Business Q&A: Merrick Pediatric Dentistry

Has your child got teeth coming out of their ears and you don't have any idea as to what to do? Then perhaps you need to put a call into a qualified dentist for some assistance.

Headed up by Rania Elbaz, DDS and her friendly and professional staff, Merrick Pediatric Dentistry is a newcomer to the Merrick teeth care scene, having opened their doors for business five months ago. However, Dr. Elbaz has already made a name for herself, acquiring a thriving practice and helping to change the way kids look at the (formerly) big, bad, scary dentist.

Tell us about the services you provide for kids at Merrick Pediatric Dentistry.

We provide for all of a kid’s dental needs. We’re a comprehensive dental office. We do routine checkups, fillings, extractions, whatever the kid needs. We also monitor orthodontic needs and we refer the kids if they need braces. We offer laughing gas and sedation if needed – if the kids are having a hard time in the chair or if they’re nervous. But we try to de-emphasize sedation. We do offer it, but we don’t force it on people and I think that’s something that parents appreciate – that we try to do it in whatever way they feel comfortable with.

What’s your background and what made you decide to take the plunge and open your very own office?

I grew up in Merrick and went to Calhoun High School. I came back here and bought a house with my family about two years ago and I was looking for space in Merrick because it was time for me to open my own place. I’ve been an associate for a while and I’ve realized that until you open your own place, that it isn’t going to be your vision.

After working for some big practices where patients were just rushed in and out, I definitely wanted something a little smaller and more intimate.

What got you into dentistry?

I love kids! My dentist that I used to go to in Bellmore got me interested in dentistry and I used to shadow her for a while. I decided that would probably be a good route.

What makes you different from other dental practices?

The big thing that really separates us from a lot of the practices in the area is that all the kids are seen and examined by me, so there’s consistency. Also, I’m always available for emergencies because I’m local. Our big aim for the office is to get to know all the patients so they have a good level of comfort.

What do you like about owning and operating a business in the Merrick area?

I love Merrick. I think Merrick is a fantastic place to live and work and that’s why I live and work here!