No child is too nervous, too complicated, or too much.
Whether your child has had a difficult dental experience in the past or has never seen a dentist before, we have the training, the patience, and the heart to meet them exactly where they are. That means every child. Families of every race, ethnicity, religion, and national origin. LGBTQ+ families, single-parent families, and foster families. Children with special needs and sensory sensitivities. Every child deserves a dentist who is genuinely glad they came.
That's the practice we built. That's the promise we keep.
Dr. Matt Hillman
I became a pediatric dentist because I wanted to be part of something that genuinely matters… giving every child a foundation of confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Matt graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2005 and completed his pediatric residency at Northwestern University and Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, one of the country's premier children's hospitals. He is Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and has been practicing in the Kansas City area since 2007, when he founded Smiles Dentistry for Kids with a single mission: to create a place where every child feels safe.
What drew him to pediatric dentistry was equal parts heart and hands. "There's something deeply rewarding about helping a child who walks in scared walk out smiling. And honestly, dentistry is a craft. The precision, the detail, the problem-solving. It suits the way my brain works."
When he's not in the office, Dr. Matt is the kind of person who is always building something. He's currently restoring a 1966 Corvette, has a lifelong passion for motorcycles, and spent his younger years as a BMXer and skateboarder. Which, he'll tell you, taught him that falling down is just part of learning. Away from the garage, he's an avid hiker who takes his family on a new mountain adventure every year with the Alps firmly on the bucket list. A devoted Kansas City Current and Sporting KC fan, Dr. Matt is also the proud father of three strong, independent girls. He is, by his own admission, truly “outdaughtered”.
Dr. Tara Craven
I want every child to leave our office feeling empowered. Not just with a clean bill of health, but with a real understanding of how to take care of their smile. That's a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Tara graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 2021 and completed her pediatric residency at Children's Mercy Kansas City, one of the region's most respected children's institutions, in 2023. She is Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and joined Smiles Dentistry for Kids that same year, bringing with her a deep commitment to prevention, education, and building lasting relationships with the families she serves.
What drew her to pediatric dentistry wasn't a single moment… It was a personal one. "I had a lot of cavities as a kid. I didn't really understand what was happening or how to take care of my own teeth properly. That experience stuck with me. If I can help kids understand their oral health early and actually inspire them to care about it, that's something really meaningful."
For Dr. Tara, the long view is everything. She became a pediatric dentist because she wanted to watch kids grow and to be part of building their foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles and a positive relationship with dental care.
On weekends you'll find her exploring a new splash pad or park with her kids, making family breakfast, riding bikes, or hunting down a great new coffee shop or restaurant with her husband. She brings the same enthusiasm to her weekend adventures that she brings to every appointment.
The faces behind every great visit
Our staff have been hand-picked not just for their skills — but for their warmth, their patience, and their ability to make even the most nervous child feel right at home.
I truly enjoy being a part of a team where we all share a commitment to providing exceptional care for our patients and their families. From the front office to the dental clinic, we pride ourselves on creating a positive experience with each visit.
I love working at SD4K! It’s so fun to see the kids every six months and watch them grow up with us!
I enjoy ensuring all of our families that walk through our front door leave feeling happy and confident!
I really like working in Pediatric Dentistry because it allows to me to work with/help children try to overcome their dental anxiety.
I love helping children build healthy habits and helping them to feel more comfortable at the dentist
My favorite part of working in Peds is how much I’ll hear kids say they love coming to the dentist. It means everything to see the smiles we see and to know we help our patients get not only comfortable, but happy coming to see us!
Working in pediatric dentistry allows me to combine my love for children with my passion for teaching them healthy habits that last a lifetime.
I love helping make the smiles of children brighter and the daily excitement that comes with it!!
A little patience, a lot of kindness, and a touch of fun can turn a scary dental visit into an experience a child looks forward to
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I like pediatrics because I enjoy making a positive difference in a child’s experience at the dentist. I love getting to know each child’s personality and seeing them become more comfortable with each visit.
I love working in pediatric dentistry because I have the opportunity to help children feel confident, and excited about taking care of their smiles. I enjoy making each visit a positive experience, whether it’s their first appointment or they’ve been coming to our office for years. Being part of their dental journey and watching their confidence grow is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Image Gallery
A quick tour so everyone knows what to expect
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Every family belongs here
We are proud to serve families of all backgrounds, cultures, abilities, and experiences. That includes families of every race, ethnicity, religion, and national origin — as well as LGBTQ+ families, single-parent families, foster families, and children with special needs or sensory sensitivities.
FAQs
Honest answers to the questions parents ask us most. No judgment. Just the truth.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first dental visit within six months after the first tooth appears or by their first birthday, whichever comes first.
Call us immediately at (913) 685-9990. We keep same-day availability for emergencies and our on-call doctor is reachable after hours. For severe facial trauma or injuries beyond the teeth, go directly to your nearest emergency room.
We generally recommend weaning by age 2-3. Extended use beyond that can begin to affect bite development. Not sure where your child stands? Schedule a visit and we'll take a look together.
Keep it simple and positive. Tell them they're visiting a special tooth doctor who counts teeth and keeps smiles healthy. Avoid words like "hurt" or "shot" even to say they won't happen. The calmer you are, the calmer they'll be. We'll take it from there.
Tell us ahead of time. That's the most important thing. We build extra time into the appointment, go at your child's pace, and use comfort tools like nitrous oxide and Tell-Show-Do to make sure nothing comes as a surprise. We've helped a lot of nervous kids become confident patients.
Yes, fluoride is endorsed by the AAPD, ADA, and AAP and recommended at every visit. Start with a rice-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste at the first tooth, moving to a pea-sized amount at age 3. If your family has questions or prefers to decline, we respect that completely. No judgment, ever.
Probably not. Grinding is extremely common in children and most grow out of it on their own. We check for signs of wear at every visit and will let you know if anything needs attention. If you have concerns in the meantime, schedule a visit and we'll take a look.
We have answers and a chair waiting for you.
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