At Smile First Dentist, we offer compassionate care for kids and honest advice for their parents. We understand that a positive dental experience is the foundation for future oral health, so we take a fun, friendly approach to every appointment. Our Durham team is here for your little one as much as we are for you -- we want to empower every parent with the information and practical advice they need to encourage healthy habits and positive outcomes.
• We understand that baby teeth do eventually fall out, so we do not over-treat.
• Our pediatric dentists are all mommies who value transparency and trust.
• We approach treatment needs of each child as both dentist and parents.
• We have a pediatric dentist on call 24/7.
• You are able to text or call about your emergency at any time.
• Patients of record can send pictures directly to our dentists for advice
• We are a primarily paperless office
• Pain-free laser anesthesia is available.
• We offer digital impressions and x-rays.
• CO2 Light scalpel laser is used for quick and easy tongue and lip releases.
• Nano-particle air filtration provides us with clean, fresh air.
• We sanitize between every patient
• Private waiting rooms are available for each family.
• We offer comfy, washed blankets and pillows.
• On-Demand Netflix or Amazon Prime help keep you and your child entertained.
• You'll be able to select your choice of all the latest Disney movies.
• Fidget toys are available to help keep wiggly patients calm.
• Our patients overcome oral habits with positive affirmations.
• We give out fun prizes at every visit !
• Gamifying hygiene appointments helps motivate kids and parents.
• Life is tough as parents and we are not here to judge– We are just trying to be motivational experts in your kids oral health journey!
Dr. Jenny Citineni is a board certified pediatric dentist and originally from Hyderabad, India. She has spent most of her life in Durham attending Githens Middle, Riverside High, and NC School of Science and Math. She found her passion for dentistry after she graduated UNC-Chapel Hill. As an AmeriCorps Public Ally, she met a dentist who introduced her to the different aspects of the field, and she quickly found a passion for the art, results, and positive patients - especially the kids! Within 6 months of meeting the dentist, she was accepted into UNC School of Dentistry.
After earning her dental degree, she became the Dental Director of a Children's Health Department Dental Clinic in Lexington, NC. Dr. Jenny is a recognized, sought-after pediatric dentist. Her accomplishments and awards speak to her drive, ambition, and passion for delivering quality care:
She treats every child like a star, and makes each patient feel comfortable and excited about their dental health journey. She has two little stars of her own, Ava and Ella with her husband, Tommy Thekkekandam. Tommy and Dr. Jenny have a passion project of making delicious tasty treats that are sugar free for everyone to enjoy! They love to bake, eat, hike, swim and explore the world!
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Dr. Emilee Hrtyanski was born and raised in West Virginia, and earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dentistry residency at Texas A&M, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and Children's Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She is board-certified with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry.
In Dr. Emilee's free time, she loves traveling with her fiancé, spoiling her puppy, practicing yoga, and cheering on her beloved Mountaineers.
Dr. Haley Willis is a board-certified pediatric dentist from Chase City, VA, a small town in southern Virginia. She received her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dental residency in Detroit, Michigan at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She is a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, North Carolina Dental Society, and Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Haley and her husband, Anthony, have two daughters, Sophia and Georgia, and a baby boy on the way.
They are so excited to call North Carolina home and explore all this wonderful state has to offer. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending gymnastics and dance recitals, exploring local parks and trails, and watching their favorite sports teams!
Dr. Haley is honored to treat the wonderful families of Durham and the surrounding areas. She truly enjoys her daily interactions with her patients and sees each day at the office as a new adventure.
She treasures each child as an individual with their own unique needs and cannot wait to meet y’all soon!
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Sedation Coordinator
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