We would like to introduce Michelle D. Stafford, D.D.S., an accredited pediatric dentist from World Of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Stafford completed an additional two years of training after dental school in an accredited pediatric residency program to become a pediatric dental specialist. She chose this specialty because she believes that every child deserves to have a positive experience going to the dentist.

Dr. Stafford attended University of the Pacific in Stockton, California for her undergraduate studies. In 2001, she graduated from the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry with her doctorate in dental surgery. After practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area for five years, she moved to Michigan to attend the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Pediatric Dental Residency Program.

Dr. Stafford enjoys hiking, biking and exploring the Portland area. Some of her other hobbies include photography, traveling and learning about different cultures. In July 2008, she fulfilled her dream of opening her own pediatric dental practice in Portland, Oregon: World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry. She incorporated her love of travel into the office where the interior serves as a gallery for artwork and photography from around the world. In this dynamic practice she helps children establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime. The motto at World of Smiles is: “Education and prevention lead to healthy smiles and happy kids.”

“The first dental visit for your child should occur around the age of one. Though I do complete an exam on the child in the parent’s lap to check for any early signs of cavities or oral abnormalities, this first visit serves to educate the parent on the importance of oral hygiene and answer any dental questions,” Dr. Stafford explains enthusiastically.

When a family visits World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry, the first things the children notice are the practice mascots: a slow-swimming turtle and a colorful chameleon. But the parents recognize that this high-tech dental office utilizes computers for everything from patient forms (which you can complete at home on-line ahead of time) to digital radiographs, which use significantly less radiation. Further, Televisions built into the ceiling above every dental chair provide children with a positive distraction. Each new patient receives an inflatable Globe to take home and remember their fun adventure at World of Smiles.