About us
About American Pediatric Dental
It's a weekday afternoon, and a parent is sitting in the car outside one of our offices with a seven-year-old who has been quiet the whole drive. Maybe it's their first dental visit in a while. Maybe a tooth has been bothering them, or a teacher mentioned their bite looks a little crowded. The parent has questions, and the child has worries of their own. Moments like this are why we do what we do. At American Pediatric Dental Group, our team cares for children, adolescents, and teens across South Florida. We focus on making each visit feel personal, calm, and understandable for the whole family.
The question we hear most often from parents is simple: "Will my child be okay here?" It's a fair question, and we take it seriously. Our approach centers on personalized, compassionate care. We don't treat every child the same way, because no two children are the same. A confident ten-year-old who loves asking questions needs something different from a nervous four-year-old who wants to hold a parent's hand. Our team takes time to notice those differences and adjust how we explain things, how quickly we move, and how we help each child feel in control.
That philosophy has shaped our practice as we've grown to offices in multiple South Florida communities. Our pediatric practice is exclusively pediatric, so everything from the way we talk to the way we plan care is built around young patients and their families. We see children from their early years through their teens, and we try to build relationships that grow with them. Parents are welcome in the treatment room, because for many children, having a familiar face nearby makes all the difference.
Many families wonder what actually happens during an appointment, especially if their child has had a hard experience somewhere else. A routine visit usually includes a dental exam and a dental cleaning with one of our hygienists. Depending on your child's needs, we may also recommend fluoride treatment or dental sealants to help protect teeth that are prone to cavities. If we find a problem, we explain it clearly, show you what we're seeing, and talk through options before anything moves forward.
When a child needs more than preventive care, we're equipped to help. Our treatments include dental fillings, crowns, simple extractions, and other restorative care. For children who feel anxious or need extra help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide sedation. Here's what families can generally expect when they visit us:
- A team that explains each step in kid-friendly language
- The option for parents to stay with their child during treatment
- Clear conversations about findings and treatment choices
- Preventive care focused on keeping small problems from becoming big ones
- Emergency dental appointments when something unexpected happens
That last point matters. A chipped tooth after a fall at the park or a sudden toothache before school can be stressful. We offer emergency dentistry so families have somewhere to turn when a problem can't wait.
The Team Caring for Your Child
Parents naturally want to know who will be treating their child. Our team includes several board-certified pediatric dentists: Dr. Shasan William Liou, Dr. William Peña, and Dr. Joseph DePalo, who practices in Lake Worth. Dr. Harrison Hodgman, DDS, MPH, is a pediatric dentist serving families in Coral Springs. Dr. Karen Zapata, DDS, sees patients in Kendall, and Dr. Maria Del Pilar Avellaneda is also part of our dental team. Supporting them are our dental hygienists, who play a big role in helping children feel comfortable during cleanings and checkups.
We also care for children with special healthcare needs. Every child deserves dental care that respects how they experience the world. For some families, that means extra time, a quieter pace, or a different way of communicating. We work with parents to understand what helps their child, and we let that guide the visit.
Orthodontic Care as Your Child Grows
As children move into their preteen and teen years, questions often shift from cavities to crooked teeth, crowding, or bite concerns. Rather than sending families elsewhere, we offer orthodontics within our practice. Dr. Vivek Manda, DMD, MS, is a board-certified orthodontist based in Lake Worth. He works with patients and parents to decide whether treatment makes sense and, if so, which option fits best.
We offer both traditional metal braces and clear aligners, so families can talk through what works for their teen's habits, lifestyle, and goals. If you're unsure whether your child needs orthodontic care at all, we offer a free orthodontic consultation to help you get answers without pressure.
Rooted in South Florida Communities
Our families come to us from neighborhoods across the region, and we're proud to serve Coral Springs, Doral, Kendall, Lake Worth, Pembroke Pines, and Plantation. Having multiple offices means many families can find care closer to home, school, or work. That makes regular checkups easier to keep and urgent visits easier to manage.
We also know cost is a real concern for many parents. Our pediatric and orthodontic offices file insurance claims as specialists, and our Insurance & Financing page explains your options in more detail. For families looking for another path, we offer the Bright Start Dental Plan, our in-house plan. If you have questions about coverage or costs, our team is happy to walk through them with you. When you're ready, we'll be here to welcome your family.
Let's Plan Your Child's Next Visit
Whether your child is due for a cleaning, needs an emergency appointment, or is ready for a free orthodontic consultation, our board-certified team across South Florida is here to give them personalized, compassionate care, so contact the office nearest you to schedule today.