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Trusted Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Central Connecticut
Central Connecticut Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics has dedicated itself to providing specialized oral healthcare for children from infancy through adolescence. Our team of pediatric dentists possesses two to three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, equipping us to address the unique dental needs of young patients at every developmental stage. We employ age-appropriate techniques to manage patient behavior, guide oral growth, and implement preventive strategies that minimize future dental issues. Our board-certified specialists have earned recognition from peers and patients alike, with multiple team members honored as Connecticut's Top Pediatric Dentists. With locations in Middletown and Old Saybrook, we serve central Connecticut and shoreline communities, combining clinical expertise with a commitment to making dental visits positive experiences for children.Our practice accommodates patients with special needs and maintains emergency services for urgent dental care. Through continuous professional development and advanced training programs, our team stays at the forefront of pediatric dental innovations, including laser technology applications. We maintain affiliations with leading dental organizations and hospital departments, ensuring our practice meets the highest standards of care. Our multidisciplinary approach addresses both routine and complex dental requirements while fostering long-term oral health habits. This combination of specialized training, community engagement, and technological advancement establishes us as a trusted resource for pediatric dental care in central Connecticut.
Services
Pediatric Dental Exams
Preventive Care
Orthodontic Services
Sedation Dentistry
Emergency Dental Care
Fluoride Treatments
Dental X-Rays
Oral Health Education
Highlights and features
- Our dentists have 2-3 additional years of specialized pediatric training
- Board-certified specialists recognized as Connecticut's Top Pediatric Dentists
- Proven success with special needs patients and complex dental requirements
- Emergency dental care available after hours
- Multidisciplinary team approach to pediatric oral health
Associations and certifications
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
What people say
Fabulous staff
Knowledgeable professionals
Positive experiences
Special needs expertise
Teamwork excellence
Services
Pediatric Dental Exams
Our comprehensive dental examinations for children focus on early detection of oral health issues. The process includes reviewing medical history, evaluating tooth development, and identifying potential bite problems. We employ child-friendly techniques to ensure comfortable assessments while educating parents about preventive care strategies.
Preventive Care
We provide age-appropriate preventive treatments including professional cleanings, fluoride applications, and sealants. Our team educates children on proper brushing and flossing techniques while monitoring oral development. This proactive approach helps establish lifelong dental hygiene habits and prevents common childhood dental issues.
Orthodontic Services
Our orthodontic specialists offer comprehensive bite correction and teeth alignment solutions for children and teens. Services include traditional braces, early intervention treatments, and developmental assessments. We create personalized treatment plans that address both aesthetic concerns and functional dental requirements during critical growth periods.
Emergency Dental Care
We provide after-hours emergency care for dental trauma, tooth pain, and other urgent oral health issues. Our team offers immediate assessment and treatment for injuries, infections, and dental accidents. Parents can access emergency services through our dedicated after-hours phone line.
Sedation Dentistry
Specialized sedation options help anxious young patients receive necessary dental care comfortably. Our certified team administers safe, controlled sedation while closely monitoring vital signs. This service enables completion of multiple procedures in single visits while minimizing patient discomfort and stress.
People
Dr. Z. Christopher Religa
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified pediatric dentist with residency training from Columbus Children's Hospital. Joined practice in 2000 after earning DMD from UConn. Recognized as Connecticut's Top Pediatric Dentist by peers. Holds Master of Science in Pediatric Dentistry from Ohio State University.
Dr. Tiffany Haim
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified specialist trained at University of Pennsylvania and New York University. Member of American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Recipient of faculty award for pediatric dentistry excellence. Practicing in her native Old Saybrook community since 2010.
Dr. Robert Pesce Jr.
Orthodontist
Orthodontic specialist with Master of Dental Science from UConn. Former civil engineer who transitioned to dentistry. Member of American Association of Orthodontists. Provides comprehensive orthodontic care for children and teens since 2015.
Dr. Ritu Mohan
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified dentist trained at NYU and UConn. Recipient of Rudner Memorial Award for clinical excellence. Specializes in laser dentistry applications. Completed advanced pediatric fellowship training before joining the practice.
Dr. Claudia Odiaka
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified specialist trained at University of Connecticut and Connecticut Children's Medical Center. Focuses on creating positive dental experiences for children. Member of multiple professional dental associations since joining practice in 2020.
Questions
What age should a child have their first dental visit?
We recommend the first visit within 6 months of the first tooth erupting or by age 1, following AAPD guidelines.
What services do you offer for children?
We provide comprehensive care including exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, orthodontics, restorative work, and emergency dental services.
Do you handle dental emergencies after hours?
Yes, we offer emergency dental care with a dedicated after-hours line for urgent situations.
Are your dentists specialized for children?
All our dentists are board-certified pediatric specialists with 2-3 additional years of pediatric-specific training.
Do you accept patients with special needs?
Yes, we specialize in treating children with special needs and have experience creating comfortable dental experiences.
What makes your practice different from general dentists?
Our team has specialized pediatric training, child-friendly facilities, and experience addressing developmental dental needs unique to children.
Reviews (4)
Tara Lawrie
Apr 12, 2022
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Wonderful practice. My almost 4 year old has had such a good experience thus far. They take it slow, build the trust and she loves it there!
Ramya Ramakrishnan
Dec 08, 2021
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This place is amazing. Been taking my currently 5 year old here since she was 18 months and my one year had her first visit today. Very kid friendly nurses, doctors and hygienists. It's a 30 minutes drive from home but totally worth it. love their new place even better. Gave good reviews to our friends and they bring their kids here too.
Marybeth Petruzzi
Aug 31, 2021
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The entire staff at Central CT Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics are excellent. Every staff member is knowledgeable, kind, and patient. It is great to have all of my daughter's dental needs located in one place!
Tiffanie McHugh
Aug 26, 2020
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there an awesome group they make jess laugh like crazy. their 2 diff offices r amazin colorful an full off toys. each office has diff toys which i also love. everyone in both offices all get down on the kids level. but if u want to bring ur child there the offices r in oldsaybrook an middletown. jess goes to the oldsaybrook an goes to the middletown once in awhile. but the drive is well beyond worth the drive if u live outside the area trust u wont regret it.
