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Dentist

Smile Starters

Hidden Valley★ 4.5 (712 reviews)✓ Accepting new patients

4901 N Tryon St A, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28213

Pediatric dental practice providing general dental services to children, teens, and young adults across 9 North Carolina locations. Focused on preventative care and serving underserved populations with an emphasis on positive dental experiences from infancy through young adulthood.

Details

Phone: (704) 921-0204

Website: http://www.smilestartersdental.com/

Languages: EnglishSpanish

Insurance: Aetna PPOAetna DMOAFLACBCBSFedVIPCignaDelta Dental PPODelta Dental PremierGEHAConnection DentalAmeritasGuardianHumanaRelianceStandardPhysicians MutualMetLifeNorth Carolina MedicaidSouth Carolina MedicaidTricare Dental ProgramUnited ConcordiaUnited HealthcareDentemaxAlwaysCareBeam DentalMutual of OmahaRenaissance DentalUNUMStarmountColonial Life

Services

Cosmetic

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

General

  • Hospital Dentistry — Available at Charlotte, Hickory, Asheville, Greensboro, Raleigh, Fayetteville and Winston-Salem locations

Pediatric

  • BITE Program — Babies, infants and toddlers education program for ages 0-3 years
  • Pediatric Dentures — Pediatric Gropers created in 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
  • X-rays

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 with advanced education in general dentistry from U.S. Navy. Over 20 years dedicated to pediatric dentistry since 2002. Served as Gaston County Dental Society President 2009-2010 and UNC Dental Alumni Association President 2018-2019. Active in community service and dental missions.

What patients say

Vibe: family-friendly

The practice receives overwhelmingly positive reviews (7 of 9 five-star ratings) with particular praise for friendly, professional staff and excellent service with children. However, two critical reviews highlight significant operational concerns: extended wait times before treatment begins and rushed service during peak hours, suggesting potential scheduling and workflow issues that detract from the otherwise strong patient experience.

family-orientedbilingual-welcomingfriendly-staffchild-focusedinconsistent-pacing