The first clues appear before the appointment even begins: a circus tent over one doorway, a cheerful ticket window near the front, a giraffe painted on the wall, and a sweeping mural that seems to bring the whole space to life.
Then there is the sign declaring, “The Smilingest Show on Earth.”
At Schwartz Dentistry for Children, these details are more than whimsical touches. They reflect a practice thoughtfully designed with children in mind.
For kids and parents alike, a visit to the dentist can feel overwhelming. New sights, unfamiliar sounds and unfamiliar faces can make even the most confident child feel uncertain. For some parents, memories of their own dental experiences may quietly resurface, too.
But inside this freestanding pediatric dental practice on Concord Road, the space seems to offer a gentle reassurance before anyone says a word: this place was made for you.
Dr. Aaron Schwartz, DDS, MPH — known to many young patients simply as “Dr. Aaron” — describes the office as almost like a fun house, a storybook setting filled with creativity, calmness and warmth. It is playful without feeling chaotic, cheerful without feeling overwhelming, and clearly designed around the way children see the world.
“It’s a unique destination,” Dr. Aaron says. “Schwartz Dentistry for Children captures its own incomparable vibe that kids of all ages appreciate.”
The practice has a long history in the community. Dr. Aaron established Schwartz Dentistry for Children in 2011 after taking over the practice originally built in 1982. It was one of the first pediatric dental practices in the Atlanta metro area, and families once drove from all over the region to bring their children there.
They still do.
Today, the practice primarily serves families from Smyrna, Vinings, Marietta, Mableton and the surrounding communities, though Dr. Aaron says people continue to come from farther away. Part of that may be the setting. Part of it may be the long-standing reputation. But much of it seems to come back to something harder to measure and easier to feel: trust, commitment and continuity of care.
For Dr. Aaron, pediatric dentistry is not just about teeth. It is about relationships built slowly over time. It is about knowing the child in front of you, understanding the parent beside them and creating an experience that feels steady enough for both. It is also about prevention, guidance and helping families feel less alone as they navigate each stage of childhood.
It is about the quiet privilege of growing alongside families — watching infants become curious toddlers, toddlers become confident children, children mature into teenagers, and teenagers blossom into young adults ready to find their place in the world.
“Longitudinal care is extremely important to my mantra in dentistry,” he says. “We are able to witness countless children growing up in the community, doing exceptional things with their lives, growing into amazing young adults. It’s pure magic.”
That kind of care requires more than clinical training, though training certainly matters. Pediatric dentists and pediatric dental teams are specially prepared to help children feel safe, understood and at ease. But Dr. Aaron believes the best pediatric care also depends on patience, compassion and the ability to connect with children in a way that feels natural.
Children are perceptive. They notice tone and energy. They notice whether the adults around them seem calm and steady. When the team feels balanced and connected, the room feels different. For young patients, that can make all the difference.
“My team and I take pride not only in our advanced training and experience, but also in the team culture we’ve intentionally cultivated,” he says.
That team culture is part of what helps children settle in. When children, tweens and teens sense consistency and trust in the room, anxiety can begin to soften. Quickly, visits become less about the unknown and more about familiarity.
Parents are part of that process, too.
Families often come to the practice with questions that go beyond brushing and flossing — from pacifiers and thumb sucking to diet, toothpaste, orthodontic concerns, airway and sleep questions. Dr. Aaron encourages families to establish a pediatric dental home by age 1 and to build healthy habits early.
For first visits, he encourages parents to keep the preparation simple and positive. Books and shows, such as Daniel Tiger, can help children understand what to expect. He also suggests avoiding words like “hurt,” “scary” or “shots,” which can create worry before a child has had the chance to experience the visit for themselves.
After nearly 20 years in the community, Dr. Aaron continues to believe that the best pediatric dental care begins with personal commitment. As an independent practice owner, he remains actively involved in daily patient care, helping families receive thoughtful, consistent care from trusted providers year after year.
And when asked what part of the work feels most meaningful, he chooses all of it: every smile, every child who leaves more confident, every parent whose trust is earned, every teenager who feels seen and every small moment that becomes part of a much bigger story.
For More Information
Schwartz Dentistry for Children
500 Concord Road SE
Smyrna, GA 30082
Phone: 770.436.0802
Email: frontdesk@schwartzkidsdentistry.com
Website: schwartzkidsdentistry.com
Facebook: Schwartz Dentistry for Children