Business Details
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Your Child's Healthy Smile Starts Here
At Smile Zone, we specialize in creating a joyful and compassionate dental experience for children and patients with special needs. Our team prioritizes building trust through the Tell, Show, Do method, ensuring each patient understands and feels comfortable with every step of their care. With over a decade of experience, we combine advanced pediatric dental techniques with a fun, welcoming environment to foster lifelong oral health habits. Our focus on preventive care, early orthodontic intervention, and sedation options addresses the unique needs of growing smiles. From routine checkups to complex treatments, our skilled professionals deliver personalized care tailored to each child's developmental stage.We emphasize education for both parents and children, offering guidance on home care, nutrition, and cavity prevention. Our office design, featuring themed spaces and interactive elements, helps reduce anxiety and makes dental visits an enjoyable experience. By maintaining partnerships with orthodontists and specialists, we ensure comprehensive, coordinated care for every patient. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our use of modern technology, including low-radiation X-rays and durable restorative materials. We proudly serve families in Springfield and surrounding areas, striving to be the trusted choice for pediatric dental health.
Services
Pediatric Dental Exams
Invisalign Treatment
Dental Sealants
Tooth Extractions
General Anesthesia
Space Maintainers
Pulp Therapy
Orthodontic Evaluation
Emergency Care
Preventive Care
Highlights and features
- Over 10 years of experience in pediatric dental care
- Specialized care for children with special needs
- Tell, Show, Do method for patient comfort and understanding
- Comprehensive preventive and restorative treatment options
- Child-friendly office environment with themed treatment areas
What people say
Gentle with children
Fun office environment
Excellent with special needs
Pain-free procedures
Thorough explanations
Services
Pediatric Dental Exams
Our comprehensive dental exams for children include caries risk assessment, fluoride treatments, and personalized oral hygiene instruction. We use age-appropriate techniques to evaluate developing teeth and identify potential issues early. Regular six-month checkups help establish comfort with dental care while monitoring growth and eruption patterns.
Invisalign Treatment
We offer Invisalign as a modern alternative to traditional braces for teens. These removable aligners allow continued oral hygiene routines and unrestricted diets while effectively straightening teeth. Our team provides customized treatment plans that accommodate active lifestyles and developmental needs.
Dental Sealants
Sealants provide a protective barrier on back teeth to prevent decay in hard-to-reach grooves. Applied quickly during routine visits, these clear coatings offer long-lasting protection while allowing immediate return to normal eating habits. We include sealant evaluation at every checkup.
General Anesthesia
For anxious patients or complex treatments, we provide safe general anesthesia options. Both in-office and outpatient services ensure comprehensive care for children requiring extensive dental work while minimizing stress and ensuring optimal outcomes.
Pulp Therapy
Specialized pulp treatments preserve damaged primary teeth through pulpotomies and LSTR procedures. Using medicated fillings and antibiotic treatments, we save compromised teeth while maintaining space for permanent successors, avoiding premature extraction complications.
People
Dr. Hudkins
Pediatric Dentist
With a contagious smile and extensive pediatric experience, Dr. Hudkins specializes in creating positive dental experiences for children. She employs the Tell, Show, Do method to build trust and comfort in young patients.
Dr. Gooch
Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Gooch brings specialized expertise in pediatric dental care, focusing on preventive treatments and early intervention strategies. She works closely with families to establish lifelong oral health routines for children.
Ashley
Billing Coordinator
Ashley manages financial coordination with expertise in pediatric dental insurance. She helps families navigate coverage options and payment plans for their children's dental care needs.
Chelsea
Dental Assistant
Chelsea supports clinical procedures while helping children feel comfortable during treatments. Her patient-centered approach focuses on making each dental visit a positive experience for young patients.
Harlie
Dental Assistant
Harlie combines technical skills with child-friendly communication to assist in various dental procedures. She plays an active role in educating children about proper oral hygiene practices.
Questions
What ages do you treat?
We specialize in dental care for infants, children, and adolescents up to age 18, including patients with special needs.
What happens during a first visit?
The first visit includes a comprehensive exam, oral hygiene education, and age-appropriate preventive treatments like fluoride varnish.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Yes, we accept Medicaid patients. Please call 417-883-5868 for appointment scheduling with Medicaid coverage.
How do you handle dental emergencies?
We provide emergency dental care for children, including same-day appointments for urgent issues like tooth pain or trauma.
What sedation options are available?
We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia options tailored to each child's treatment needs and comfort level.
How can I prepare for my child's appointment?
Review our online resources, complete pre-visit forms, and discuss the positive dental experience with your child to reduce anxiety.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Jr
May 19, 2022
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My daughter has no complaints. The staff treats her good and makes her feel relaxed while getting her teeth cleaned.
Cassandra Kline
Oct 23, 2021
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Today was my daughter's first time at the dentist. She ended up needing some work done, and they did it the same day. Everyone from the time I walked in, to the time I left was so caring and wonderful. This was my daughter's first time having work done (she's 6), so it caused me to be a little emotional. I was slightly embarrassed but they all were very understanding and kept checking on her for me, giving me updates in the waiting room.
My daughter ended up getting sick during the work and they gave her a shirt to change in to and was very professional about it. I can't thank Dr. Hudkins and staff enough for everything they did for my little girl. Highly recommend this place.
My daughter ended up getting sick during the work and they gave her a shirt to change in to and was very professional about it. I can't thank Dr. Hudkins and staff enough for everything they did for my little girl. Highly recommend this place.
Emily Walker Gant
Oct 01, 2021
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We love the smile zone and especially Jess! She's helped our little guy overcome some really big fears and is always so patient and sweet. Today he finished up ALL of his extensive dental work! He's declared her his BFF and informed her today that if she ever needs him, he will come and stand by her. We cannot thank you all enough!
Annie Patton
Sep 05, 2021
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Best dentist around and an amazingly fun atmosphere for kids! The staff goes out of their way to make us feel welcome every time we go in. I would recommend Smile Zone to everyone!
Tonya Peak
Aug 25, 2021
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They are so good with my son. He is always nervous going but once he gets there he loves it! Thanks to Dr Hudkins and her staff they are amazing!
Tiffany Harper
Jul 07, 2021
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Such a kid friendly staff! Their training and expertise is apparent in every detail of the appointment. My daughter never has an issue coming to the dentist. Im thankful for the personalized experience they provide for my kiddo each time we visit.
Shawn Neville
Jul 03, 2021
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This place and the staff here are amazing. I feel so comfortable letting them care for my son and his dental needs. They care about you and make you feel important. Such a kind and caring group of people. Thank you for everything.
