

We know that visiting the dentist can be scary for kids sometimes. That is why we strive to minimize any anxieties or fears our young patients may have. Our staff practices the "tell, show, do" method to help pediatric patients understand what is happening during their appointment. We use phrases such as "put your tooth to sleep" when numbing the teeth, "put vitamins on your teeth" as we apply fluoride, or "take pictures of your teeth" to describe the X-ray process.

It is not uncommon for parents to have their own anxieties about dental care, but it is important to avoid projecting those fears onto your child. If you're not sure how to do this, our doctors will be happy to provide you with tips and advice. By allowing our pediatric dentists to detail the specifics of your child's treatment, you convey to them your confidence and trust in us, which leads to a more positive and enjoyable dental visit for parents, kids, and staff alike.