Accepting New Patients
Accepting New Patients
So your pediatrician just mentioned it’s time for your little one to see a dentist. Maybe you’re thinking, “Wait, my toddler barely has any teeth. Is this really necessary?” We get it. This is one of those things that feels like it came out of nowhere, and now you’re up late trying to figure out who to trust with your kid’s first dental visit.
At Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental, we work with families from Venice who are looking for someone who actually gets what it’s like to be a new parent trying to do the right thing. Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin both went through USC’s pediatric dentistry residency program, including training at Miller Children’s Hospital, so they know how to work with toddlers who may not be comfortable getting a dental exam. We focus on keeping your child’s natural teeth healthy through prevention rather than jumping to treatments, and we’re in-network with most PPO plans. Our office is right off the 405 in Culver City, so it’s an easy drive from Venice.
We know it seems early. Your kid just grew a few teeth and now someone’s telling you they need to see a dentist. The general recommendation is that children should see a dentist by age one or within six months of their first tooth showing up. But why? There’s actually a few good reasons. Early visits aren’t about major cleanings. They’re about introducing your child to the dentist, discussing any concerns or questions you have, and teaching what you need to know to care for those little teeth at home.
Most kids do fine with checkups every six months. Some need to come in more often if they’re at higher risk for cavities, and we’ll let you know what makes sense based on what we’re seeing.
Pediatric dentists aren’t just regular dentists who see kids. After dental school, we complete two additional years of training focused entirely on children. We learn child development, how to manage behavior, and how to handle the unique things that come with growing teeth and jaws. Your toddler’s jaw is still forming, baby teeth are going to fall out, and the permanent teeth are waiting underneath. That’s a lot of different stuff than adults, plus we’re focused on child development and the challenges that come with treating patients who might decide to clamp their mouth shut halfway through an exam.
Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley believe in treating only what actually needs to be treated. If something can wait or be managed with changes at home, that’s usually where we start. We’re not going to push procedures on your young child just because we can. When your child needs dental exams and cleanings, we’ll explain exactly what we’re seeing and why we’re recommending what we’re recommending. Parents from Venice appreciate that we focus on prevention and education first. When you walk into our Culver City office, you’ll notice everything is designed to make families comfortable. During the visit, depending on how your child feels, they can sit on your lap for the entire visit if that makes them more at ease.
A lot of parents ask about bottles. Here’s the reality: keeping your child in a bottle at night with milk or juice really increases the risk of cavities. We’ll talk through realistic timelines for transitioning away from bottles based on your child’s age and where they’re at developmentally. We get that every family has different circumstances, and we work with you to find solutions that actually fit your life.
Some parents worry their child will be anxious about dental visits. We specialize in helping nervous kids (and parents!) feel comfortable. We use positive reinforcement, explain what we’re doing in terms that make sense to kids, and move at your child’s pace. A lot of kids who start out scared actually come in for their next visit excited about coming to see us.
And what if cavities happen despite everything you’re doing? We provide dental fillings using materials that match your child’s teeth. We take time to make sure your child understands what’s happening in ways that work for them.
Dr. Ray took an interesting path to dentistry. He studied film at USC, worked in TV and film production for years, then went back to dental school where he realized he wanted to work with kids exclusively. His personality helps kids relax, and his commitment to what he calls Total Tooth Decay Decimation drives everything we do here. Dr. Ray also speaks Spanish fluently, which helps with communication for bilingual families from Venice and the surrounding areas.
Dr. Hayley started as a camp director, then worked as a dental hygienist before deciding to go to dental school to provide more comprehensive care. After finishing USC’s Pediatric Residency program, she brings a natural ability to put even the most worried kids at ease. Together, Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley have built a practice where kids can be themselves, parents feel supported, and dental care just becomes part of staying healthy.
We’re located in Culver City, just east of the 405, between Slauson and Sepulveda. That puts us within easy reach of Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Westchester, and Mar Vista. You’re not dealing with a long drive to get specialized care for your child.
We accept most PPO insurance plans, and our team can check your coverage before your first visit so you know what to expect. Quality care for your kid shouldn’t be out of reach, and we work hard to make our services accessible.
Finding a pediatric dentist in Venice you can trust doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Both Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley completed USC’s pediatric residency program and know how to make dental visits something kids look forward to. We focus on prevention, we’re straightforward about what your child actually needs, and we take the time to build trust with every visit.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with dentists who understand what matters to Venice families looking for their child’s first dentist.
Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm
