Ask any group of Lakeland Moms for a recommendation for a pediatric dentist, and the name “Dr. Erin” will come up over and over again! She is a beloved children’s dentist here in Lakeland, and I’ve been taking my 11 and 8 year old boys to see her since they were young. We have always had a great experience at their office, whether for a cleaning, check up, or even when my oldest has needed a cavity (or three) filled.
Whether you’re booking your first dentist’s visit or are looking for a new provider, Dr. Erin and the team at Pediatric Dentistry are highly recommended by local moms. They serve families from Lakeland, Winter Haven, Plant City, and surrounding cities.
Pediatric Dentistry of Lakeland is a Lakeland Mom Sponsor and we are thankful for their support. We are excited to tell you more about what makes Dr. Erin Berling, Dr. Patel, and the entire team a favorite dentist in our community!
Their Specialty is Kids
As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Erin only sees children. This means she and her staff know and understand how children think and how to make them feel at ease. Their main goal is to make sure your kids believe the dentist’s office is a good place instead of being scared of it. They teach good oral health and dental care in a way kids can relate. They take their time with all patients so they have an enjoyable visit, and schedule accordingly so each child has a dedicated assistant throughout their appointment. (If you want a technical definition other than a “dentist for kids,” a pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her dental practice to treating children only).
Prompt & Efficient Appointments
In the many times we’ve been to see Dr. Erin we’ve never waited more than 10 minutes after checking in. Even if you have a short wait, their waiting room is designed to keep the kids entertained with a movie area and a play structure.
Cleaning appointments typically take 30 minutes or less, and they are great about scheduling both of my kids at the same time so we are in and out in under an hour. Any kind of treatment (cavity, etc.) takes longer, but they can give you an estimate in advance.
Friendly & Compassionate Staff
Can we all agree that the personality of staff members make such a difference when interacting with your kids? Dr. Erin’s team members are all SO kind, friendly, and patient. It helps my kids relax to see a smiling face, have someone explaining everything in a friendly voice, and taking their time to be sure they are not anxious. The dentist and assistants use easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas when explaining dental treatment to your child.
They love parents too! On your first visit, and every visit, you’ll be greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. The staff takes the time to answer all of your questions and makes sure you are comfortable with any treatment plan. Even when they tell you your child needs treatment or has cavities to watch they do it in the kindest way possible {sadly, I’m quite experienced in this area!}
If you look through their many positive reviews, you’ll see the staff praised over and over for being kind, gentle, and welcoming.
Fun Office Atmosphere
When you walk into Dr. Erin’s dental office, you immediately know it was built for kids. From the alligator themed play area, to the movies playing at every dental chair, your kids will be entertained throughout their visit. There is also a post-visit waiting area with iPads and games, and every kid’s favorite part – a huge prize selection to pick something out when they are finished!
Visit their website for a short Office Tour video.
Advanced Technology
Yes – we mean both paperwork AND dental technology!
When you book an initial appointment you’ll be able to complete the online patient questionaire in advance, saving you time at check in, and preventing you from having to fill out paperwork with small kids in tow.
They also stay updated with the latest treatments in pediatric dentistry, allowing them to customize treatment plans based on your child’s unique oral condition. All of their equipment is pediatric specific to offer the safest and best treatment for your child.
Best of the Best Winner
Pediatric Dentistry has won the Ledger’s “Best of the Best” contest for 4 years in a row! In 2016, 2017, 2018, AND 2019, Lakeland and Polk County residents voted them into the top spot.
Dr. Erin is a Lakeland Mom!
So when should you visit the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends you schedule a first visit at age 1, or within 6 months after the first tooth erupts. Dr. Erin recommends this as well to establish a relationship and familiarize your child with the dentist as a safe and fun place to visit. This will be an introductory appointment and doesn’t include a cleaning, instead Dr. Erin will provide you (mom and/or dad) personalized guidance on oral hygiene and nutrition, examine your child’s dental development, and counsel you on what to do if your child experiences a dental injury. Any signs of “Early Childhood Caries” (or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay) also need to be addressed promptly so that options are available to help keep your child smiling bright.
Cleaning appointments and check ups begin at age 1 and are typically scheduled every 6 months. While we hope you never need emergency dental treatment, once you are a patient with Dr. Erin, any pediatric dental trauma can also easily be trreated in their office, often with very short notice.
Financial Information
Dr. Erin is an in-network provider for over 35 insurance carriers including Aetna, Blue Cross, Delta, Metlife, Cigna, Humana, United, and many more. You can see a current list on their website.
The team at Pediatric Dentistry will work with you to file any applicable insurance paperwork and strives to help you maximize your dental benefits.
Contact Info & Location
Pediatric Dentistry of Lakeland is located at 5710 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33809.
You can learn more about their office at Pediatric Dentistry of Lakeland.
Make an appointment by calling (863) 640-2150.
Reviews
The reviews of Dr. Erin & Pediatric Dentistry of Lakeland speak for themselves. A few 5-star reviews are listed below with hundreds more on Facebook and their website. {Seriously – this is just a small sampling, we had a really hard time picking from all the great reviews!}
The staff were so patient and kind to my son. Dr. Erin was gentle and made the experience really fun for him. He can’t wait for his next check-up!
So impressed! Today was my daughters first visit. Every single person we met or worked with was cheerful, engaged, patient and kind. Thank you for a great first dentist experience, our daughter can’t wait to come back to your adorable office!!!
Another awesome point is that you can do all of your paperwork online before you go in. So much easier than trying to fill out paperwork with a toddler in a waiting room!
Dr. Erin and her staff are amazing!! Today my three year old had his second visit and was so excited to go! I believe this is because the staff and Dr. Erin make sure that your little one is comfortable. They get them involved by showing them the instruments they are going to use and how it will feel! Not to mention they get to watch their favorite movie and wear cool shades. I would highly recommend taking your kiddos here.
Dr. Erin’s office was very courteous and did an excellent job on making my kids comfortable during their visit.
So impressed with Dr. Erin! My son and another kid collided on Sunday afternoon. His sweet friend got a nasty gash in his head and my son hit his front teeth pretty hard. I called the dentist who actually had an emergency contact cell phone number in their voicemail. We had a call back within 20 mins and they had already reviewed his chart. What wowed me even more is that they called him by his nickname rather than the random legal name on his paperwork. They fit us in this morning at 8am for xrays and he was actually the first patient seen. Thankfully there is minimal damage. How amazing to have this happen at 4pm on Sunday and get attention immediately and resolution the next morning!
I am so glad we found Dr. Erin. I have terrible anxiety when it comes to going to the dentist, and my son did as well at his first visit (at another pediatric dentist). When we decided to give Dr. Erin a try, I was so surprised that my son loved it!! She has a way with kids that is just amazing. Today he had to have a cavity filled, and again I was super nervous, but he did great!!! I don’t know what we would do with Dr. Erin!!!
I will tell anyone and everyone how thankful I am to have Dr. Erin taking care of my kids’ teeth. We drive 30 minutes each way to her office because it is so important to me to have a dentist’s office they are happy to visit, and important to me that our time there is efficient. Dr. Erin and her staff are amazing!
Whether you’re booking your first dentist’s visit or are looking for a new provider, Dr. Erin and the team at Pediatric Dentistry would love to see you.
Call 863-640-2150 today for an appointment!
Health + Wellness Guide
Check out our Health and Wellness Guide for Lakeland + Polk County to find dentists, orthodontists, doctors, hospitals, mental health, and learn more about health care options in our community.