Trusted Pediatric Dentist in Lakeland
We are proud to provide pediatric dental services to children, families, and patients of all ages in Lakeland and 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 Pediatric Dentist in Lakeland
Joshua A. Brink, D.D.S., has been part of the Mid-South community his entire life and has worked in the dental field since 1997. He truly values the opportunity to care for children and believes it is one of the most rewarding areas of dentistry. “Treating kids brings so much joy. They’ll say just about anything, and that honesty makes every day unique,” he shares. “It also gives us the chance to form lasting relationships with entire families, sometimes over multiple generations. Families are the foundation of our communities, and it’s an honor to be involved in their care.”
Following dental school, Dr. Brink completed his pediatric residency in Memphis in 2003. He is board-certified in Pediatric Dentistry and holds the titles of fellow and diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. These credentials reflect his advanced training and allow him to dedicate his practice exclusively to pediatric patients.
At Brink & White Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Josh is committed to making every visit positive and focused on long-term oral health for children of all ages.
Dr. Jason White, DDS, is thrilled to return to the practice as a partner, bringing his passion for pediatric dentistry and years of experience to the team. He originally spent five years working alongside Dr. Josh as a general dentist before deciding to pursue advanced specialty training in pediatric dentistry through the University of Tennessee residency program.
Dr. Jason thrives in the high-energy environment of pediatric care. He enjoys the variety that each day brings and appreciates how working with kids keeps things lively and engaging.
Originally from the area, Dr. Jason came home to attend dental school at the University of Tennessee, where he was honored with the Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Association Award. After graduating, he practiced for six years with both Dr. Josh and Dr. Chuck Hughes in Dyersburg, TN. Eventually, his growing interest in children’s dental health led him to step away from private practice and enroll in the pediatric dental residency program at the University of Tennessee.
During his residency, Dr. Jason served as Chief Resident and earned a Master of Dental Science degree, further strengthening his knowledge and clinical expertise in pediatric dentistry.
Emily M. Sheppard, D.D.S., brings 14 years of dental experience to our team. She earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Millsaps College and went on to graduate with high honors from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis. While in dental school, she was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society, received the Award for Excellence from the Tennessee Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and became board-certified in Pediatric Dentistry in 2013.
Dr. Emily has completed a pediatric dentistry residency and holds certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), conscious sedation, and CPR. She also has operating room privileges at both LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center and LeBonheur East Surgery Center. In addition, she maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Tennessee Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Memphis Dental Society.
Why It’s Important to Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
As soon as your child’s first teeth emerge, it's a great time to begin regular dental visits. While any qualified dentist can treat children, there are real advantages to choosing one who specializes in pediatric care.
Why Choose a Dentist Who Focuses on Children?
Pediatric dentists are uniquely trained to care for infants, children, teens, and individuals with special needs. Their additional education equips them to address the specific oral health needs and developmental milestones of younger patients. More importantly, they are skilled at making dental visits a positive, less intimidating experience.
Children can be nervous or unsure about going to the dentist. Pediatric dental teams are experienced in working through these emotions and use gentle techniques that help build comfort and trust. This often results in better cooperation and more pleasant experiences at each visit, which can lead to a lifetime of good oral health habits.
At Brink & White Pediatric Dentistry, we’ve built our practice around creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed just for kids. Our experienced team is passionate about helping children feel safe and relaxed, and we strive to make every visit both fun and educational. Whether it's your child’s first check-up or a return visit, our mission is to promote a healthy, cavity-free future for every patient.
What Services Does a Pediatric Dentist Provide?
At Brink & White, we offer a full range of dental services tailored to meet the unique needs of children in Lakeland and the surrounding areas.
Preventive Care & Oral Hygiene Education
We focus heavily on prevention, guiding proper brushing, flossing, diet, and fluoride use. We also apply protective sealants to help prevent cavities. Our goal is to make learning about dental health engaging and age-appropriate.
Comprehensive Dental Treatment
From common procedures like fillings to treating nursing bottle decay, we diagnose and care for a wide variety of pediatric dental concerns. We always communicate clearly with parents, explaining all treatment options and answering your questions so you can make informed decisions about your child’s care.
Monitoring Growth and Development
Our team keeps a close eye on the development of your child’s teeth, jaw, and facial structure. Early detection of issues like bite misalignment can reduce the need for more intensive orthodontic treatment later. These early evaluations are key to setting your child up for future dental success.
Creating a Positive Dental Experience
We know that dental visits can be daunting for kids (and even parents), which is why we take extra steps to create a calm, supportive environment. One of the methods we use is “Tell, Show, Do,” a child-friendly approach where we explain and demonstrate what we’ll do before starting. This helps build trust and lowers anxiety.
We also encourage parents to show enthusiasm and confidence about dental visits—your attitude can greatly influence how your child feels about the experience.
By choosing a practice like Brink & White that specializes in pediatric care, you’re setting your child up for happier, healthier dental visits and long-term oral health.