Portrait by Sam Nalven

DR. JULIE D. ANFINSON
Pediatric Dentist
21809 N. Scottsdale Rd., Ste. 100, Scottsdale
480-949-0332, smilesbyapdo.com

Dental School: University of Iowa (DDS degree);
Baylor College of Dentistry (MSD degree in Pediatric Dentistry)
Years in Practice: 25 years in the Valley of the Sun.

How did you feel about going to the dentist as a kid?
I grew up in a small town in Iowa, and our neighbor was my dentist. I really liked and respected him, but there were definitely no frills involved.   

When did you know you wanted to be a dentist?
My father was a veterinarian, and I saw his passion for the health care field all my life. In high school I realized that health science was the field I wanted to pursue as well, and with my love for children, pediatric dentistry was a natural choice.  

What attracted you to pediatric dentistry?
Where else can you play all day?! Nothing is more rewarding than providing lifelong changes in a child and receiving a big hug at the end of a visit.

At what age should parents begin taking their young children to the dentist?
Between 6 months and 1 year of age; the establishment of a dental home begins with the appearance of their child’s first tooth. Early dental visits allow me to discuss proper infant oral health, teach lifelong habits and educate the parents on the steps to take to avoid dental decay.

What kind of toothpaste and toothbrush do you use?
I use a soft bristle, manual toothbrush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. No particular brand.

What are special considerations to take into account when caring for kids’ teeth?
It is very important to develop a trusting relationship with the child and their parents. Each child must be treated on an individual basis depending on their age, anxiety level and risks. I want my patients and families to know developing oral hygiene habits at an early age is essential and that we’ll work together to establish an individual preventative routine.

Describe the atmosphere of your office.
The atmosphere in my office is a kid-friendly, fun environment. Both offices have a jungle theme with all the latest conveniences for our parents and their children: video games, movies and a tree house with a slide.