Pediatric Dentist near Derry, NH
Derry parents tend to be particular about who they trust with their kids. That is a good instinct, and it is exactly why so many families from Derry have made the 20-minute drive to Kangaroo Smiles in Methuen, MA. This is not a generic dental office that also sees children. It is a practice built entirely around pediatric dentistry, staffed by board-certified pediatric specialists, and designed from the waiting room to the treatment chair to make children feel safe, comfortable, and even excited about coming back. When your child asks if they can go to the dentist, you will know you found the right place.
Pediatric Dental Services for Derry Families
Kangaroo Smiles offers the full range of pediatric dental services for children from their first tooth through adolescence. Every visit is tailored to the child’s age, development stage, and comfort level.
| Service | Who It Is For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| First dental visit | Infants and toddlers | Establishes healthy habits early |
| Routine cleanings and exams | All ages, every 6 months | Catches issues before they develop |
| Fluoride treatment | All children | Strengthens enamel |
| Pulpotomy (baby root canal) | Severely decayed teeth | Saves the tooth when possible |
| Emergency dental care | Any age, any urgency | Prompt same-day response |
| Sedation and anesthesia | Anxious or special needs patients | Safe, comfortable care for nervous children |
| Teeth whitening | Older children and teens | Safe brightening for younger smiles |
What Makes Kangaroo Smiles Different from a Regular Dentist?
Pediatric dentistry is a specialty. The dentists at Kangaroo Smiles completed dental school followed by two to three additional years of pediatric-specific residency training, focused entirely on children’s oral development, behavior management, and the unique needs of growing smiles. That training matters, and it shows in how the practice operates.
- Pediatric specialists only: Every dentist at Kangaroo Smiles trained specifically in pediatric dentistry. No generalists seeing children as a side part of their practice.
- Board-certified doctors: Multiple doctors on the team hold board certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a distinction fewer than half of practicing pediatric dentists achieve.
- Environment built for kids: Wall murals, open-concept treatment areas, TVs on the ceiling, iPads in the waiting room. Every detail is intentional.
- Behavior-centered approach: The team communicates in language children understand, moves at a child’s pace, and uses gentle techniques that build trust over time.
- Sedation options when needed: For children who need additional support, safe sedation options are available to ensure every visit stays calm and comfortable.
Your Child's Visit at Kangaroo Smiles: Step by Step
- Book your appointment. Schedule online or call the Methuen office directly. New patients are warmly welcomed, and the team can answer any questions before the visit.
- Arrival and welcome. From the moment you walk in, the environment works in your favor. Colorful murals, a comfortable waiting area, and a friendly team set the right tone for children of every age.
- Examination. The pediatric dentist examines your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and oral development thoroughly and in a way that is explained clearly to both parent and child.
- Cleaning. Professional cleaning removes plaque and buildup that daily brushing misses, followed by a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel.
- X-rays if indicated. Kangaroo Smiles uses digital X-ray technology that delivers roughly 70% less radiation than traditional dental X-rays, making it one of the safest imaging options available for children.
- Education and home care plan. The team sends every family home with specific, age-appropriate guidance on brushing, flossing, diet, and habits to maintain their child’s smile between visits.
Insurance and Payment
Kangaroo Smiles accepts most major dental insurance plans including Medicaid, and offers flexible payment options for families without coverage. Full details are available at the insurance and payment options page.
Meet the Doctors
Dr. Mona Beylin, DMD, founded Kangaroo Smiles with one goal: to create a dental home where children actually feel safe and cared for. She earned her dental degree from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, completed her pediatric residency at Rutgers, and is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. A member of the AAPD, the ADA, and the Massachusetts Dental Society, Dr. Mona’s philosophy continues to guide every doctor and team member at Kangaroo Smiles. Learn more at kangaroosmiles.com/our-team.
Dr. Jessie earned her DMD from Boston University and completed her pediatric residency at NYU, followed by a fellowship at the University of Maryland and advanced training at the University of Alabama Birmingham. A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she currently serves as a Clinical Instructor at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Jennifer holds her BS in Biology from Duke University and her DMD from the University of Pennsylvania. After practicing general dentistry, she discovered her passion for working with young patients and completed her pediatric dental residency at Boston University.
Dr. Josh earned his BS in Microbiology and his DDS from the University of Michigan and completed his pediatric residency at Boston University. Board certified, he is known for putting even the most nervous children completely at ease.
Getting to Kangaroo Smiles from Derry, NH
Methuen Location (Closest to Derry)
Address: 413 Broadway B, Methuen, MA 01844
Phone: (978) 258-1363
From Derry: Approximately 20 minutes via I-93 South to Exit 46 to Route 110 West into Methuen.
Learn more at kangaroosmiles.com/dentist-office-methuen-ma.
Lowell Location
Address: 33 Bartlett St STE 501, Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 425-1496
From Derry: Approximately 30 minutes via I-93 South to US-3 South.
Learn more at kangaroosmiles.com/dentist-office-lowell-ma.
| Office hours (Methuen): Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The team is available by phone to answer questions about scheduling, insurance, and what to expect at your child’s first visit. |
Also Serving the Methuen Area
Derry families considering the Methuen pediatric dentist location will find the same board-certified team, same kid-first environment, and same commitment to making every child’s visit genuinely positive. View all communities served at kangaroosmiles.com/areas-we-serve.
- Derry, NH
- Londonderry, NH
- Windham, NH
- Pelham, NH
- Salem, NH
- Methuen, MA
- Lawrence, MA
- Haverhill, MA
Ready to Book Near Derry?
Kangaroo Smiles gives Derry-area families access to specialist-level pediatric dental care in a setting unlike anything else in the region. Board-certified doctors, a practice built for children, and a track record of turning nervous first-timers into kids who actually look forward to their next appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kangaroo Smiles from Derry, NH?
The Methuen location at 413 Broadway Suite B is approximately 20 minutes from Derry via I-93 South. The Lowell location at 33 Bartlett St is approximately 30 minutes south via I-93 and US-3.
What age should my child first visit a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit by a child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Earlier visits allow the team to monitor development, coach parents on home care, and build a positive dental relationship before any dental work is ever needed.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A pediatric dentist completes two to three additional years of specialty residency training after dental school, focused specifically on children’s oral development, behavior management, and procedures unique to growing teeth. The office environment, communication style, and clinical approach are all tailored for children in a way that general or family dentistry practices are not.
Does Kangaroo Smiles take my child's insurance?
Yes. Kangaroo Smiles accepts most major insurance plans and Medicaid. The team can confirm coverage and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs before your first appointment.
My child had a bad experience at a previous dentist. Can Kangaroo Smiles help?
Yes, and this is one of the most common situations the team handles. Kangaroo Smiles was specifically designed for children who are anxious or have had negative experiences elsewhere. The patient approach, child-friendly environment, and behavior-centered techniques are effective even for children who have developed significant fear around dental visits. Sedation options are also available when needed.