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The Smile Shop: Delivering Smiles Since 1980

From Reno Moms Blog
By Jennifer Duval

When I was a child, I was terrified of the dentist. Whether it was a visit for a simple cleaning or to have a severely chipped baby tooth removed (yes, this happened…), I would try to convince my parents that I didn’t need the cleaning or that the chipped tooth gave me character.

Dentistry has come a long way since then, and kids today have nothing to fear when headed to the dentist…especially if they’re headed to The Smile Shop.

The Smile Shop has been delivering smiles – both in and out of the dentist’s chair – since 1980. Established by Dr. Michael Stoker, The Smile Shop is a locally owned pediatric dentistry practice offering a comprehensive and personalized approach to children’s pediatric dentistry needs. With three offices in Reno and Sparks, it’s convenient too.

The team is led by three dentists – Dr. Nicole Stoker, Dr. Melissa McCool, and Dr. Whitney Garol – all of which received postdoctoral residency training to become certified in pediatric dentistry.

“As pediatric dentists, we have spent two additional years of specialty training – in post-doctoral programs – allowing us to focus solely on children and special needs patients,” said Dr. Foster. “As the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry so eloquently puts it – we are the pediatricians of dentistry.”

“Our entire office is set up for children from the moment you walk in until the end of the appointment, and our staff is trained to assist our families,” said Dr. Stoker.

“The assistants, hygienists and staff are trained and comfortable working with little ones which makes both the parents and children more relaxed and comfortable,” continued Dr. Foster. “We are fortunate to have a group of four wonderful female pediatric dentists, all with different backgrounds who together, bring various strengths.”

They’re not just qualified. They love their jobs.

“The kids are what I love the most about my job! I’m able to spend my day surrounded by them while creating a less scary and more positive experience at the dentist,” said Dr. Garol. “I enjoy watching these kids grow up and seeing where the world takes them.”

“We are invested in the success and well-being of the children in our community because they are what makes this city so wonderful,” added Dr. McCool.

They’re also well-respected in the community.

“Since The Smile Shop has been in the community for more than 30 years, it has demonstrated quality and is a well-respected practice in Northern Nevada,” continued Dr. Garol. “In fact, once upon a time when I was a kid, I was a patient at this practice and plan to bring my own family here someday because it was such a great experience for me.”

These dedicated dentists strive to create great, positive experiences for all of their patients.

“Before we found our home at The Smile Shop, my colleagues and I attended great pediatric programs that make us very qualified and passionate about kids and their dental health and happiness,” said Dr. Garol.” We strive every day, to make their experience at the dentist one of positivity.”

“Our staff is trained to assist our families. We have a fun and energetic atmosphere where children feel comfortable and are treated like an individual,” said Dr. Stoker. “Our offices are very open so parents are always able to see their children. We treat our patients like family and care is tailored to their specific needs.  We care very much about our patients and giving them the best dental experience possible.”

“And, we’re fun,” added Dr. Foster. “Our offices are geared toward children in hopes of giving them the most positive dental experience. TVs, books, stuffed animals and stickers can pretty much be found in all the nooks of a pediatric office making it an upbeat kid friendly environment.”

Enter to win a kids’ Sonicare toothbrush!
The dentists at The Smile Shop are giving two lucky readers a kids’ Sonicare toothbrush! Enter to win by telling us what you look for when choosing a dentist for your child.

To make an appointment or more information about The Smile Shop, visitwww.smileshoponline.com.