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Spring is the season families start thinking about getting their kids ready for graduations, vacations, and the long stretch of summer. For Dr. Cecilia Mescain and the team at Smile Central Dental, it’s also the busiest time of year for one specific reason: parents want their children’s dental care handled before school lets out.
Smile Central Dental has been serving underserved communities across Northern New Jersey for over 20 years, with locations in Passaic, Union City, and Dover. Their focus has always been children’s dentistry, and this spring they are expanding what they offer at their Dover location at 44 Orchard Street by adding orthodontic consultations.
“We’re seeing a significant number of children presenting with untreated dental issues, largely due to gaps in access to children’s dentistry in the area,” Dr. Mescain said. “Our focus is not only on addressing those immediate needs, but also on guiding families toward preventive care and long-term oral health through education and consistent follow-up.”
The expansion into orthodontics in Dover comes from a clear need. Medicaid-participating orthodontic providers are limited in the area, and demand for braces and Invisalign consultations has been climbing. By adding orthodontic services in Dover, the practice is aiming to give families a real option close to home rather than long drives or long waitlists.
Spring requests have leaned heavily toward preventive care this year. Cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and early orthodontic evaluations are top of the list. Dr. Mescain explained that families want to start treatment before summer so progress can happen while kids are out of school.
The team has also built its experience around making younger patients comfortable. Two certified therapy dogs, Snickers and Mack, are part of the practice and help kids who feel anxious about visits. “Everything we do is centered around children,” Dr. Mescain said. “We focus on building trust through clear communication, patience, and a gentle approach so children feel comfortable and confident during their visits.”
Smile Central Dental accepts all insurance plans, including Medicaid, and runs community outreach programs like free dental screenings, educational workshops, and job fairs. Looking ahead, the practice is exploring adding oral surgery so families can access more comprehensive care under one roof.
Families in the Morris County area can book an appointment or call the Dover office at 973-891-4015.
