Your Child's First Visit

Learning, Growing, & Smiling Together.

Our Mission

It is imperative for your child to see a dentist at an early age or as soon as their first tooth pops up. If you live in the northern Virginia area and are looking for a kid-friendly dentist, we are ready to help you at Shirlington Pediatric Dentistry. Get in touch with us today!

Did you know that your child gets at risk of tooth decay or cavities as soon as the first tooth emerges?

What to Expect

at Your Child's First Visit

During your child's first visit, your little one will ride in the chair on their own, on your lap, or on a caregiver's lap. The dentist will examine your child's teeth, gums, and jaws for cavities or developmental issues.

If your child has teeth, the dentist or oral hygienist will clean their teeth and provide detailed instructions on how to correctly take care of your child's oral health. To wrap up the appointment, the dentist will answer any other questions you may have, whether it's about the pacifier’s use, the proper diet for healthy teeth, or other oral health related concerns. 

Big Hearts for Tiny Brushers

Meet the Team

Shirlington Pediatric Dentistry is made up of the sweetest smile pros who love what they do, and it shows! Whether it’s a warm welcome from our caring front desk crew or a high five from our informative hygienists, we strive to create a comfortable, encouraging environment where you and your child thrive.

Team Member 1

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Team Member 2

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Team Member 3

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Waiting Room

Amenities

At Shirlington Pediatric Dentistry, we're proud to be able to offer modern waiting room amenities that will stun you and your child. Our dental office is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities and comforts, including comfy blankets, iPad Bar, noise-canceling headphones, streaming apps, and ceiling mounted TVs.

In addition, our office is curated with state-of-the-art dental equipment and tools to enhance efficiency during dental procedures.

Doctor and

Qualifications

Dr. Shwetha Rai is a qualified pediatric dentist passionate about working with children. She graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors and Masters degree in public health and biology before proceeding to work as a Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Rai completed her pediatric residency at the New York University School of Dentistry. She is an active member of various dentistry associations, including the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and Virginia Dental Association.

Teeth Cleaning

During your kid's teeth cleaning, Dr. Rai will review their history to find any issues or detect troubling patterns. She may take an exam or X-rays and carefully examine your child's soft tissues to provide age-appropriate advice for cleaning and flossing.

We have specialized tools that enable us to gently remove plaque and tartar from inaccessible places. After the exam, your dentist will give you tips about the following:

  • Proper use of fluoride to strengthen your child's enamel
  • How to avoid cavities
  • Nutrition and oral hygiene instructions
  • How to prevent trauma
  • Teething and development

Giving Back to Arlington

Sustaining Smiles with UpCycle

As a pediatric practice, we’re constantly inspired by the wonder and imagination that comes with being a child. For that reason, we’re honored to partner with UpCycle, a Virginia-based nonprofit that encourages kids to connect creativity with conservation by transforming recycled materials into treasure! Together, we’re making the world a brighter, greener place for kids to be themselves, one masterpiece at a time.

We’re always looking for ways to give back to our incredible community of Arlington. If there’s a cause that’s close to your family’s heart, please don’t hesitate to let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

Start cleaning your kid's teeth at an early age, using approved and age-appropriate brush and toothpaste.

  • Swelling or redness of the gums, teeth, and cheeks
  • Avoiding cold or hot drinks and foods
  • Excessive touching of their teeth and face
  • Some kids may run a fever if they have a toothache

Dr. Shwetha Rai is glad to work with you to develop a preventive plan to protect your baby's teeth from harm. Contact us online or call (703) 646-1805 to schedule an appointment.

Ready to Get Started?

Let’s Spark a Lifetime of Smiles

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