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Your Child's Trusted Dental Home in East Brunswick
Central Jersey Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is a specialized practice dedicated to providing comprehensive dental care for infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs. Founded on principles of affordability, advanced technology, and personalized care, the practice combines expertise in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics to create a welcoming environment for young patients. The team, led by Dr. Michelle M. Backhaus and Dr. Christopher R. Overcash, prioritizes patient comfort through sedation dentistry options and a kid-friendly office design.

With a focus on preventive care and early intervention, the practice aims to establish long-term oral health habits while fostering trust with families. The doctors bring extensive experience, including specialized training and leadership roles in professional organizations, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care. The practice serves East Brunswick, Monroe, Old Bridge, and Sayreville, emphasizing transparency in pricing and communication.
Services
Pediatric Dentistry Orthodontics Sedation Dentistry Invisalign Braces
Highlights and features
  • Specialized pediatric and orthodontic care for children and special needs patients
  • Board-certified pediatric dentist with hospital affiliations and leadership roles
  • Kid-friendly office design with interactive technology and calming atmosphere
  • Transparent pricing and detailed pre-treatment explanations
  • Emergency dental services with after-hours support
What people say
Caring and informative staff Calm and comfortable environment Transparent pricing Excellent with special needs Positive dental experiences
Services
Pediatric Dentistry
Specialized dental care for infants, children, and teens, focusing on preventive treatments, early cavity detection, and habit counseling. Our board-certified pediatric dentists use child-friendly techniques to ensure positive dental experiences while educating families on proper oral hygiene practices. Services include routine checkups, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.
Orthodontics
Comprehensive orthodontic solutions for children and adolescents, including traditional braces and Invisalign. Our orthodontist addresses bite alignment, spacing issues, and jaw development using age-appropriate treatment plans. Early intervention options help prevent future dental complications while ensuring comfortable, effective results.
Sedation Dentistry
Safe sedation options for anxious or special needs patients, including nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and IV sedation. These methods help children remain calm during procedures while maintaining safety through careful monitoring by experienced professionals trained in pediatric sedation techniques.
Invisalign
Discreet orthodontic treatment using removable clear aligners for teens. Invisalign corrects mild to moderate alignment issues without traditional brackets, offering comfort and convenience. Patients enjoy easier oral hygiene maintenance and unrestricted eating during treatment.
Dental Home
Establishing a long-term dental care foundation starting from age one. This approach includes regular checkups, personalized oral hygiene guidance, and early intervention strategies to prevent dental disease. The Dental Home concept promotes continuity of care and builds trust between patients, families, and providers.
People
Dr. Michelle M. Backhaus
Pediatric Dentist
Board-certified pediatric dentist with 20+ years of experience. Graduated summa cum laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University and University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Served as President of the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and maintains hospital affiliations.
Dr. Christopher R. Overcash
Orthodontist
Orthodontic specialist with advanced training from Columbia University. Recipient of multiple dental honors including the International College of Dentists Award. Former President of the New Jersey Association of Orthodontists, focusing on comprehensive orthodontic care for children.
Lisa
Office Manager
Experienced dental office manager known for exceptional patient coordination and stress-free appointment organization. Plays key role in ensuring smooth operations and clear communication with families.
Questions
When should my child's first dental visit occur?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by age one or when the first tooth appears to establish preventive care.
What sedation options are available for anxious children?
We offer nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and IV sedation to ensure comfortable treatment experiences for nervous patients.
Do you treat children with special needs?
Yes, our team specializes in caring for children with special healthcare needs using adapted techniques and personalized approaches.
How do you handle dental emergencies after hours?
Call our office and follow emergency prompts to reach our on-call team for urgent dental issues requiring immediate attention.
What orthodontic options exist for teens?
We provide traditional braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and early intervention treatments tailored to adolescent dental development.
Reviews (7)
Roshan Bijlani
May 29, 2022 Report
Super friendly staff and doctor. We have been going there for years now and they make it so much fun and comfortable for my child that he actually looks forward to the visit. I would recommend this practice to all my friends and family!
V. Odom
Apr 29, 2022 Report
This is a great practice. I have been taking my children to Dr. Bachaus and Dr. Overcast for years. Everyone is friendly, and they take great care of your children. The office and exam rooms are clean and very relaxing. My sons are autistic, and they take excellent care of them. The doctors and staff are very caring and patient. I would highly recommend Central Jersey Pediatric Dentistry.
Rebecca Friedman
Feb 20, 2022 Report
My kids have been going here for many years. Very nice and dedicated staff and excellent dentists. Thorough, provide documentation for procedures beyond routine cleanings and on call as needed. Provide paperwork for each cleaning such as dental hygiene and ways to improve. Try and take both of my kids at once to make it easy. Excellent hygienists. Nice waiting area (pre-Covid). I recommend this practice highly.
Malikah Hamilton
Feb 05, 2022 Report
The professionalism coupled with the genuine love for children as well as their work was absolutely amazing. The office is bright and welcoming. The way that the entire staff dealt with my toddler boys was so awesome. I would definitely recommend Central Jersey Pediatric Dentistry to my family and friends.
Sarah
Dec 29, 2021 Report
Excellent pediatric dentist! Dr. Backhaus and her team made my child feel very comfortable even through her first cavity. The office staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is clean and modern. I would highly recommend this practice and dentist.
Rwnelle & Kareem Phipps
Dec 13, 2021 Report
I was very impressed with this practice. This was my first visit after having to leave a practice I loved due to insurance changes. I was greeted at the door by one of the front desk staff. She was very interactive from the moment we stepped in. Sue was our dental hygienist. She was AMAZING with my daughter! She explained everything to her in a kid friendly manner. Dr. Baukhas was great as well. Very knowledgeable and explained everything I needed to know about my daughter's teeth.

Overall the environment was very light and gentle and peaceful as it should be in a pediatric practice. The office was very clean as well. The whole entire process was smooth even down to when it was time to checkout. I believe I found my dental home. I highly recommend!
Dana Shevsky
Sep 19, 2021 Report
My daughter have been going to Dr. Backhaus for over 7 years, and she loves this office! Everyone is so welcoming and sweet, they make kids feel completely at ease. The office is super clean and modern, with modern equipment.