In a world where so many adults still carry anxiety about going to the dentist, Dr. Anna Simonis is setting out to rewrite that story. Starting with the youngest smiles. As the beloved pediatric dentist behind New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Simonis brings more than clinical expertise to her practice. She brings heart, humor, empathy, and an instinctive ability to connect with children and parents alike.
Dr. Simonis didn’t always know she’d go into pediatric dentistry. In fact, she studied with the intent of becoming a child psychologist. But while working as a dental assistant in college, she witnessed the profound impact a compassionate dentist could have on children. “The dentist I worked for had this special way with kids. I was studying psychology at the time and suddenly it clicked and this was my path,” she says.
That early lightbulb moment continues to guide her work today. “The biggest part of my philosophy is just being authentically me,” Dr. Simonis shares. “Kids know. They sense when you’re being real. And when I show up as myself, they show up as themselves. We connect.”
Walk into her practice and you’ll quickly understand what makes it so special. With TVs on the ceiling, helium balloons for every visit, and fun nicknames for dental tools (“Mr. Thirsty,” “Tooth Tickler”), New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry is more playdate than procedure. But beyond the glitter and giggles is a well-oiled, state-of-the-art dental team that takes oral health seriously.
“Helping children feel comfortable and even excited about the dentist is not as hard as people think,” she says. “You just have to meet them where they are, talk about their lives, ask about their favorite color or what they ate at Apple Cart today. You treat them like the VIPs they are.”
But the magic doesn’t stop with the kids. Dr. Simonis is also deeply aware of how vital it is to build trust with parents. “Honestly, one of the hardest parts of my job is helping parents feel at ease. But being a mom myself, I get it. I know what it’s like to want the absolute best for your child. That empathy is at the center of everything I do.”
That mindset flows through every element of the practice. “Prevention is huge,” she emphasizes. “We take a conservative approach to treatment and use top-tier digital equipment to ensure safety and precision. And our team? They’re everything. From the front desk to our sterilization techs to my incredible associate Dr. Michaela Matos, everyone plays a role in the experience we deliver.”
With 15 years of service to the New Canaan community under her belt, Dr. Simonis is as passionate as ever about shifting the narrative around oral health. “There is so much more to oral health than people realize,” she says. “It connects to your heart, your brain, your gut. When you start young and build that positive association with going to the dentist, you’re building a foundation for lifelong wellness.”
It’s this holistic, heart-first approach that has earned Dr. Simonis the trust of generations of families. “What I want most is for kids to say, ‘I love going to the dentist.’ That’s how we start changing things—one little smile at a time.”
New Canaan Pediatric Dentistry is anything but ordinary. With televisions on the ceiling playing kids’ favorite shows, helium balloons after each visit, and whimsical names for their tools like “Mr. Thirsty,” Dr. Simonis and her team go above and beyond to create a fun, welcoming environment. The goal? Make every child feel like the star of the show. But behind the scenes is a top-tier practice that prioritizes prevention, advanced digital technology, and a compassionate, team-based approach. Whether it’s chatting about school, vacation plans, or favorite local parks, it’s all part of the magic that makes this dental experience not just tolerable—but downright joyful. As Dr. Simonis puts it: “When we connect with our patients as people first, the care follows naturally.”
What I want most is for kids to say, ‘I love going to the dentist.’ That’s how we start changing things—one little smile at a time.