Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Child's Trusted Dental Home in Nacogdoches
Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry was founded by Dr. Jennifer Criss, a board-certified pediatric dentist with over two decades of specialized experience. Our practice combines advanced clinical expertise with a compassionate approach to create a welcoming environment for children. We offer comprehensive services including preventive care, emergency dentistry, orthodontic solutions like Healthy Start, and sedation options tailored to individual needs.Our team prioritizes patient education, community engagement, and innovative treatments to address childhood dental health comprehensively. With a focus on early intervention and long-term oral health, we serve families across Nacogdoches and surrounding areas through personalized care and participation in local initiatives like Operation Gratitude.
Services
Preventive Care
Emergency Dentistry
Healthy Start Orthodontics
Frenectomies
Sedation Dentistry
Dental Exams
Fluoride Treatments
Sealants
Tooth Extractions
Pediatric Cleanings
Highlights and features
- We offer board-certified pediatric dental expertise with specialized training from Baylor College of Dentistry
- Our team creates a playful, stress-free environment that children genuinely enjoy visiting
- We implement advanced treatments like Healthy Start orthodontics for early intervention
- Our staff maintains active community involvement through local sponsorships and charity programs
- We provide comprehensive emergency dental care with same-day appointment availability
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
What people say
Patient and caring staff
Kids love going to dentist
Excellent dental care
Make children feel comfortable
Knowledgeable professionals
Services
Preventive Care
Our preventive care program includes professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental exams every six months. This proactive approach helps detect issues early while teaching children proper oral hygiene habits. Each visit includes personalized education about home care routines and dietary choices that support strong, healthy teeth development.
Emergency Dentistry
We provide urgent care for broken teeth, dental pain, and trauma-related injuries. Our team prioritizes same-day appointments for emergencies with immediate diagnostic imaging and pain management. Treatment may include restorations, antibiotics for infections, or stabilization procedures to protect developing permanent teeth.
Healthy Start Orthodontics
This nighttime appliance system addresses both teeth alignment and breathing issues in children. Custom-fitted devices improve airway function while gently guiding teeth into proper positions. Treatment typically begins between ages 5-9 when dental development is most responsive to non-invasive correction methods.
Frenectomies
We perform frenectomies to correct restrictive tissue attachments affecting speech, feeding, or dental development. Using advanced techniques, we release labial or lingual frenums to improve oral mobility. Most procedures are completed in-office with minimal discomfort and quick recovery periods.
Sedation Dentistry
Our sedation options include nitrous oxide and IV sedation for anxious patients or complex procedures. This ensures comfortable treatment experiences while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring. Sedation is particularly beneficial for young children requiring extensive dental work or special needs patients.
People
Dr. Jennifer Criss
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified pediatric dentist with 20+ years experience. Completed residency at Baylor College of Dentistry. Specializes in child-friendly dentistry and early orthodontic intervention. Diplomate of American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
April Scott
Office Manager
Manages daily operations with 10+ years experience in pediatric dental administration. Focuses on creating welcoming patient experiences and coordinating team workflows efficiently.
Robin Smith
Financial Coordinator
Handles insurance processing and payment arrangements with expertise in pediatric dental benefits. Committed to making dental care accessible and financially transparent for families.
Christi Montes
Receptionist
First point of contact for patients, specializing in new patient onboarding and referral coordination. Maintains warm, organized front-office operations.
Ashley Garrette
Scheduling Coordinator
Manages appointment scheduling with focus on timely access to care. Helps coordinate treatment plans with family availability for optimal dental health outcomes.
Questions
What ages do you treat?
We specialize in dental care for infants, children, and adolescents up to age 18.
Do you handle dental emergencies?
Yes, we provide same-day emergency appointments for urgent dental issues like trauma or severe pain.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept PayPal payments and work with most major dental insurance providers.
Are your staff trained for children's needs?
Our entire team has specialized training in pediatric dental care and child behavior management.
Do you offer orthodontic treatment?
Yes, we provide early orthodontic intervention including Healthy Start appliances for children.
How do you make visits less scary for kids?
Our playful office environment, gentle approach, and positive reinforcement techniques create stress-free experiences.
