About Dr. Lina Paek, DDS
As a board-certified pediatric dentist at Montclair Pediatric Dentistry, I’m dedicated to providing thoughtful, age-appropriate, and evidence-based care that supports healthy oral development from infancy through adolescence. I strive to create a warm, respectful environment where children feel safe and valued – and where families feel informed, supported, and truly heard.
I believe that positive early dental experiences lay the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health. I love taking the time to get to know each child as an individual and work closely with parents to develop personalized care plans that match their needs and comfort levels. Whether it is a toddler’s very first visit or a more complex treatment for an older child, my goal is always to provide gentle, reassuring care that builds trust, confidence, and a sense of ease.
I am deeply committed to delivering the highest quality of care and take great pride in helping families understand the best ways to support their child’s dental health—at home and beyond the dental chair.
I have a special interest in caries prevention techniques, including Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), Curodont Repair, minimally invasive treatment like Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) and placing zirconia crowns. I also care deeply about working with children who have special health care needs and provide full mouth rehabilitation under general anesthesia when needed. I strive to integrate sustainable dentistry and do my best to use safer, environmentally friendly products as well as minimize waste in my practice.
Education and Professional Affiliations
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Science Preprofessional Studies and Music (Piano Performance) from the University of Notre Dame in 2008, followed by my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Columbia University in the City of New York in 2014. I completed my Pediatric Dentistry residency in 2016 at New York University and Bellevue Hospital.
Since residency, I have been proud to serve families throughout the Bay Area, including through my work at La Clinica Dental in Oakland, where I provide care for underserved children in the community. Twice a month, I also perform full mouth pediatric rehabilitation at the PDI Surgery Center in Windsor. I hold privileges at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland, and am honored to be a CalHealthCares Aware Recipient. I have recently been appointed as a part-time faculty with the NYU Langone/Oakland Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dentistry Residency where I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring the next generation of pediatric dentists.
I am an active member of professional organisations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry (CSPD). Since 2019, I have been on the board with the Berkeley Dental Society (BDS).
I continuously pursue professional development locally and internationally to stay current with advances in pediatric dental care and community health. As a member of the Greater East Bay Study Club, I collaborate with other dental professionals to expand my knowledge and keep learning how to better serve my patients and community.
Outside the Office
Originally from the eastside of Seattle, I live in Berkeley with my Bay Area native husband, whom I met in dental school. Together, we are enjoying all the new discoveries that come with parenthood, which include our preschooler, papillon, and adopted cat.
In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, taking my daughter to Tilden Park, and packing her lunch for preschool.