Central Park Pediatric Dentistry is more than just a dental practice; it’s a cornerstone for local families seeking a trusted partner in their children’s health and well-being. Designed with the needs of young patients and their parents in mind, the thoughtfully curated space, friendly atmosphere, and kid-focused approach make a world of difference, easing any anxieties about dental visits the moment families step through the door.
Daniel Johnson, D.D.S., a pediatric dentist, founded the practice in 2013, opening the doors of the central Austin location with the help of his wife, Kate. In 2023, they opened the Steiner Ranch location, and in summer 2024 the family opened its third location closest to their hearts, in Dripping Springs, where their family of six resides.
The mission was clear: “Create a space where we would want to bring our own children,” says Johnson.
Raised in a small town himself, Johnson always felt a strong connection to the close-knit nature of community life. His experiences growing up instilled in him the importance of building trust, which he carries over into his approach with both children and their parents. Dripping Springs is a perfect fit for the Johnson family, giving their four daughters a strong sense of belonging and home.
Now with the opening of their hometown office, there is nothing Johnson loves more than seeing his patients and their families “in the wild”—waving to them in the grocery store, cheering them on at local sporting events, and giving them high fives in school hallways while volunteering at his own children’s schools. It is this sense of community that brought the Johnsons to Dripping Springs.
Johnson’s pediatric dental training began at West Virginia University, where he earned his doctorate of dental surgery. After completing his degree, Johnson completed an advanced residency program at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, focusing on hospital-based dentistry. He then went on to specialize in pediatric dentistry through a rigorous residency program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
His advanced training has equipped him with the skills to handle all aspects of children’s dental care, from routine checkups to complex procedures, always focusing on providing a positive, comfortable experience for every child.
As a dad of four, Johnson brings a personal understanding to his practice. He knows firsthand how important it is to build trust with children and their families, and he strives to make every appointment feel less like a dentist visit and more like a visit to family, with a clean, inviting space that sets a calming tone.
A dentist appointment can be a pivotal moment in a child’s life, shaping their view of oral health and affecting their self-esteem for years to come. Johnson’s own childhood dental experiences were so impactful that they continue to shape his philosophy and the compassionate care he provides today.
“Dental health starts with those first pivotal visits. Even though children may be too young to remember their first visits to the dentist, those experiences will stay with them throughout their lives,” says Johnson. “My job as a pediatric dentist is to meet all of my patients’ dental needs throughout their childhood, while also creating patients who will be comfortable and confident going into adulthood.”
The team is dedicated to building this confidence in its young patients, helping them develop not only healthy smiles but also the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. “My best moments as a pediatric dentist are when a once-fearful patient comes in and gives me a fist bump, excited for the visit,” shares Johnson. “Children are amazing, resilient little humans, and I am privileged to get to help them.”
At Central Park Pediatric Dentistry, the approach also goes beyond simply addressing dental issues, as Johnson strives to empower children with the knowledge they need to care for their smiles for a lifetime.
The practice’s impact on local kids is far-reaching. From helping a child overcome their fear of the dentist to teaching young patients the importance of a consistent oral hygiene routine, Johnson’s work is making a positive, lasting impression on the next generation in Dripping Springs and beyond.
MyAustinPediatricDentist.com | @centralparkpeddentistry
Raised in a small town himself, Johnson always felt a strong connection to the close-knit nature of community life. His experiences growing up instilled in him the importance of building trust, which he carries over into his approach with both children and their parents.