For many children a trip to the dentist can be extremely intimidating. The unfamiliar sounds, bright lights, and fear of the unknown can turn a routine appointment into a stressful experience.
But at Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics, the team has spent more than two decades working to change that narrative.
Known to many Northwest Arkansas families through its Smiles Are Wild brand, the practice was founded on the belief that dental care should be approachable, engaging, and most of all, fun. From the moment you walk into the office, your child will be welcomed with themed décor and colorful spaces, interactive play areas. Every detail in their office is designed to help children feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.
The story begins in 1999, when pediatric dentist Dr. Tonya Triplet opened her own pediatric dental practice. Having experienced dental anxiety as a child herself, she wanted to create a different kind of environment. One where children could develop positive associations with dental care, to look forward to appointments rather than fearing them.
What started as a small office quickly grew. As the practice expanded and additional partners joined the team, the mission remained the same: create an environment that helps children feel safe while receiving high-quality dental care.
To bring that vision to life, the practice worked with a design company known for creating themed environments, transforming the office into a space that feels more like an adventure than a medical appointment.
Today, the same philosophy continues to guide every aspect of the patient experience.
“We really focus on eliminating the future fear of the dentist,” says Amy Morgan, Chief Operating Officer of Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics. “We want children to feel comfortable coming here, and we want them to build positive memories around taking care of their teeth.”
That focus begins long before a child sits in the dental chair.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends parents should bring their child to the dentist by their first birthday. This recommendation allows dentists to monitor early development, identify potential concerns, and help families establish healthy habits from the beginning.
For younger children, those first appointments are often less about treatment and more about creating familiarity. Depending on the child’s age and comfort level, the team may perform an exam, attempt a cleaning, or take X-rays.
Every appointment is tailored to the individual child.
“We really meet children where they are,” Morgan says. “Some kids want to know every single thing that’s happening. Others just want to watch their movie and get through the appointment. We adapt to what each child needs.”
PDAO’s personalized approach is one reason many families continue returning to the practice throughout their child’s entire childhood. While patients typically age out around 18, the goal is to establish healthy routines and positive experiences that last far beyond pediatric years.
The office environment plays a significant role in that experience. Children can enjoy games and activities in the lobby before their appointment. The walls are decorated with large, smiling animals, and in the center of the office sits a blue aquarium alongside a game room. First-time patients are also welcomed with a special “First Visit” button, helping make the experience feel exciting from the moment they arrive.
Once in the treatment area, many chairs are equipped with televisions mounted on the ceiling, allowing patients to watch movies during cleanings and procedures.
At the end of the visit, patients receive a token to use in the office’s popular toy tower, a tradition that has become a favorite among children of all ages.
“It’s funny because sometimes a child might not love every part of their cleaning, but they still don’t want to leave,” Morgan says. “They want to go back and play or get their prize from the toy tower.”
While creating a welcoming environment is vital, the practice also places a strong emphasis on education. Helping parents understand how daily habits affect oral health is a critical part of every visit.
One of the most common misconceptions, according to Morgan, involves snacks.
Many parents are aware of the effects candy can have on teeth, but other seemingly harmless foods can also contribute to cavities. Sticky fruit snacks, crackers, chips, and other carbohydrate-heavy foods often cling to teeth long after a snack is finished.
“Anything that sticks in your teeth is something you need to pay attention to,” Morgan explains. “Children aren’t always aware that food is still there, and if it isn’t removed through brushing or flossing, it can contribute to decay.”
But, it doesn’t mean children can never enjoy their favorite treats. Instead, Morgan encourages moderation and consistency. She recommends limiting grazing throughout the day, offering water regularly, and maintaining strong brushing and flossing routines- all factors that make a significant difference in your child’s oral health.
“What children eat is just as important as their brushing routine,” she says.
For many families, brushing itself can become a challenge. Parents sometimes assume children can independently brush their teeth at a young age, but Morgan says most children still need assistance longer than many realize.
“Children generally need help brushing until around eight or nine years old,” she explains. “They simply don’t have the dexterity to clean effectively on their own.”
Flossing should begin as soon as teeth begin touching, particularly in the back of the mouth where food and plaque can become trapped. Establishing those habits early can help children carry them into adulthood.
The practice also encourages parents to think carefully about how they talk about dental care at home. Children are highly observant and often absorb the attitudes of the adults around them.
“If parents are talking about negative dental experiences, children can internalize that before they’ve even had their own appointment,” Morgan says. “We encourage families to use positive language and avoid creating unnecessary anxiety.”
For children who require extensive treatment or have difficulty tolerating procedures in the office, Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics also provides access to hospital-based dental care under general anesthesia. Pediatric dentists receive additional specialized training that allows them to safely perform these procedures in hospital settings when necessary.
While some parents may initially feel nervous about that option, Morgan says it can be beneficial in certain situations, particularly when it helps prevent traumatic experiences that could create long-term dental anxiety.
The underlying philosophy remains the same: prioritize the child’s well-being while helping build a healthy relationship with dental care.
For Morgan and the rest of the team, one of the most rewarding parts of the job is watching children grow more comfortable over time.
A child who arrives nervous during a first visit may return six months later feeling more confident. Eventually, those same patients walk into appointments with ease, understanding that dental care is simply part of staying healthy.
“That transformation is one of the reasons we do what we do,” Morgan says. “We love seeing kids gain confidence and realize that the dentist doesn’t have to be scary.”
As the practice continues to grow, the team remains committed to welcoming new patients and helping more families discover that dental care can be a positive experience.
At Pediatric Dental Associates & Orthodontics, every themed wall, movie screen, toy prize, and educational conversation serves the same purpose: helping children feel safe, supported, and excited about caring for their smiles.
Because when children learn early that dental visits can be positive experiences, they gain something much more valuable than a clean set of teeth—they gain habits and confidence that can last a lifetime.
Smile Tip for Parents!
Healthy dental habits begin early. Schedule your child’s first dental visit by age one, brush together until they’re around 8 or 9 years old, floss once teeth begin touching, choose water between meals, and use positive language about the dentist to help build confidence that lasts a lifetime.