HEALTH
Kids First Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates aim to please target demographic
WRITTEN BY NICK SELLERS PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO AND CONTRIBUTED
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he giant blue rocket conspicuously situated on Hughes Road and bearing the four letters – APDA – is unmistakable for those who travel the major north-south artery in Madison City. What the staff at Alabama Pediatric Dental Associates hopes, however, is for the landmark to bring in patients. APDA has been around since 1964 and, in addition to the Madison clinic on Hughes Road, boasts offices in Hampton Cove and Decatur. The staff of pediatric dentists and orthodontists rotates among the three offices. Dr. Dick Butler asserted, however, that the Madison office tends to stay the busiest. Dr. Marcus Moss stressed the difference in taking a child to a kid-friendly office such as APDA as opposed to a general dentist. “We’re just 100 percent geared towards the kids,” Moss said. “When they come in here, they’re going to see kids just like them, and that usually puts them at ease.” The office boasts a game room and a host of other distractions to help calm any nerves young children might have. “Our biggest goal right now is for the kids to be comfortable,” Dr. Todd Lackey said. “We want them to actually be excited about seeing the dentist.” In addition to orthodontic services, the office
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A kidfriendly waiting area with games helps put the young patients at ease before a visit with the dentists at APDA. Large, spacious areas with plenty of friendly stuffed animals offer children peace of mind. Assistants demonstrate a typical visit to APDA. The location of Hughes Road offers high visibility to commuters.
Madison Living 17