Business Details
20 Years
experience
Pediatric Dentistry Services in Medford, OR
Grins 4 Kidz is a state-of-the-art pediatric dental practice dedicated to providing comprehensive oral care for children and patients with special healthcare needs from birth to age 21. Our team of board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Pamela Ortiz and Dr. Kimberly Heeter, brings decades of combined experience in preventive, restorative, and sedation dentistry tailored to young patients. We prioritize early intervention, education, and creating a child-friendly environment to foster lifelong dental health.Our services include digital X-rays, nitrous oxide sedation, general anesthesia options, minor orthodontics, and specialized care for children with developmental delays. With a focus on transparency and family-centered care, we accept major dental insurance and offer flexible scheduling to serve Medford, the Rogue Valley, and all of Southern Oregon.
Services
Preventive Dental Care
Restorative Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
General Anesthesia
Minor Orthodontics
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- Board-certified pediatric dentists with decades of experience
- Specialized care for children with developmental delays
- Nitrous oxide and general anesthesia sedation options available
- Focus on early intervention and preventive education
- Child-friendly environment with advanced dental technology
What people say
Gentle with children
Excellent sedation options
Knowledgeable staff
Child-friendly atmosphere
Effective preventive care
Services
Preventive Dental Care
Our preventive services include bi-annual cleanings, digital X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants to protect children's teeth from decay. We educate families on nutrition and oral hygiene tailored to each child's developmental stage. Early intervention helps prevent complex dental issues and establishes lifelong healthy habits.
Restorative Dentistry
We provide tooth-colored fillings, stainless steel crowns, and white esthetic crowns for damaged teeth. Our pulp therapy treats infected pulp while preserving baby teeth. All materials are BPA-free, and we use gentle techniques to minimize discomfort during procedures for children of all ages.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide safely reduces anxiety during dental procedures for children. Administered through a nasal mask, it alters pain perception while allowing patients to remain awake. This non-allergenic gas works quickly and wears off immediately after treatment, ensuring safe recovery.
General Anesthesia
For extensive treatments or anxious patients, we offer general anesthesia administered by licensed anesthesiologists. This option allows completion of multiple procedures in one visit while ensuring patient comfort. Treatments occur in-office or at Rogue Regional Medical Center.
Minor Orthodontics
We provide space maintainers, habit correction appliances, and early orthodontic evaluations. Our appliances address issues like thumb-sucking and tooth spacing to guide proper dental development. Custom-fitted devices help prevent future alignment problems requiring more complex treatment.
People
Pamela J. Ortiz
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Ortiz has practiced dentistry since 1991, including seven years as a general dentist in the US Army. She specializes in pediatric care and has been with Grins 4 Kidz since 2006, focusing on early dental education and intervention.
Kimberly L. Heeter
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Heeter has specialized in pediatric dentistry since 2003. She previously served as faculty at dental schools in Seattle and San Antonio, bringing academic expertise to her clinical practice at Grins 4 Kidz since 2014.
Marti
Practice Manager
Marti has worked in dental and medical fields since 2001 and has been with Dr. Ortiz since 2003. As founding member of Grins 4 Kidz, she manages office operations while maintaining patient-focused service standards.
Sausha
Dental Assistant
Sausha has worked in dental administration and chair-side assisting since 2012. She joined Grins 4 Kidz in 2019, providing both front-office support and clinical assistance during patient visits.
Angela
Expanded Functions Dental Assistant
Angela has worked in pediatric dentistry since 1996 and joined Grins 4 Kidz in 2014. She serves as chair-side assistant and dental assisting instructor, combining clinical expertise with educational experience.
Questions
When should my child first visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age one to establish preventive care and monitor development.
What sedation options are available for anxious children?
We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety and general anesthesia for extensive procedures or patients requiring deeper sedation.
Do you treat children with special needs?
Yes, our team specializes in caring for children with developmental delays and special healthcare requirements, adapting treatments to individual needs.
What occurs during a routine dental cleaning?
Cleanings include plaque removal, fluoride application, oral examination, and age-appropriate education on brushing, flossing, and nutrition.
How do you handle dental emergencies?
Contact our office immediately for urgent issues like tooth pain, injuries, or infections. We prioritize emergency cases for prompt treatment.
Are X-rays safe for children?
We use digital X-rays that reduce radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional film, only recommending them when necessary for diagnosis.
