Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill | About Us (2024)

where your child can feel at home

Since 1973, Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill has remaineda family-run office that prides ourselves on providing the best children’s dental care in a fun and comforting environment. With a focus on gentle and positive experiences, we set each child on the path to a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!

Our doctors and team members are dedicated tocaring for each patient as a wonderful individual. Whether seeing yourinfant or toddlerat the first visit, providingpreventive careorrestorative treatmentfor an older sibling, or addressing amore complex dental concern, our focus is always on the child’s health and comfort. We always want our patients to feel safe and welcome in our office and at ease in our care.

We invite you to learn more andschedule your child's next dental visitat ouroffice. We offer early-morning appointments and Saturdays for your convenience. We serve infants, children, teens, and special needs youth from Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Concord, Alamo, Danville, and the surrounding communities. Our team looks forward to serving your family too!

Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill | About Us (1)

Drs. Helen Mo & Allan Wang

The current owners of Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill are a husband and wife team. Dr. Helen Mo is a pediatric dentist, and Dr. Allan Wang is an orthodontist. They met in dental school in Philadelphia, and moved to San Francisco for their residency programs. They have two children, Olivia and Cameron, and a golden doodle named Kingston.

Together, Dr. Helen and Dr. Allan provide comprehensive pediatric and orthodontic care for children of all ages, abilities, and medical complexities. Their mission is to treat every child with the same compassion, patience, and kindness that they would for their own children.

If you see them outside of the office, feel free to say "hi!"

dr. helen's bio
dr. allan's bio

Our Legacy:
the Harmon family

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Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill | About Us (3)

In 1969, the United States Navy chose the West Coast as a stopover for Dr. Robert Harmon, a newly graduated dentist. He was fortunate to have spent his two years of duty at Treasure Island. He returned to Indiana to complete a pediatric dental residency at Riley Children’s Hospital and Indiana University Medical Center.

In 1973, he and his wife Judy chose to make the Bay Area their home, and he opened his pediatric dental practice in Pleasant Hill.

In 1999, Dr. Harmon's daughter, Dr. Amybeth Harmon, joined the practice. Dr. Amybeth Harmon was a 1997 graduate of the University of the Pacific Dental School, San Francisco, where she was awarded her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. She completed her pediatric residency program at Louisiana State University and Children’s Hospital in 1999. She was honored with the Charles Pop Sweet Award for Excellence in Pediatric Dentistry. Like her father, Dr. Amybeth was passionate about mission trips and serving back to the community.​

Though no longer seeing patients in the office, the Harmon family will always be a part of Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill. They have always treated every person who steps into the office with a welcoming smile, and have built many special memories and relationships with so many children and families. We strive to continue serving this vision to provide the best possible care to our patients and their family.

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Giving Back

Being active in the community is our way of giving back to the people who have made Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill flourish. It is our honor to improve the smiles of children in our community, and we love giving back at every opportunity.

Close to Home
Many children may recognize us from our visits to local preschools. Each year, more than 1,000 kids get to learn about nutritious foods, “sometimes” foods, and good home care. Our trusty sidekick Dudley the Dinosaur is there to help us demonstrate toothbrushing techniques. And nobody ever leaves empty-handed: each child is given a goody bag with a toothbrush, sticker, and informative dental information for their parents.Each Halloween we participate in Trunk or Treat, in downtown Martinez. Our staff, dressed in costume, are there to provide information and treats — healthy, of course!

Supporting the World Community
For the past 30 years, Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill has sponsored children from various countries through World Vision. Currently, we are sponsoring six children from the countries of Tanzania, India, Brazil, Kenya, Haiti, and Peru.

In addition to monetary donations, our doctors volunteer their time during mission trips, during which they provide dental care to underserved children in countries that have great need. Our most recent trips have been to Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill | About Us (2024)

FAQs

What is the main focus of pediatric dentistry? ›

The primary goal of pediatric dentistry is to help children maintain good oral health throughout their lives. It involves providing them with preventive care, identifying and treating dental infections and conditions, and assisting children to develop good dental hygiene habits.

What is dental neglect American Academy of Pediatric dentistry? ›

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), child dental neglect is the “willful failure of parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain or infection.”1 This definition has been adopted ...

How often does the American Academy of Pediatric dentistry recommend? ›

How often does my child need to see the pediatric dentist? A check-up every six months is recommended in order prevent cavities and other dental problems. However, your pediatric dentist can tell you when and how often your child should visit based on their personal oral health.

What should I tell my child about seeing the dentist? ›

Follow these tips to prepare children for dental visits:
  • Be positive. ...
  • Keep it short and simple. ...
  • Don't bring up shots or possible pain. ...
  • Tell parents to keep their fears to themselves. ...
  • Role-play visiting the dentist and dental hygienist. ...
  • Read books or watch videos together. ...
  • Make dental visits fun.
Apr 25, 2023

Who is the father of pediatric dentistry? ›

Robert Bunon, born on May 1st, 1702 in Chalon-sur-Marne (Chalons-en-Champagne today), France, is considered the "father to pediatric dentistry" because of his focus on prevention and parental instructions.

What is the main barrier to dental care for pediatric patients? ›

Utilization and Barriers
.Examples of Barriers
AffordabilityFinancial barriers; lack of payment for providers' additional time needed because of behavior or care coordination; lack of dental professionals taking government-funded plans
5 more rows
Jul 22, 2024

What state pays pediatric dentists the most? ›

Pediatric dentist salaries typically range between $99,000 and $280,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for pediatric dentists is $80.24 per hour. Pediatric dentist salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Pediatric dentists earn the highest average salary in Alaska.

Will dentists call CPS for cavities? ›

Health care providers (including dental providers) are required to report injuries that are concerning for abuse or neglect to child protective services in accordance with local or state legal requirements.

What is IQ in pediatric dentistry? ›

IQ takes into consideration a wide range of cognitive skills, therefore evaluation of IQ by incorporating it in routine clinical examination can help a dentist to estimate the cognition level of the child and thereby implement required treatment modalities accordingly.

When to start toothpaste for a toddler? ›

for children 0–18 months of age – use only water, no toothpaste. from 18 months until the child turns six years old – use a small pea-sized amount of low fluoride children's toothpaste (check on the pack) from six years of age – use a pea-sized amount of standard fluoride toothpaste.

What is the number one dental school in the US? ›

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is sometimes considered the #1 dental school in the country and is a top five NIH-funded research institution. Its DDS Program has ten times the national average of graduates working in community dental clinics.

When to switch to fluoride toothpaste? ›

However, ingestion of too much fluoride while teeth are developing can result in visibly detectable changes in enamel structure such as discoloration and pitting (dental fluorosis) (1). Therefore, CDC recommends that children begin using fluoride toothpaste at age 2 years.

What is the average age for first cavity? ›

The Average Age for First Pediatric Dental Fillings

In general, children are more likely to need fillings between the ages of 6 and 10. However, some children may require fillings as early as 2 or 3.

How many times a year should a child go to the dentist? ›

Just like adults, children should see the dentist every 6 months. Some dentists may schedule visits more often, such as every 3 months. This can build comfort and confidence in the child. More frequent visits can also help keep an eye on a development problem.

What age should a child have their first dental check up? ›

A: “Around six months is generally a good age for a first appointment. But a good rule of thumb is to come and see us once the first few baby teeth have come through – or by their first birthday at the very latest.”

What is the focus of pediatrics? ›

Generally, pediatricians focus on babies, children, adolescents, and young adults from birth to age 21 years to: Reduce infant and child mortality. Control infectious disease. Foster healthy lifestyles.

Why choose a pediatric dentist over a general dentist? ›

Pediatric dentists have specialized training that allows them to explain oral care and procedures in a fun and friendly manner that is understandable by kids. Having a pediatric office that is designed to have children's comfort in mind.

What is the definition and scope of pediatric dentistry? ›

“Previously, a Pediatric Dentist is a Dentist treating the teeth of children right from eruption to the ages of 12 to 14 years.” but nowadays, the pediatric age includes (adolescent) up to 19 years and even more in cases of handicapped condition. The role of the pediatric dentist changes as children enter adolescence.

What is the primary goal of dentistry? ›

Dentistry is largely based on maintaining proper oral health, but is also an aesthetically focused practice. A large part of dentistry involves restoring teeth and making a smile beautiful, one that the patient is happy to show to others.

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