French Carol A DMD

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Dr. Carol French and her staff are committed to providing quality pediatric dentistry. Your child's total oral health care, comfort and safety are our main goals. Our staff takes pride in introducing your children to a lifetime of dentistry with a fun, gentle, and positive approach. Every staff member is selected based on their desire to work with children exclusively. This takes a very special person. Even our office decor is designed to engage your child, both visually and mentally. We invite you to introduce your child to the world of dentistry in a relaxed, child friendly, and positive atmosphere.

• Education & Training
Prior to attending dental school, Dr. French taught elementary school in Charleston, SC for several years. Dr. French graduated from the Medical University of SC Dental College in Charleston in 1982 and was accepted into a pediatric residency program at Children's Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio and Indiana University. Her specialty training included growth and development, child psychology, behavior management, conscious sedation, treatment of cleft palate children, orthodontics, hospital dentistry, dental trauma, special needs children, and specialized areas unique to infants, young children and adolescents. Dr. French received her board certification in 1992 and is a Board Certified, Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, SC Dental Association (SCDA), Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, Greater Columbia Dental Society, and the American Society of Dentistry for Children. She has served the SCDA as state chairman of the SC National Children's Dental Health Month Committee since 1997 and as a local chairman since 1990.

Our patients and their families are provided a bright and happy place that has been carefully designed for both the physical and psychological needs of children. A fulfilled playroom with movies is present to relax your child prior to treatment and video games and a play area await your child in the treatment bay.

• Emergency Treatment
Dr. French has coverage available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. If the emergency occurs after regular business hours, she will be available.
• Oral Hygiene & Prevention
Good oral hygiene and routine preventive care are very important to your child's overall health. In South Carolina, one of the top reasons for children to visit the health room nurse are due to dentally related problems. Dr. French encourages parents to participate in their child's oral hygiene routine every night until the child is 12 years old. Brushing and flossing are essential to a good oral hygiene program. Good oral hygiene can significantly reduce the formation of decay and the number of cavities your child may have in a lifetime. When teeth are not clean, the decay causing acids formed by the bacteria in the mouth cause the enamel to weaken and become more susceptible to decay. Proper brushing and flossing is the key to the prevention of decay. Parents must help with these important skills each night. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child be seen by the pediatric dentist by 12 months of age. Even though your child may not have many teeth at this time, it is important for the pediatric dentist to examine your child's mouth to make sure that no problems exist or may be encountered. Routine examinations are encouraged every 6 months thereafter. Between 10 and 12 months of age be sure to substitute the baby bottle for a cup. From this age on, never let your child fall asleep with the bottle or sippy cup as this may lead to severe decay known as Nursing Bottle Decay. If you have any questions on the oral health of your child, please do not hesitate to call our office.
• Why choose a pediatric dentist
The pediatric dentist is the specialist who is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years. The very young, preteens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior, guiding their dental growth and development and helping them avoid future dental problems. The pediatric dentist is best qualified to meet these needs. They are trained and qualified to treat special patients who may have emotional, physical, or mental handicaps. Because of this specialized training and commitment to comprehensive oral health, many parents choose a pediatric dentist to treat their children.

• Pediatric Services
~ Parents are welcome to remain with their children during treatment ~ Infant Dietary Counseling and Home Care Instructions ~ New Patients ~ Consultations & Second Opinions ~ Cleaning & Fluoride ~ Sealants ~ Space Maintainers ~ Habit Control of Behavior Modification and Appliances ~ Esthetic Fillings (Tooth Colored) ~ Amalgam Fillings (Silver Fillings) ~ Crowns ~ Nitrous Oxide Analgesia (Laughing Gas) ~ Conscious Sedation for the Young, Fearful Patient ~ Hospital Dentistry ~ Special Needs Patient