Smile Starters - Freedom Dr. Charlotte — Dentist in Ashley Park

Pediatric dental practice providing comprehensive general dentistry services for children, teens, and young adults across North Carolina. Specializes in preventative care and serves underserved populations with a focus on making dental care accessible and anxiety-free.

Details

Phone: (704) 393-3911

Website: https://www.smilestarterdental.com/

Languages: EnglishSpanish

Insurance: AmeritasUnited ConcordiaUnited Health CareSunLifeMedcostTeamCareAflacCIGNAMedicaid/Healthy BlueTricareBlueCross/Blue ShieldMetLifeDelta DentalAetnaUNUMStarmount DentalColonial LifeAlways CareGuardian

Services

Cosmetic

Teeth Whitening — Available at Raleigh and Greensboro locations; now available for all ages

General

Hospital Dentistry — Special services for anxious or special needs children; available at select locations
X-rays

Pediatric

Pediatric Dentures — Pediatric Gropers created in-house lab
Space Maintainers — Created in-house lab
Thumb-sucking Devices — Created in-house lab
Upper Nance and Lower Lingual Holding Arch — Created in-house lab

Preventive

Comprehensive Oral Evaluations
Curodont™ Repair Fluoride Plus — Advanced treatment for strong, healthy smiles
Dental Cleanings
Fluoride and Varnish
Limited Oral Exams / Pain Examinations
Sealants

Restorative

Amalgam Restorations — Silver fillings
Composite Restorations — White fillings
Stainless Steel Crowns

Sedation

Nitrous Oxide for Nervous Patients

Team

Rafael Rivera Jr. (DDS), General Dentist

CEO/Owner; military brat from Fayetteville, NC; graduated Westover Senior High; BA in Chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill; served in United States Navy with Advanced Education in General Dentistry; passionate about treating children and public health dentistry; purchased Smile Starters in 2008; dedicated to improving access to quality dental care for underserved populations; active in community service and professional organizations

Ryan Root, President of Business Operations

Maureen Shiroma, Business Office Director

Tricia McGee, Human Resources Manager

Kasey Summit, Lab Manager

Nelly Rivera, Marketing Manager

What patients say

Vibe: kid-friendly

Overwhelmingly positive aggregate sentiment with 8 of 9 five-star reviews. The practice is consistently praised as exceptionally good with children, fast, and staffed by friendly, professional, thorough providers. One dissenting review hints at staff inconsistency but lacks detail. The dominant theme is a family-centered practice where parents feel confident and children feel comfortable.

kid-friendlywarm and welcomingcalm atmospherefamily-orientedanxiety-friendlyprofessional

Excellent with children from infancy through childhood
Fast appointment completion and timely treatment
Calming atmosphere with no crying children
First dentist in NC where adult patient felt truly comfortable
Staff makes nervous kids feel safe during treatment