July 26, 2017 Sponsored Story
Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry, which opened at 45-45 21st Street last August and specializes in children’s dentistry, is getting ready to celebrate its first anniversary in Long Island City.
Dr. Natasha Larson, one of the practice’s two co-founders, said she investigated opening an office in Long Island City about 18 months ago, shortly after moving to the neighborhood in January 2016 with her husband to start a family. She decided to open the practice–with her colleague and co-founder Dr. Loren Buonocore–across from Murray Playground.
“I fell in love with the community right away, and from a pediatric dentist’s standpoint, I could see there was a need for a dental practice dedicated solely to treating children.” Dr. Larson said.
Drs. Larson and Buonocore have about 25 years of experience between them in pediatric dentistry and are both board-certified in their specialty. They opened their first office in Chelsea (220 W 26th Street) in June of 2014. The Long Island City practice is their second office.
“After dental school, pediatric dentists go through two to three years of advanced training beyond general dentistry to become specialists, but after that, less than half of them go through with the rigorous board certification process,” Dr. Larson said. “We are very proud to be the only board certified pediatric dentists practicing in LIC.”
To commemorate their one year anniversary, they are planning to have a Back to School raffle for existing patients and welcome all local residents to stop by with their children to receive a free toothbrush and balloon, as well as tour the office. Additionally, every patient seen for a dental check-up in the month of August will receive a back to school kit.
When asked why she chose her profession, Dr. Buonocore said, “I became a pediatric dentist because it’s an amazingly fun way to interact with children and their families while teaching them healthy dental and eating habits. Focusing on prevention is essential for a beautiful, healthy smile in the future.”
Dr. Larson says that having positive experiences at the dentist as children can have a significant impact on how they view oral health as adults.
“During my training, I was astonished by how many adult patients I encountered that had severe phobias of the dentist stemming from traumatic dental experiences as a child,” she explained. “There is no reason this ever has to be the case.”
“Nothing beats when a kid comes in terrified, but leaves with a smile on their face, a prize and balloon in hand, and begging their parents to come back,” she added.
Additionally, the partners at Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry say they try to get involved in as many local community events as possible, and recently sponsored a recess fundraiser for P.S./I.S. 78 PTA, and an Easter egg hunt in Murray Playground.
They also offer a community outreach program dedicated to teaching healthy eating and dental hygiene habits to children in local schools and daycare centers.
Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry offers comprehensive care for children, from routine check-ups to braces and aesthetic white fillings and crowns.
“By investing in the most advanced dental technology and equipment, and having staff and doctors with extensive experience working with children, we are able to offer comfortable and compassionate dental care in a fun and playful environment,” Dr. Buonocore shared.
Office hours are by appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, with plans to extend availability in the Fall.
Appointments can be made by calling (212) 243-5437 or by visiting their website here.
Note: Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry is an advertiser of the LIC Post.
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2 Comments
On behalf of Chelsea Pediatric Dentistry, we were not aware that Dr. Capozzi had recently become board certified. At the time we opened, it was a true statement. We sincerely congratulate him! Cheers!
I may not be understanding the nuances between different credentials, but Dr. Michael Capozzi, who is the pediatric dentist at “LIC Dental Associates” located in the Plumbers Union Building, is also listed as board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in their website directory. So, I’m not sure how to reconcile that with the statement “We are very proud to be the only board certified pediatric dentists practicing in LIC.”