Dr. Zaeni grew up in Clayton and earned her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in Molecular and Cell Biology. At Cal she spent summers working with kids as a science teacher and camp counselor. Quickly she discovered both an affinity for healthcare sciences, and a love for working with children. In 2003, Dr. Zaeni completed a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree with honors at UOP School of Dentistry. She graduated knowing she wanted to blend her two passions. For over 20 years she has dedicated her career to serving the dental needs of children throughout Northern California.
Dr. Zaeni is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the Contra Costa Dental Society.
About Us
Children should have their first dental exam at age one or when your child gets his/her first tooth, whichever comes first. The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Dental Association and The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all recommend that children have their first dental exam by their first birthday. While most babies won't have too many teeth at that stage, it's a good time to establish a "dental home", your go-to for all your child's future dental needs. At that first visit we will provide a gentle exam and discuss a wide variety of topics such as your child's growth, development, habits, oral hygiene guidance, fluoride, sealants and nutrition. Depending on his/her age, we may also clean your child's teeth, take x-rays and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay.
It’s easy! You can call, text or email us for a new patient appointment that is convenient for you and your family. Contact us today!
Good question! Let your child know that s/he will be visiting new friends who will count his/her teeth and make sure they are all strong and healthy. We also encourage parents to use positive words to describe the process like “healthy”, “shiny” and “strong” (stay away from words like “shot”, “hurt”, “drill”). If parents or other family members have anxiety around dentistry, try to avoid discussing that with or in front of your kids. Pediatric dentistry has come a long way in the last few decades and our mission is to provide great care in a fun, safe environment so your kids look forward to coming back!
At that first visit we will evaluate and discuss a wide variety of topics such as your child’s growth, development, habits, oral hygiene guidance, fluoride, sealants and nutrition. Depending on his/her age, we may also clean your child’s teeth, take x-rays and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. To your child this will be explained in fun terms like “tooth tickling” and “tooth counting”. At the end of the appointment your child will get to choose stickers and prizes.
We offer a range of options, depending on each child’s specific needs and situation. We always aim to do the least amount of treatment necessary. If your child does require intervention we can start with quick, easy appointment to get him/her accustomed to dental treatment and our office. If your child is too young to tolerate dental work, we also offer sedation with an in-house dental anesthesiology specialist.
In general, we recommend two exams and cleanings per year, spaced six months apart. X-rays are usually only taken once every 12 months. If your child is more prone to cavities or has other specific needs, we may recommend coming in more often.
We are always here to address any questions or concerns you have, either by email, phone or text. Feel free to contact us at any time!
Our brand new office was designed specifically for kids to ensure they feel comfortable and welcome at their dental visits, including a bright, open layout and lots of entertaining details. The play area has arts and crafts, books, toys and video games to keep everyone smiling.
Safety is our top priority and we employ the most modern equipment and up-to-date technology with your family's health and comfort in mind. We use digital x-rays that emit the lowest possible radiation and are more environmentally friendly.
As a parent herself, Dr. Zaeni is passionate about treating each precious child in the most effective and least invasive manner possible. This includes the practice of assessing your child's risk of tooth decay early on, and guiding you on prevention.
Children have a higher risk for cavities because baby teeth have much thinner enamel than adult teeth. Therefore, regular dental cleanings are very important for children. Starting at age one, we recommend professional dental cleanings and exams at least every six months to help your children avoid cavities, and so that any cavities that we do find can be easily treated before they get too serious.
Small cavities can be observed or treated with dental fillings. But larger cavities and cracked teeth may require more extensive treatment like dental crowns which cover the entire tooth to preserve it. It's important to treat baby teeth because any infection in them can spread to and damage the developing adult teeth under the gums. They also serve as ideal placeholders in the jaw for developing adult teeth.
Learn MoreA pulpotomy is also known as a “nerve treatment” for baby teeth. If a cavity gets deep enough it can become painful. A pulpotomy helps remove infection and preserve the baby teeth until the permanent teeth erupt into place. The process is much shorter and easier than an adult nerve treatment.
Learn MoreWe offer several different sedation options for dental treatment including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and general anesthesia in a hospital setting. Whether children are apprehensive from previous medical/dental experiences, they need extensive restorative care at a young age, or they have special needs, we have the expertise and means to make sure they comfortably get the dental treatment they require.
Learn MoreNeed quick help for your child's dental emergency? Our pediatric dental emergency services are here to save the day! Whether it's a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or any mouth injury, our child-friendly dentists are ready to ease the pain and fix the problem with a gentle touch. Don't worry, we've got your little one's smile covered!
Learn MorePediatric dental fillings are a gentle and effective way to treat cavities in children, ensuring their little smiles stay healthy and bright. Using materials that are safe and durable, these fillings help restore the function and appearance of a child's tooth that has been affected by decay. The process is tailored to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible, helping kids maintain their oral health without fear. With pediatric dental fillings, your child can continue to eat, play, and smile with confidence, knowing their teeth are well taken care of.
Learn MoreWe believe the payment process should be seamless and user-friendly experience. Our pediatric dental practice has embraced online payment options to make transactions effortless for parents. With just a few clicks, you can securely settle bills from the comfort of your homes, eliminating the hassle of in-person payments. By prioritizing ease and efficiency, we aim to provide a modern and parent-friendly approach to managing financial aspects of pediatric dental care.
We’re located on Clayton Road, across from Lucky and KMart. Our newly built, modern office was designed with your family's comfort, safety and enjoyment in mind.