Business Details
41 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Children's Dental Care in Erie, PA
Shapter David E has been dedicated to children's oral health since 1985, combining specialized expertise with compassionate care. Our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. David Shapter, brings decades of experience in creating positive dental experiences for young patients. We maintain rigorous infection control standards exceeding industry requirements while fostering a welcoming environment with multilingual staff members fluent in Ukrainian and Russian. Our nautical-themed office in downtown Erie reflects our commitment to making dental visits enjoyable for children.The practice emphasizes preventive care, emergency preparedness, and community engagement through partnerships with organizations like the Boy Scouts of America and Erie County Dental Association. Our team of experienced professionals, including two pediatric dental hygienists and two chairside assistants, works collaboratively to address diverse patient needs while maintaining transparent communication with families.
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Preventive Care
Dental Emergencies
Orthodontic Evaluation
Sedation Dentistry
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Board-certified pediatric dentist with 40+ years of specialized experience
- Multilingual staff fluent in Ukrainian and Russian for better patient communication
- Nationally recognized safety protocols exceeding standard infection control requirements
- Child-friendly nautical-themed environment with dedicated play areas
- Comprehensive preventive care programs for early childhood through adolescence
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Our specialized pediatric dental care addresses children's unique oral health needs from infancy through adolescence. We provide comprehensive examinations, developmental monitoring, and age-appropriate treatment plans. Our board-certified dentist and experienced team create positive experiences through child-friendly communication and specialized techniques.
Preventive Care
We emphasize proactive oral health maintenance through regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. Our preventive programs include personalized home care instruction and dietary counseling to establish lifelong healthy habits while minimizing cavity risk through evidence-based interventions.
Dental Emergencies
We provide urgent care for dental trauma including knocked-out teeth, fractures, and infections. Our emergency protocols follow AAPD guidelines with immediate treatment availability for acute conditions while maintaining strict safety standards for after-hours emergencies.
Orthodontic Evaluation
We offer comprehensive orthodontic assessments starting at age 2-3 years to identify developmental issues. Our early intervention strategies address malocclusions and harmful habits while planning optimal timing for corrective treatments during mixed dentition phases.
Sedation Dentistry
For anxious or special needs patients, we provide safe sedation options to ensure comfortable treatment experiences. Our board-certified team utilizes advanced techniques to manage dental fear while maintaining strict safety protocols and personalized monitoring.
People
Dr. David E. Shapter
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Shapter has specialized in pediatric dentistry since completing his residency at Ohio State University in 1985. A native of Erie, he combines military service experience with community commitment through active involvement in local organizations.
Phyllis
Office Manager
With over 20 years of leadership, Phyllis coordinates patient care and office operations. Her extensive experience ensures efficient service delivery while maintaining the practice's welcoming atmosphere for families.
Kim
Receptionist
As primary scheduling coordinator, Kim manages appointment logistics while providing first-contact support. Her organizational skills help maintain smooth patient flow and timely access to care.
Marina
Pediatric Dental Hygienist
Marina specializes in child-friendly preventive care with particular expertise in making young patients comfortable during hygiene visits. Fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, she serves diverse patient populations effectively.
Anna
Pediatric Dental Hygienist
Anna focuses on special needs patients and anxious children, using her linguistic skills in Ukrainian and Russian to enhance communication. Her compassionate approach helps create positive dental experiences for challenging cases.
Questions
When should my child's first dental visit occur?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing a dental home by age one for preventive care and developmental monitoring.
How do you handle dental emergencies after hours?
Call our main line for emergency instructions. We provide guidance for acute issues like knocked-out teeth and facial trauma with immediate care availability.
What safety measures are in place during visits?
We implement enhanced infection control including pre-visit screening, hand sanitizing, mask requirements, and social distancing protocols in our renovated facility.
Do you treat children with special healthcare needs?
Our team has specialized training and experience working with children with developmental disabilities and complex medical conditions using tailored approaches.
What payment options are available?
We accept cash, checks, and major credit cards. Payment plans and financing options can be discussed with our financial coordinator for extensive treatments.
How do you make dental visits less intimidating for children?
Our nautical-themed office, child-friendly communication, and gradual acclimation techniques create positive experiences. Parents can stay with children during initial visits for comfort.
