Juggling dental appointments across multiple offices? We hear this from Phoenix families all the time. Between your toddler’s first checkup, your teen’s cleaning, and your own dental work, managing everyone’s oral health can feel like a full-time job.
At Nurture Smiles & Wellness, we’ve built our practice around a simpler approach: comprehensive family dental care that brings everyone together. Dr. Lauren Salvatore treats patients from early childhood through adulthood—all in one welcoming location on N 7th Street in Phoenix, just north of Moon Valley Nursery.
Why Choose a Family Dentist Over Separate Specialists?
Unlike dentists who focus on specific age groups, we provide care for your entire family across all life stages. This means your kids, parents, and grandparents can all see the same trusted dental team.
The real advantage goes beyond convenience. When we’ve followed your child’s dental development from their first tooth and understand your family’s oral health patterns, we can provide more informed, preventive care. We spot genetic tendencies—like susceptibility to cavities or alignment issues—early and address them proactively.
What Makes Our Phoenix Family Dental Practice Different
Scheduling That Actually Works for Busy Families
We offer flexible hours designed around your life:
- Monday: 9am-5pm
- Tuesday-Wednesday: 8am-5pm
- Thursday: 7am-4pm
Schedule back-to-back appointments for everyone on the same day. One trip, one team, done.
Genuine Continuity of Care
Dr. Salvatore takes time to understand your family’s complete dental history and health goals. This comprehensive approach means fewer surprises and better long-term outcomes for everyone in your family.
A Comfortable Environment for All Ages
We’ve created a welcoming space where both children and adults feel at ease:
- Fresh-brewed coffee for adults
- Toys and entertainment for kids
- Comfort items like blankets and neck pillows throughout
Dr. Salvatore’s experience as a mother of two informs her gentle, patient-centered approach. She understands that dental anxiety is real—for kids and adults alike.
Sedation Options for Anxious Patients
For patients with significant dental anxiety or complex procedures, we offer multiple sedation options:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Oral conscious sedation
- IV sedation provided by Dr. Scott Simpson, who holds Mastership in the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine and brings over 30 years of experience
Transparent Pricing and Flexible Payment
We accept CareCredit financing and work with you to understand costs upfront—whether you have insurance or not. Our team helps find payment solutions that fit your budget.
Comprehensive Dental Services for Your Phoenix Family
We provide a full spectrum of care under one roof:
Preventive Dentistry
- Professional cleanings and comprehensive exams
- Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
- Early cavity detection and prevention
Restorative Dentistry
- Metal-free fillings
- Crowns and bridges
- Root canal treatment
- Dental implants
Cosmetic Dentistry
- Professional teeth whitening (in-office and take-home options)
- Clear aligners
- Smile makeovers
Pediatric Dental Care
- First dental visits and early assessments
- Tongue and lip tie laser procedures
- Gentle, age-appropriate care
Advanced Technology for Better Care
- Isolite suction system (reduces appointment time)
- Intra-oral cameras for clear patient education
- Laser treatment for comfortable gum care
Dr. Salvatore’s Specialized Focus: Tongue and Lip Tie Treatment
One area where our practice has deep expertise is treating oral restrictions—specifically tongue and lip ties that can affect feeding, speech development, and oral health.
Dr. Salvatore developed this passion personally. After her own children struggled with feeding due to undiagnosed ties, she pursued specialized training in laser procedures that can resolve these issues with minimal discomfort and quick healing.
Her mother, Megan—a Registered Nurse with over 15 years in pediatric surgery—assists with these procedures to ensure the highest level of safety and compassionate care.
What to Expect at Your Family’s First Visit
We’ve designed initial appointments to feel welcoming, not rushed.
For Adults:
Dr. Salvatore conducts a thorough exam using advanced technology like intra-oral cameras, so you can see exactly what we see. We’ll discuss your dental history, current concerns, and goals. We believe in creating a partnership with our patients—you’re an active participant in every decision about your care.
For Children:
We start with gentle, age-appropriate introductions to help kids feel comfortable. We examine their developing teeth carefully and provide parents with guidance on home care. Our goal is to help children develop positive associations with dental visits from the very beginning.
First visits typically last 60-90 minutes. This gives us adequate time to get to know your family without feeling rushed.
What to bring:
- Insurance information
- Current medications list
- Relevant medical history
Why Phoenix Families Choose Nurture Smiles & Wellness
Local Roots, Family Values
Dr. Salvatore was born and raised in Phoenix. She attended Xavier College Preparatory before earning her dental degree at Creighton University. As a Moon Valley resident and mother of two, she brings genuine understanding to the families she serves.
The Father-Daughter Partnership
Our practice benefits from a unique collaboration between Dr. Salvatore and her father, Dr. Scott Simpson. Dr. Simpson now focuses exclusively on IV sedation and select oral surgery procedures, bringing decades of expertise to anxious patients while Dr. Salvatore handles comprehensive family care.
Our Patient-Centered Philosophy
We strive to give every patient “the best experience possible and the healthiest smile possible.” This isn’t just a tagline—it’s reflected in everything from the advanced technology we use to the genuine care our team provides every day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ
What are the main benefits of having the whole family see the same dentist?
Beyond the obvious scheduling convenience, family dentistry offers better continuity of care. We can track genetic patterns, coordinate treatments across family members, and develop preventive strategies based on your family’s complete oral health picture. Children also develop healthier attitudes about dental care when they see their parents modeling it as a normal family activity.
How does family dentistry differ from pediatric or general dental practices?
Pediatric dentists focus exclusively on children through adolescence, while general dentists typically treat adults. Family dentists like Dr. Salvatore are trained to provide comprehensive care across all life stages—from toddlers to grandparents. While we refer highly complex cases to specialists when appropriate, we handle the vast majority of family dental needs in-house while maintaining those valuable long-term relationships.
What should we expect during our family’s first visit?
Plan for comprehensive assessments, digital X-rays if needed, and meaningful conversations about your oral health goals. Dr. Salvatore uses intra-oral cameras to show you exactly what’s happening in your mouth, making you an informed partner in treatment decisions.
For children, expect a gentle, positive introduction designed to build comfort rather than fear. We prioritize creating a welcoming experience that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term oral health.
How can family dentistry help reduce dental anxiety in children?
We’ve found that children naturally mirror their parents’ attitudes. When they see you comfortable and relaxed receiving care, dental visits feel normal rather than frightening.
Our practice environment—with toys, games, and a non-clinical atmosphere—further reduces anxiety. Dr. Salvatore’s gentle chairside manner and age-appropriate communication help children understand what’s happening without fear. For severely anxious patients of any age, we offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, to ensure everyone can receive necessary care comfortably.
Experience Family Dentistry Done Right in Moon Valley, Phoenix
Family dentistry isn’t just about convenience—it’s about building trusted, lasting relationships with a dental team that truly knows every member of your family.
At Nurture Smiles & Wellness, Dr. Lauren Salvatore combines advanced training, modern technology, and genuine compassion to provide comprehensive care that fits your family’s unique needs.
From your child’s first tooth to orthodontic care, cosmetic enhancements, and everything in between, we can handle it all while saving you time, reducing stress, and improving outcomes.
Ready to experience the difference?
Call (602) 943-4220 or visit us at 14231 N 7th Street, Suite A1, Phoenix, AZ 85023 (just north of Moon Valley Nursery) to schedule your family’s consultation.