Alameda's Pediatric Dentists: Gentle, Expert Care That Builds Confidence
Board-certified pediatric dentists with children’s hospital experience at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. 10 minutes from the island.
Nervous kids, special needs, and positive first experiences? That’s our specialty.
5.0 from 60+ Alameda families
- Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists
- Worked at UCSF Children's Hospital
- Specialists in Anxious Kids & Special Needs
- Your Child Sees the Same Doctor Every Visit
Trusted by
by 500+ families throughout Berkeley
- 20+ Years of Combined Experience
- Same Doctor Every Visit
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments
- Most Insurance Accepted
- The East Bay's Only Eco-Friendly Pediatric Practice
Pediatric Dental Services for Alameda Families
We provide comprehensive dental care designed specifically for children’s unique needs, from a baby’s first tooth through the teenage years. All services are delivered by board-certified pediatric dentists at our Oakland office in Montclair Village, just 10-15 minutes from Alameda Island.
Nervous & Anxious Kids
Specialized care for children who are scared, anxious, or have had bad experiences elsewhere. We go slow, never force or restrain, and celebrate every small win.
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Regular checkups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants to protect against cavities before they start.
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Gentle techniques that protect your child’s natural tooth structure. Advanced treatments like Curodont and SDF help us catch decay early and treat it with less drilling.
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Why Alameda Families Choose Us
Children's Hospital Experience, Neighborhood Care
Dr. Rebecca Hsieh and Dr. Lina Paek bring over 20 years of combined experience – including treating complex cases at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Both are board-certified through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the highest credential in the field.
Hospital-caliber expertise. Boutique practice warmth.
Your Child Sees the Same Doctor Every Time
You choose Dr. Rebecca or Dr. Lina, and that’s who your child sees at every visit. No rotating doctors. No re-explaining your child’s sensitivities to someone new.
Consistency matters, especially for anxious kids or those with special needs. Your child’s dentist knows their history, their quirks, and their favorite toothpaste flavor.
Both doctors are board-certified. You can’t go wrong either way.
The East Bay's Only Eco-Friendly Pediatric Practice
We know Alameda families care about sustainability; it’s part of island culture. That’s why we’ve built the only eco-friendly pediatric dental practice in the East Bay.
Digital records eliminate paper waste. We use non-toxic, environmentally responsible materials. Our waste-reducing workflow minimizes environmental impact. Your values are our values.
Worth the Short Drive from the Island
Many Alameda parents tell us that driving 10-15 minutes to our Oakland office is actually easier than finding parking on the island. Free dedicated parking, no meters, no stress.
And once you experience specialized pediatric care from board-certified specialists, not a general dentist who “also sees kids”, you’ll understand why families make the trip.
“We drove from Bay Farm Island expecting it to be inconvenient, but it’s actually easier than dealing with parking in downtown Alameda. The 12-minute drive is worth it for specialized care. My son actually asks when he gets to go back to the dentist!” – Sarah M., Bay Farm Island.
Dental Anxiety? We Specialize in Nervous Kids.
Some children bounce into the dental chair ready to go. Others… don’t. And that’s completely normal.
If your child is anxious, scared, or has had a bad experience elsewhere, you’re in the right place.
Here’s how we help:
We go slow. Really slow, if needed. We build trust in layers, not all at once.
We don’t restrain, force, or rush. Ever. If your child isn’t ready, we stop. We try again another day. There’s no shame in a “practice visit.”
We explain everything. “Tell-Show-Do” is our approach. We tell your child what we’re going to do, show them on a stuffed animal or our own finger, then do it gently. No surprises.
We use kid-friendly language. The “tooth tickler” (polisher). The “sleepy juice” (numbing gel). The “tooth counter” (explorer). Words matter.
We celebrate small wins. Sat in the chair? High five. Opened your mouth for 10 seconds? You’re a rockstar. Every step forward matters.
“In a moment of panic, I reached out to Dr. Lina’s office, and Evelyn at the front desk was incredibly accommodating in getting us in for an appointment right away. Dr. Lina’s warm and welcoming demeanor put my daughter at ease. She took the time to examine her teeth thoroughly and was exceptionally informative about what to expect in terms of healing.” – Michelle T., Berkeley
Ready to see the difference?
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
Nervous about your little one’s first dental appointment? We get it, and we’ve got you.
Your first visit takes about 45 minutes. Here’s what happens:
- Meet and Greet We start in our playroom-style waiting area. Your child can explore the Montessori toys, flip through picture books about going to the dentist, and get comfortable. No rushing.
- The “Happy Visit” For very young or anxious children, sometimes the first appointment is just sitting in the chair and counting teeth. We call it a “happy visit.” If that’s all we accomplish, that’s a win.
- Gentle Exam When your child is ready, Dr. Rebecca or Dr. Lina will count teeth, check for cavities, and look at how everything is developing. We explain everything in kid-friendly language.
- Cleaning (If Ready) Most kids are comfortable enough for a gentle cleaning with our flavored “tooth tickler” (that’s what we call the polisher). If not today, we’ll get there next time.
- Parent Chat While your child picks a prize from our treasure chest, we’ll talk with you about what we found, answer your questions, and discuss any next steps.
Dental Anxiety? We Specialize in Nervous Kids.
Some children bounce into the dental chair ready to go. Others… don’t. And that’s completely normal.
If your child is anxious, scared, or has had a bad experience elsewhere, you’re in the right place.
Here’s how we help:
We go slow. Really slow, if needed. We build trust in layers, not all at once.
We don’t restrain, force, or rush. Ever. If your child isn’t ready, we stop. We try again another day. There’s no shame in a “practice visit.”
We explain everything. “Tell-Show-Do” is our approach. We tell your child what we’re going to do, show them on a stuffed animal or our own finger, then do it gently. No surprises.
We use kid-friendly language. The “tooth tickler” (polisher). The “sleepy juice” (numbing gel). The “tooth counter” (explorer). Words matter.
We celebrate small wins. Sat in the chair? High five. Opened your mouth for 10 seconds? You’re a rockstar. Every step forward matters.
“In a moment of panic, I reached out to Dr. Lina’s office, and Evelyn at the front desk was incredibly accommodating in getting us in for an appointment right away. Dr. Lina’s warm and welcoming demeanor put my daughter at ease. She took the time to examine her teeth thoroughly and was exceptionally informative about what to expect in terms of healing.” – Michelle T., Berkeley
Ready to see the difference?
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
Nervous about your little one’s first dental appointment? We get it, and we’ve got you.
Your first visit takes about 45 minutes. Here’s what happens:
- Meet and Greet We start in our playroom-style waiting area. Your child can explore the Montessori toys, flip through picture books about going to the dentist, and get comfortable. No rushing.
- The “Happy Visit” For very young or anxious children, sometimes the first appointment is just sitting in the chair and counting teeth. We call it a “happy visit.” If that’s all we accomplish, that’s a win.
- Gentle Exam When your child is ready, Dr. Rebecca or Dr. Lina will count teeth, check for cavities, and look at how everything is developing. We explain everything in kid-friendly language.
- Cleaning (If Ready) Most kids are comfortable enough for a gentle cleaning with our flavored “tooth tickler” (that’s what we call the polisher). If not today, we’ll get there next time.
- Parent Chat While your child picks a prize from our treasure chest, we’ll talk with you about what we found, answer your questions, and discuss any next steps.
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Rebecca Hsieh and Dr. Lina Paek founded Montclair Pediatric Dentistry after years of treating complex cases at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland.
Their vision: making every child’s smile live happily ever after, in a practice that reflects their values.
We’re an eco-friendly pediatric dental office, weaving sustainability into everything from waste disposal to the materials we use, values that resonate with environmentally conscious Alameda families.
And we’re invested in this community. Both doctors are active members of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, the Alameda County Dental Society, and the Montclair Cares Club. We provide free dental screenings at Oakland elementary schools because we believe every child deserves access to dental education.
Comprehensive Special Needs Program
Our doctors have extensive experience in caring for children with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and complex medical conditions.
We offer:
Sensory accommodations: Adjustable lighting, noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, weighted blankets
Comfort items: Familiar objects from home are always welcome
Preview visits: Familiarization appointments before any treatment
Flexible scheduling: Longer appointments, quieter times, or shorter visits based on your child’s needs
Care coordination: We work closely with your child’s other healthcare providers
“We’ve tried several different pediatric dentists over the years and feel so lucky to have found Montclair Pediatric Dentistry! Everyone in the office was warm and helpful. Before we even started, Dr. Lina noticed a food allergy in my daughter’s health history, and she provided the ingredient list of the materials they use, ensuring safety.” – Jennifer L., Kensington
What Alameda Parents Say
5.0 average rating from 90+ local reviews
We drove from Bay Farm Island expecting it to be inconvenient, but it's actually easier than dealing with parking in downtown Alameda. The 12-minute drive is worth it for specialized care. My son actually asks when he gets to go back to the dentist!
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. Early visits allow us to monitor development, provide guidance on teething and oral hygiene, and help your child become comfortable with dental care before any treatment is needed.
Yes, always. You're welcome in the treatment room for the entire appointment, exams, cleanings, and even fillings if needed. Many parents sit next to the chair and hold their child's hand. You know your child best, and your presence helps them feel safe.
For older kids and teens who prefer independence, you're also welcome to wait in our comfortable waiting room. We'll keep you informed every step of the way.
Yes! We love seeing siblings together. We offer back-to-back appointments so you can bring multiple children in one trip. One parent, one car ride, everyone's teeth cleaned.
Pro tip: Many Berkeley families schedule all their kids on the same morning, then grab lunch nearby afterward. Dental visit = family outing.
Absolutely. Strollers are welcome, and our waiting area is baby-friendly. If you'd like, we can even do a quick peek at your baby's gums or emerging teeth while you're here - no separate appointment needed.
Yes! We proudly serve families throughout Alameda from our Oakland office in Montclair Village. The drive from most Alameda neighborhoods takes just 10-15 minutes via the Park Street Bridge. Many families tell us the short drive is actually easier than finding parking on the island, and well worth it for specialized pediatric care.
Our practice is located in Oakland's Montclair Village, an easy 10-15 minute drive from Alameda Island.
Via Park Street Bridge (recommended): Park Street Bridge → I-880 North → CA-13 North (Warren Freeway) → Exit Park Blvd → Right on Medau Place
Via Webster Street Tube: Webster Street Tube → I-880 North → CA-13 North → Exit Park Blvd → Right on Medau Place
Free dedicated parking is available directly at our building, no meters, no searching for spots.
Yes. We accommodate same-day emergency appointments for dental injuries, severe tooth pain, knocked-out teeth, and facial swelling.
If your child has a dental emergency, call us immediately at (510) 722-0226.
For knocked-out permanent teeth, treatment within 30 minutes offers the best chance of saving the tooth. Alameda families can typically reach our Oakland office in under 20 minutes.
Yes. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and are in-network with many major insurance companies, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, Aetna, and Guardian. Our team is happy to verify your benefits before your visit.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and cash. No insurance? Contact us to discuss payment options.
It happens more than you'd think, and we're completely prepared for it. Unlike general dentists, our pediatric specialists are specifically trained in managing children's behavior and emotions. We never rush, never force, and never shame. Many parents tell us that their child, who "screamed at every other dentist," was calm and cooperative within one or two visits with us. We've seen it hundreds of times.
Schedule Your Child's Visit Today
Give your child the gift of a healthy, confident smile and a positive relationship with dental care that lasts a lifetime.
Our board-certified pediatric dentists are here to provide gentle, expert care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
- New patients typically seen within 1–2 weeks
- Same-day appointments for emergencies
- Early morning and late afternoon available
- Easy rescheduling. Life happens, just give us 48 hours' notice
Areas We Serve
Our Oakland dental practice welcomes families from throughout Alameda and the greater East Bay.
Alameda Neighborhoods: West End · Central Alameda · East End · Bay Farm Island · Fernside · Gold Coast · South Shore · Marina Village · Park Street · Alameda Point · Harbor Bay
Nearby Communities: Oakland (5 min) · Berkeley (15 min) · San Leandro (15 min) · Emeryville (15 min) · Piedmont (10 min) · Albany (20 min)