Children's Family Dental

The prospect of taking a child to the dentist for the first time can be daunting for any parent, but it can be especially tough for parents of a special-needs child. It’s helpful to choose a pediatric practice, and even better if the dentist(s) has had significant additional training in pediatric dentistry. Beyond that, it’s wise to ask how much experience the dentists and other staff members have had with special-needs patients.

The mission of Children’s Dental Center, located in Fishers, is to help families set the stage for a life-long commitment to oral health in a friendly and approachable manner. Dr. Michelle Edwards, the founder and owner of the practice, does that by creating an atmosphere of promoting trust and confidence in young patients that will have lifetime results.

Dr. Michelle Edwards

Edwards grew up in Munster, IN, around multiple family members who worked in the medical and dental fields. After obtaining a BA in psychology at the University of South Carolina, she completed her DDS and an MS in pediatric dentistry at the IU School of Dentistry. Edwards additionally completed a two-year residency at Riley Hospital for Children, after which she served as an associate at a dental office on the south side of Indianapolis. She opened the Children’s Dental Center in 2007.

Dr. Rebecca Rafla

Dr. Rebecca Rafla, a native of Louisville, KY, joined the practice in July of 2020. A graduate of Samford University in Birmingham, AL, where she obtained a BS in music, Rafla earned her DMD at the University of Kentucky. She is currently finishing up a two-year residency at Riley Hospital Dr. Rebecca Rafla for Children and will earn a master’s degree in pediatric dentistry from the IU School of Dentistry. She is thrilled to be part of the Children’s Dental Center and feels right at home in Indianapolis. In her free time, Rafla can be found performing as a jazz vocalist around central Indiana.

Edwards wants prospective patients to know that her practice “takes a very conservative and preventative approach to dentistry, with quality of care always top of mind. We have a ‘if we wouldn’t do it to our own children, we will not do it to yours’ philosophy,” she stated.

Getting kids to practice healthy habits like brushing their teeth is as important for special-needs kids as for any other kid. “Practice makes perfect,” Edwards advises. “Role-playing healthy habits at home can make a world of difference for a successful dental visit.”

In addition to her role as a medical professional and business owner, Edwards is a wife and mom. She is married to Dr. Michael Edwards, a periodontist. The two met in dental school. They have three children — Jackson, Alexis, and Lila. “As a family, we attend many community events run by the City of Fishers, such as Girls on the Run, Fishers Farmers Market, and Boo Bash,” Edwards said. “We love supporting the Ronald McDonald House with pop tab drives and snack drives to refill their pantry. We also dedicate one night to cooking dinner for the families staying at the house.”

Children’s Dental Center 9885 E. 116th St., Ste. 100, Fishers, IN 46037 317.842.8453 www.babytoothcenter.com Facebook.com/BabyToothCenter Ashley Watkins ashley@babytoothcenter.com

What is a Therapeutic Dental Visit?

For Children’s Dental Center, a therapeutic dental visit provides the tools to use in future dental appointments and establishes a healthy at-home dental hygiene routine for your special-needs family. Our customized therapeutic dental sessions prepare you, the parent, and your child to work through any fear and anxiety about visiting the dentist. Our goal is to create positive experiences one visit at a time. Children’s Dental Center works with most dental insurances and Medicaid. To book an appointment with Dr. Edwards or Dr. Rafla, please call 317-842-8453.