A First Visit That Feels Like a Mini Beach Trip
We’ve crafted an experience that helps kids feel at ease from the start. First visits include a gentle cleaning, brushing tips, and a personalized plan based on your child’s needs. Netflix or Disney+ on the ceiling? Absolutely. A treasure box surprise? Always. And while we focus on helping kids relax, we’ve made things easy for parents too.
Parents love it here:
• Free parking
• Text message check-in
• Stroller-friendly layout
• Curbside check-in
• On-call emergency care after hours
It’s Different Here (In the Best Way)
We don’t just treat smiles, we help kids build lifelong habits in a space that feels more like a beach house than a clinic. Kids pick their sunglasses, settle in with a show, and leave with a smile. And parents? They leave feeling heard, respected, and never pressured.
Real Talk, Honest Dentistry
There’s no sales pitch here. Just honest care and straightforward advice. Our board-certified pediatric dentists offer preventive and restorative care, from sealants to tooth-colored fillings and emergency visits. And we always walk you through the “why” behind every recommendation.
Pediatric
Dental
Treatments
We provide dental care tailored to each stage of your child’s smile, always with a focus on prevention, comfort, and confidence. Our treatments include:
Cleanings & Exams
Regular checkups twice a year help keep your child’s teeth strong and healthy. We make it fun with sunglasses, movies on the ceiling, and a friendly team that keeps kids at ease. These visits also give us a chance to catch small issues before they become bigger problems.
Fluoride & Sealants
Fluoride strengthens enamel while sealants protect the deep grooves of molars where cavities love to hide. Both treatments are quick, comfortable, and highly effective at reducing the risk of decay. Parents like knowing their kids leave with extra protection that lasts.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
When a cavity needs attention, we use composite resin that blends naturally with the tooth. The result looks and feels like part of the smile, so kids don’t feel self-conscious. It’s a simple way to restore health without drawing attention to the repair.
Bonding for Minor Chips
Childhood often comes with tumbles and tooth bumps. For small chips or fractures, bonding smooths and restores the tooth with tooth-colored material. The fix is fast, painless, and helps your child feel confident again.
Root Canals & Extractions
Sometimes, saving a tooth means a root canal, and sometimes removing it is the better option. We walk parents through every step so you feel comfortable with the plan. Either way, our priority is keeping your child pain-free and healthy.
Digital Impressions
No messy trays filled with goop. Our digital scanner captures precise images in seconds, making orthodontic planning or dental restorations more comfortable for kids. Parents appreciate the accuracy, and kids love how quick it is.
Restorative Treatment
From cavities to damaged teeth, we restore smiles with treatments designed for kids. Restorative dentistry not only helps with chewing and speaking, it gives kids confidence in their smile. We focus on gentle care and long-term health.
Orthodontic Options
Through our Ortho Suite, we provide early orthodontic evaluations, expanders, braces, and Invisalign®. Early treatment can make later care simpler and faster. Best of all, we treat both kids and teens in one convenient setting.
Emergency Care
Toothaches, knocked-out teeth, or accidents happen. We’re available to help quickly so parents don’t have to panic. Call us anytime and we’ll guide you on next steps to ease your child’s pain and protect their smile.
Child-Friendly Sedation
For kids who need extra support during treatment, we offer safe sedation options. These help nervous little ones relax while we care for their teeth. Parents often say this made all the difference in their child’s comfort.
Healthy Habit Coaching
We don’t just clean teeth, we teach kids how to care for them. From brushing techniques to diet tips, we provide guidance that parents can easily reinforce at home. Building good habits early leads to confident smiles for life.
Healthy Habit Coaching
We don’t just clean teeth, we teach kids how to care for them. From brushing techniques to diet tips, we provide guidance that parents can easily reinforce at home. Building good habits early leads to confident smiles for life.
From first teeth to teenage years, we’re here every step of the way.
Meet the Dentists Behind the Smiles
Dr. Derek Blank and Dr. Roma Gandhi both bring advanced training, years of experience, and a calm, friendly presence that kids respond to. From scooters in the hallway to writing names in chalk, the DC Pediatric Smiles team genuinely loves what they do, and it shows.
Dr.
Derek
Blank
Dr. Blank is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. After completing his dental degree at the University of Maryland, he went on to advanced training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center, where he served as chief resident. Families often mention his calm, upbeat style and the way he makes kids feel at ease from the first hello. When he’s not in the office, Dr. Blank loves spending time with his wife and three kids, and can usually be found cycling, skiing, or cheering on the Cleveland Browns.
Dr.
Roma
Gandhi
Dr. Roma is also board-certified and completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where she gained extensive experience caring for medically complex patients. She also earned master’s degrees in both science and public health. Known for her patient and friendly approach, Dr. Roma connects quickly with kids and parents alike. Outside of dentistry, she stays busy chasing her two young boys around Rockville’s parks and sneaking in Peloton rides when she can.
Insurance and Payment Made Simple
We accept many PPO plans, including:
• Cigna
• GEHA
• Guardian
• United Healthcare
We also work with out-of-network PPOs like Aetna, CareFirst, Delta, MetLife, and United Concordia. Our team handles the paperwork so you don’t have to. No insurance? No problem. We keep pricing reasonable and offer flexible payment options, because every child deserves great care, with or without coverage.
What Parents Are Saying
Parents consistently rave about how their kids love coming here, and how rare that is for a dental office. From autism-friendly visits to last-minute emergencies, the feedback is heartfelt and real.
“My three-year-old asked to go back the next day. That says it all.”
Mel C.
“This team just gets kids. And they make it easy for parents too.”
Victoria A.
“They’re calm, they’re kind, they never push treatments, and the office is beautiful.”
Emma B.
