Finding the right dentist for your child feels like a big decision, because it is. The dentist your child sees now shapes how they feel about dental care for the rest of their life. The good news is that a few clear signals separate a truly top-rated pediatric dentist from the rest. Here's what to look for in Denver, and how our team at Union fits the bill.
Quick Facts
| What to look for | Board certification, pediatric training, kid-friendly office |
| Recommended first visit | By your child's first birthday or first tooth |
| Our pediatric dentist | Dr. Mike Hong, DDS, board-certified |
| Recognition | Voted #1 Favorite Pediatric Dentist, Colorado Parent Magazine |
| Offices | Denver (S. Yosemite St.) and Highlands Ranch |
| Insurance | Most major dental plans accepted, financing available |
Start With Board Certification
The single most important credential to look for is board certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Pediatric dentistry is a recognized specialty that requires years of additional training after dental school, focused entirely on infants, children, teens, and kids with special healthcare needs. Dr. Mike Hong is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and completed his pediatric residency at Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Boston Children's Hospital. That training covered advanced sedation, pediatric advanced life support, and complex cases like facial trauma and craniofacial conditions. In plain terms, a board-certified pediatric dentist has proven they know how to care for growing smiles, not teeth in general.
Look at the Training Behind the Name
Credentials tell you how deep a dentist's expertise really runs, so it's worth a quick look at where they trained. Strong training and recognition are a reliable shortcut to quality care for your child. Dr. Mike earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at UCSF, where he graduated at the top of his class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. He also received the Richard C. Pugh Award for scoring in the top 3% on the national pediatric dental board examination. Today he serves as the pediatric expert reviewer for the Journal of the American Dental Association and helps train the next generation of dentists at Harvard. That's the kind of background that tells you your child is in good hands.
Read the Reviews and Local Recognition
Reviews and local awards show you how real Denver families feel about the care, not the marketing. A pattern of parents praising a gentle, patient team is one of the best signals you can find. Union was voted #1 in three categories of Colorado Parent Magazine's Family Favorites, including Favorite Pediatric Dentist. Parents consistently mention how at ease the team puts both kids and adults. One mom shared that her son had a filling done and was so distracted by the friendly team that he didn't even notice the dental work. That's the experience you want for your child.
Make Sure the Office Is Built for Kids
A great pediatric office feels welcoming to children, because a calm first experience sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy habits. The best pediatric dentists design every visit around keeping kids comfortable and unafraid. At Union, we specialize in pediatric dentistry so your child's smile is in experienced hands from the very first appointment. Our team is trained to care for children at every stage, from infant and toddler visits through the tween and teen years, including kids with special healthcare needs. We keep things efficient, on time, and personalized, because we know a smooth visit matters to busy Denver parents.
Choose Convenience and Continuity
Pick a practice that's easy to reach and can grow with your family, so your child isn't bounced between offices as they get older. Continuity of care keeps your child's dental history in one place and builds trust year over year. Union has two offices, one in Denver at 3690 S Yosemite St. and one in Highlands Ranch, serving families across Denver, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Greenwood Village, and Littleton. Even better, we have a board-certified pediatric dentist and a board-certified orthodontist under one roof, so when it's time to think about braces or Invisalign down the road, your child's care stays with a team that already knows them.
A Quick Checklist for Denver Parents
Use this simple checklist when you're comparing pediatric dentists:
- Board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, not a general dentist who sees kids
- Specialty training focused on children, teens, and special healthcare needs
- Strong reviews and local recognition from real families in your area
- A welcoming, kid-friendly office and a team that keeps nervous children calm
- Convenient location and the ability to care for your child as they grow
- Accepts your insurance and offers financing so care stays affordable
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by your child's first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Early visits help your child get comfortable and let the dentist catch anything before it becomes a problem.
What makes a pediatric dentist different from a family dentist?
A pediatric dentist completes years of specialized training focused on children, including behavior guidance, sedation, and growth and development. That specialty focus is why board certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry matters so much for young patients.
Does Union accept dental insurance?
Yes. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer several financing options so quality pediatric care stays affordable for Denver and Highlands Ranch families. Our team is happy to help you understand your coverage.
Give Your Child a Smile for Life
The best time to start your child's dental journey is now, with a team that makes every visit easy. Dr. Mike and the Union team are ready to welcome your family. Call our Denver office at 303-558-1458 or our Highlands Ranch office at 303-791-4411, or schedule a pediatric dentistry appointment online today.
