Seeing your child’s smile is the best part of our day.
We treat your child
as if they were our own.
We are experts at
fun and easy visits.
We know a beautiful smile
lasts a lifetime.
en Español
Angela Ratnam, DDS
Susan Larsen, DDS
Meet Our Doctors
Susan Larsen, DDS
We think a child's smile can light up the world.
Our Office
Welcome to our Office!
We firmly believe that every child
deserves a great smile. That’s why we specialize in
Children's Dentistry. From the time your child grows their first tooth until they graduate from high school, our professional staff will help care for and protect your child’s smile. And because children are so different from adults, we take a unique approach to every patient. We’ll help ensure each visit your child makes to the dentist is a great experience.
We pride ourselves in practicing ethically and honestly, always taking the time to explain our findings. We always consider all appropriate treatment options and try to present the most conservative plans, when possible. It is important for us to be helpful to our patients and answer any questions you might have regarding your child’s dental care.
Starting early with prevention and good habits will help build a life-long smile and relationship with your pediatric dentist. Thank you for trusting us with one of the most joyful gifts a child has to offer, their smile!
High Standards
"A standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables us to provide the quality dental services our patients deserve."
Education & Prevention
"As a practice, we are true believers that preventive care and education are the keys to optimal dental health."
A Positive Experience
"We understand how uneasy some children may feel about their dental visits. We can make a difference in providing a positive experience."
Our Hours
We are available
Monday - Thursday 7:00 AM and 5:00PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
For after hours emergencies, please call
480-610-6544 and listen to our message.
Policies
Our office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when time is available. Preschool children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and we can work more slowly with the child for their comfort. School aged children for routine visits can be scheduled throughout the day. Sedation appointments are scheduled only in the morning. Our afternoon appointments are reserved for preventive care visits and minor emergencies.
We require a 24 hour cancellation notice.
Financial Information
Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. This includes deductibles and co-insurance. We accept cash and most major credit cards.
We also take Care Credit.
For patients that require dental treatment, we will customize a treatment plan unique to your child. Our treatment coordinator will review the recommended treatment and the estimation of your dental insurance reimbursement.
Every effort will be made to provide a treatment plan which fits your timetable and budget, and gives your child the best possible care.
We accept health plans associated with the Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Our trained staff will help patients with the application right in the comfort of our office.
First Visit
Our Doctors and our team are dedicated to great dental experiences. We, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommend you bring your child as early as first tooth and no later than their first birthday. During your first visit, you will meet some of our dedicated pediatric dental team, discuss your concerns for your child before entering the treatment room. Families will accompany one of our specialized team members to review tips for keeping their teeth healthy. They will walk you and your child through the steps of their first preventive care visit, or cleaning. Then,Drs. Ratnam or Larsen will join you at the end for a thorough exam to assess for decay and abnormalities, complete an oral cancer screening and orthodontic assessment. We will complete your visit by discussing any remaining questions you may have. We request that you complete our First Visit Forms prior to arriving for your appointment. This helps our office keep your and everyone else’s scheduled visit on time. Your initial baby exam will last approximately 30 minutes. Oral hygiene instructions will also be given with suggestions to help your child care for their own teeth. In most cases, we will also clean their teeth on this visit, and provide an evaluation that will outline any existing dental problems and proposed treatment.
First Visit Forms
Pediatric Dentistry
Providing the best care for kids’ dental health requires a special kind of dentist: a Pediatric Dentist. A Pediatric Dentist is a specialist, having received at least 2 years of advanced residency training after dental school all to learn how to better care for our most special patients; kids! Many dental offices advertise that they cater to children, and may appear to be a “children only” dentist, but if you ask if they are indeed pediatric dental specialists, you might be surprised at their response!
Believe it or not, providing dental care for a child is very different from that of an adult. From the anatomical differences of childhood to the special behavioral concerns of children, our pediatric dental specialists are prepared to provide the best possible care for you child. All of our staff are also well trained in caring for children.
And our pediatric dental care doesn’t end when your child’s baby teeth fall out. We have a residency trained general dentist available to care for your kids of all ages. No need to run across town to take your younger children and teens to different dental offices!
All of these services are provided in an atmosphere dedicated to kids! Children can watch movies while they are receiving their treatment or they can play in the pirate ship while waiting for their siblings!
Pediatric Dental Services
Restorative
All restorative options are available, including fillings, sealants, and crowns (caps). Pulpotomies and pulpectomies (“baby teeth root canals”) are also available, as are surgical procedures including extractions and space maintenance.
Sedation
Many children are unable to cooperate with dental treatment. This may because of their young age, amount of treatment needed, or other factors including a previous traumatic dental experience. When the required treatment is not able to be performed your child’s Pediatric Dentist may recommend conscious sedation as a way to help your child receive the necessary treatment with a minimal amount of discomfort. The Pediatric Dentist may administer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) sedation or an oral “cocktail” of medications, or both. Our dentists are licensed by the state to provide sedation and have received advanced training in the use of sedatives and the monitoring of sedated patients. All clinical staff are also trained in emergency management. Conscious sedation may not be necessary or appropriate for every patient. You will be able to discuss this and other options with Drs. Ratnam or Larsen.
General Anesthesia
Sometimes a child may not be able to be treated while awake or under conscious sedation, whether due to their young age, combativeness, or extensive amount of treatment. For these patients we provide the option of general anesthesia. While many parents are nervous about the prospect of having their child asleep for the dental work, you can be assured that modern techniques allow for an extremely safe anesthetic. General anesthesia is a safe and effective option and is administered at Dentistry for Children only by competent, board certified dentist anesthesiologists. Modern monitoring devices and anesthesia delivery systems are utilized and each anesthetic is custom designed for your child. Parents will generally be allowed to accompany their child to the surgical suite while his or her anesthetic is induced. The child is usually allowed to breathe anesthetic gases through a mask in order to fall asleep, though sometimes the anesthesiologist may recommend another form of induction. The child will be under the direct supervision of the anesthesiologist throughout their entire anesthetic. The anesthesiologist has only your child’s safety and comfort in mind. A complete compliment of emergency management medications and supplies are readily available to the surgical team throughout the course of the anesthetic and recovery, as is the knowledge necessary to utilize them if required. Your child’s anesthesiologist will be glad to take the time to answer any questions you may have.
We grow with your child.
Schedule a Visit
We are here for you
and your child.
Call us to schedule your child's next
appointment at
Office Hours:
Our office is open Monday through Friday, with hours that can accommodate most any schedule. Appointments are offered Monday - Thursday, between 7:00 AM and 5:00PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Emergencies and After Hours:
At Dentistry for Children we are committed to our patients' dental health no matter what time of the day or night it is. If you are a current patient, and have a dental emergency after regular office hours, please call us at (480) 610-6544.
If you have never visited our office please fill out our new patient form and bring it with you when you come in for your appointment.
Mesa’s #1 Name in Children’s Dental Care
Seeing your child’s smile is the best part of our day.
