Fredonia Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry

For 25 years, Fredonia Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry has been serving the community to provide the best dental care to the area’s youngest patients. Dr. Antoinette Lukasik and Dr. Tiffany McCarthy understand how important a child’s first dentist experience is and that a positive one can create life-long healthy habits.

“It only takes one time to traumatize a patient in the chair,” Lukasik told the OBSERVER. “Sometimes treating children can be challenging. But we take baby steps with our patients to help them feel more and more comfortable.”

In 1995, Lukasik began practicing pediatric dentistry with now-retired Dr. Mark Twichell at 85 W. Main St. in Fredonia. Since that time, her practice has grown significantly, especially with the construction of a brand new building in 2018. “We serve the community from infancy up to age 22,” said Lukasik. “We see patients with mostly all insurances, and we have a sliding fee for patients who do not have insurance.”

In addition to standard dental work such as cleanings and fillings, Fredonia Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry provides fluoride varnishes and special techniques to remove white spots from teeth after braces are removed.

When it comes to their youngest or more anxious patients, Lukasik and McCarthy take extra care to acclimate them to the office. “We’ll give a tour of the office, show them the ‘nitrous nose,’ and even let them take it home,” Lukasik explained. “We have televisions on the ceilings to distract and keep them busy. We also allow parents to sit in the room. Actually, we encourage that!”

Not only are parents allowed in the exam room, but their presence is encouraged, for making children feel safe and comfortable is Dr. Antoinette Lukasik and Dr. Tiffany McCarthy's top priority. OBSERVER Photo by Mary Heyl.

Working with special needs children is Lukasik’s specialty. “I enjoy doing pediatric dentistry especially with special needs kids,” she said. “Whether it’s Down syndrome or autism, it’s very rewarding working on those patients. Our office is going to be doing Run the ‘Burg for Autism (in Hamburg) and the Ride for Roswell this summer.”

Fredonia Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry is dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported their growth. “Once a year, we do what we call a ‘bonus,’ which is free treatment for a family who is underprivileged,” Lukasik explained. “We work with the migrant workers once a month and sit down to discuss dental health and give out toothbrushes. We donate to the local food pantries and visit local schools to talk to children about how to care for their teeth and how important dentistry is for their health.”

Lukasik and McCarthy encourage families to make their child’s first dental appointment sooner rather than later. “We see new patients daily. It’s just a great office to work in,” said Lukasik. The new building features nine exam rooms and brand new state-of-the-art equipment. The practice is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has a 24-hour answering service.

“We do have two other dentists working with us part time because we’ve become so busy,” Lukasik noted. “I’m very grateful that it’s been going so well. I thank the community because if it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

Because of their work, Fredonia Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry has been awarded the OBSERVER’s 2020 Visionary Award for Development.

They are located at 10433 Christy Rd, Fredonia.

To learn more, call 672-2854 and check out Fredonia Pediatric and Adolescent Dentistry on Facebook.