Creating Healthy Smiles One Child at a Time.
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Locations & Opening Hours
Our Office
Happy Smile Pediatric Dentistry opened in 2009 when Dr. Sarah Kim and Dr. Julie Cernigliaro teamed up to offer the children of Manhattan high-quality, compassionate dental care by combining advanced modern technology with knowledge and empathy.
Dr. Kim, Dr. Julie, and Dr. Shea are board-certified pediatric dentists, diplomats of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and members of both the international and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Our office is located at 220 Madison Ave., Suite A in Midtown Manhattan, across the street from the Morgan Museum and Library and centrally located near both Grand Central Station and Penn Station.
Rest assured your child’s dental visit will be fun, educational, and productive. The Happy Smile Pediatric Dentistry team creates healthy smiles, one child at a time.
Our Services
Our Doctors
Dr. Julie has extensive training in treating children with special needs and became board-certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2006. She has given both national and international presentations on pediatric dentistry. Dr. Cernigliaro currently is the Associate Director of the Pediatric Dental Program at the NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn. She is also a faculty member at the NYU College of Dentistry. Dr. Cernigliaro is well-traveled and has researched in various settings throughout the globe.
She has published articles in The Journal of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and online at healthychildren.com. While completing her residency, she conducted dental research in Aracatuba, Brazil, and she’s provided dental care to children in need in Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. She also recently traveled to Nepal to teach students at the dental school.
Outside of the office, she enjoys being a proud mother of two little girls, learning about other cultures, traveling, photography, and reading.
In 2008, Dr. Kim became a board-certified diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, reaching the highest tier of education in her field. She has been involved with many outreach programs, such as the Dorcas Medical Mission and Youth With A Mission, to provide dental care to children in need throughout Mexico and South America.
Dr. Kim is an assistant at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center and teaches at the NYU College of Dentistry. She’s also a clinical instructor at the Mount Sinai Hospital.
When she isn’t caring for her patients, Dr. Kim enjoys music, playing the flute, reading, and crafting. She has been a classical flute player since the fourth grade.
Dr. Shea believes that providing the best treatment possible for children requires both clinical experience and staying abreast of the latest research and literature in pediatric dentistry. He strives to create a nurturing and friendly environment for children and takes pride in working with both parents and children. Dr. Shea believes in creating the best possible experience for children during their visits in order to set up a lifetime of positive oral health outcomes. Through his humor and patience, he hopes to help his patients establish a lifelong commitment to excellent oral health and beautiful smiles.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Shea is an avid runner and loves to spend time with his pet pug, Moneypenny.
Insurance
We are in-network with Cigna, Delta, Anthem, and Guardian but will submit an out-of-network insurance reimbursement claim on your behalf, if requested. We do not take Medicaid.
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FAQ
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should have their first dental visit by their first birthday or within 6 months after their first tooth appears, whichever comes first.
Children should visit the dentist every 6 months for regular checkups and cleanings. However, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your child's individual oral health needs.
Yes, dental X-rays are safe for children. Modern dental offices use digital X-rays that emit very low radiation levels. Additionally, protective lead aprons and thyroid collars are used during X-rays to minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnostic purposes.
To prevent cavities: 1) Maintain good oral hygiene, brushing twice daily and flossing, 2) limit sugary foods and drinks, 3) use fluoride toothpaste, 4) consider dental sealants, 5) maintain regular dental checkups, 6) encourage healthy eating habits, and 7) supervise brushing for young children.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, there's a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to identify potential problems early.
Invisalign can be suitable for teens, and there's even a specific product called Invisalign Teen. However, eligibility depends on various factors, including: 1) the type and severity of orthodontic issues, 2) the patient's maturity and responsibility level, 3) whether all permanent teeth have erupted, and 4) your orthodontist can determine if Invisalign is appropriate for your child's specific case.
While braces don't hurt during application, you may experience some soreness for a few days after getting them and after adjustment appointments. This discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
