What Is the Difference Between a Pediatric Dentist and a General Dentist?
How Pediatric Dentists Keep Kids Healthy, Happy, and Cavity-Free
Behavioral “Magic Tricks” for Kids
Pediatric Dentist is trained in advanced behavioral techniques—like storytelling, video glasses, or positive reinforcement—to reduce anxiety and turn dental visits into positive experiences for children.
Innovative Cavity-Prevention Techniques
Pediatric dentist uses silver diamine fluoride or resin-based sealants to stop early tooth decay, often avoiding the need for drilling or anesthesia in very young or anxious patients.
Preventing Future Facial and Jaw Issues
Pediatric dentist monitors oral habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing, intervening early to prevent long-term orthodontic problems and abnormal jaw development.
Detecting Early Signs of Systemic Diseases
They can notice early indicators of conditions like diabetes, celiac disease, or vitamin deficiencies, which sometimes first appear as oral symptoms such as lesions, gum inflammation, or enamel defects.
Detecting Developmental Anomalies Early
Pediatric dentist can identify abnormalities in tooth eruption, jaw growth, or oral structures that may indicate genetic syndromes or craniofacial conditions, allowing for earlier intervention and better outcomes.
Detecting Early Signs of Eating Disorders
Pediatric dentist can sometimes identify early signs of eating disorders like bulimia in adolescents by noticing enamel erosion or unusual wear patterns on teeth.
Detecting Early Orthodontic Needs
Pediatric dentist can predict future orthodontic problems years before braces are needed by analyzing bite patterns, jaw growth, and spacing during routine exams.
Monitoring Impacted Teeth Early
Pediatric dentist tracks impacted or delayed-eruption teeth in young children, preventing future crowding or jaw misalignment that might require complex orthodontics.
Special Training for Children with Sensory Issues
Pediatric dentist often treats children with sensory processing disorders or autism, using techniques that adapt lighting, sounds, and touch to make dental visits less stressful.
Why Washington DC Families Choose Us & Refer Their Friends to US
In a city with many dental options, parents choose us because:
✔ Specialized Pediatric Expertise
Dr. Mohammadi is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Washington DC with advanced training, focusing exclusively on children’s oral health. From early tooth eruption to jaw development and early orthodontic evaluation, we understand how children grow, and how to treat them at every stage.
✔ Open-Door Parent Policy (Parent-present treatment philosophy)
Children feel safest when their parents are nearby. We encourage parents to be present during treatments, helping children feel safe, supported, and confident. Transparency and communication build trust between families and our team.
✔ Gentle and Stress-Free Behavior Management
Children require patience and understanding. Our team and Dr. Mohammadi are highly experienced in guiding children through dental visits with patience, encouragement, positive reinforcement, and age-appropriate communication to build trust, reduce fear and make every visit a positive experience, even for anxious children.
✔ Privately Owned & Patient-Focused
Unlike corporate practices, we prioritize your child’s comfort and well-being over production quotas. We take the time your child needs without rushing and pressure, ensuring a calm, thorough, and personalized visit.
✔ Advanced, minimally invasive treatments and Technology
We offer modern, child-focused treatments including drill-free, injection-free cavity treatments (SDF), digital low-radiation X-rays, interceptive orthodontic appliances, tooth-colored restorations, helping children receive effective care with minimal stress.
✔ Preventive and Educational Approach
We focus on early intervention, cavity prevention, and teaching healthy habits to both children and parents, minimizing future dental problems and creating the foundation for lifelong oral health.
✔ Legendary Patient Service
We view service as a personal commitment, not a business strategy. Every team member is dedicated to providing warmth, empathy, and individualized care.
✔ Child-Friendly Environment
Our office design, décor, communication style, and treatment approach are tailored specifically for children, helping them feel comfortable while building positive dental experiences and lasting confidence.
✔ 27+ years serving DC families
Parents tell us they choose our Washington DC pediatric dental office because we focus not only on healthy teeth — but also on emotional comfort, behavioral guidance, prevention, and long-term confidence.
Pediatric Dental Services in Washington DC
We offer a full range of pediatric dental care to meet your child’s needs at every stage of development.
Preventive Care
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Growth monitoring
Minimally Invasive Dentistry
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Early intervention
Emergency Pediatric Dentistry
If your child is experiencing dental pain, trauma, or swelling in Washington DC, we offer prompt evaluation and same-day emergency appointments whenever possible.
🪥Routine Exams & Professional Cleanings
The American Dental Association recommends two visits per year. Regular checkups are the foundation of preventive care. During each visit, we carefully evaluate your child’s teeth, gums, bite development, and jaw growth. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. We also use these visits to educate children in a fun, engaging way about proper brushing and flossing habits. We monitor growth, prevent decay, and reinforce healthy habits.
📷 Digital Radiography
Our advanced digital X-ray technology provides high-quality diagnostic images with significantly reduced radiation exposure. This allows for early detection and precise treatment planning. Each child receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs, growth stage, and family goals.
🛡 Protective Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars. These areas often have deep grooves where bacteria can hide and cause decay. Sealants act as a barrier, significantly reducing cavity risk by sealing deep grooves where bacteria hide, during cavity-prone years.
💧Drill-Free Cavity Treatment -
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
SDF is an innovative solution that helps stop cavity progression without drilling or injections in appropriate cases. This option is especially beneficial for young children or anxious patients and can help delay or avoid more invasive procedures.
😁Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic evaluation allows us to identify crowding, crossbites, or jaw development concerns. Early orthodontic treatment like space maintainers, expanders, and habit-breaking appliances can guide proper growth and reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
🦷 Tooth-Colored (Resin) Fillings
If your child develops a cavity, we use natural-looking composite restorations that blend seamlessly with their teeth. Our gentle approach ensures the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
😌 Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
For children who experience dental anxiety and need extra relaxation, we offer nitrous oxide as a safe, gentle and effective relaxation and anxiety control method. It helps calm nerves while keeping your child awake and responsive.
A Different Experience for DC Children
We understand that many children in Washington DC lead active, high-achieving lives filled with academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Dental visits should feel calm, not stressful.
Our approach includes:
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Age-appropriate communication
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Clear parent education
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Positive reinforcement
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Respect for each child’s emotional development
Even anxious children feel comfortable in our DC office. Our staff is trained specifically to work with DC families and understand local schedules and needs.
📺Calm Treatment Room with Ceiling-Mounted TVs
To help children feel relaxed and supported, our Washington DC office features a designated low-stimulation treatment room with ceiling-mounted TVs. Children can watch their favorite shows during treatment, providing gentle distraction and reducing anxiety.
This space is especially helpful for:
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Children with dental anxiety
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Sensory-sensitive patients
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Children who benefit from visual distraction
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Patients who need a quieter, calmer environment
By combining reduced sensory stimulation with engaging ceiling entertainment, we create a more positive, stress-free dental experience.
FAQs
When should my child first see a pediatric dentist in Washington DC?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling the first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
How do I choose the best pediatric dentist in Washington DC?
Board certification, Experience, Prevention philosophy, Comfort techniques, Parent-present care
Do you offer drill-free cavity treatment in Washington DC?
Yes. We offer Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), a minimally invasive treatment that can stop certain cavities without drilling or injections.
Do parents stay during treatment?
Absolutely. We encourage parents to remain present during visits to support their child.
What areas of DC do you serve?
We serve families throughout Dupont Circle, Georgetown, West End, Capitol Hill, and surrounding Washington DC neighborhoods.
Can I schedule a visit online for my child in DC?
Yes! We offer easy online scheduling for Washington DC families.
Serving DC Families Specifically
As a privately owned pediatric dental office located in Washington DC, we focus exclusively on serving families within the District of Columbia.
We proudly serve children from neighborhoods including:
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Dupont Circle
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Logan Circle
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Georgetown
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West End
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Capitol Hill
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Foggy Bottom
Whether your child attends a DC public school, a local private academy, or daycare in the District, we provide convenient, accessible pediatric dental care tailored to busy DC families.
Cass C.
Dr. Maryam Mohammadi is a top notch dentist. Her experience, knowledge and gentle demeanor are the perfect combination for a pediatric dentist. I wouldn’t go anywhere else for my children’s dental needs!! In addition, both of her offices are of the highest quality and her staff are fantastic - they go above and beyond on all fronts. I am so grateful we found Dr. Mohammadi and appreciate her collaborative approach in order to set my children up for a lifetime of dental health - thank you thank you, you are simply the BEST!!!
Katie S.
Our family has taken our kiddo to Beverly Pediatric since his first dentist visit. As a grownup who was scared of the dentist as a child it was really important to me to find a practice that was caring, kid-friendly, and that was also good at communicating to kiddos the why behind hygiene in age-appropriate ways. I am glad to say that my 6-yo get *excited* to see his friends at the dentist! We are so grateful for this practice. ❤️
Victoria G.
We have been coming to Beverley pediatrics for more than ten years. Dr M is fantastic with kids. She was great when they were uncooperative toddlers and she is great with them now when they are much older. She is very patient, explains every step clearly and just has this calm demeanor that puts my kids at ease no matter what procedure they have to get done.
The staff are always very pleasant and professional. We are so lucky to have found this place. I rarely post reviews but this place is a true gem and I highly recommend it.
If you are searching for a trusted pediatric dentist in Washington DC who combines advanced technology with compassionate care, our office is centrally located and easily accessible for busy DC families. We welcome your family to experience the Beverly difference.
📍Address: 1426 21st NW, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20036
📞Phone Number: 202-331-3474
🗓 Request an Appointment Online
