Pediatric dentistry · North Hollywood
Modern Smiles Kids is the pediatric program inside Modern Smiles NoHo. Dr. Katy Tajik — board-certified pediatric dentist with UCLA, NYU, and Jacobi Medical Center training — sees infants, kids, teens, and children with special healthcare needs in a warm, unhurried office where parents stay close.
What we do
Every visit is planned for a child's attention span, comfort, and pace. We take time to explain what we're doing before we do it — using tell-show-do — so kids know what to expect.
01
Kids should see a dentist by age one or when the first tooth appears. We keep it short, playful, and full of praise so it becomes a habit they don't dread.
02
Twice-a-year cleanings, dental sealants on molars, and fluoride varnish where it helps. Preventive dentistry is the whole point of pediatric care.
03
Tooth-colored fillings for cavities, plus stainless-steel or zirconia crowns for teeth that need more. We use nitrous (laughing gas) when it helps a child stay calm.
04
Dr. Katy trained in the honors program for Pediatric Dentistry and Special Needs at NYU. Longer appointments, sensory-friendly pacing, and coordination with your child's care team.
05
We watch how teeth and jaws develop, spot habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrust early, and refer to trusted orthodontists at the right time — not too soon, not too late.
06
Chipped tooth on the playground, sudden toothache, or something knocked loose? Same-day visits when we can, straightforward guidance over the phone when we can't.
First visits, knee-to-knee exams, and parent coaching on fluoride, feeding, and how to brush a wiggly toddler's teeth without a fight.
Cleanings, sealants on new molars, and building the habits — flossing, hydration, snack timing — that keep baby teeth healthy while adult teeth come in.
Mixed-dentition monitoring, orthodontic screenings, and mouthguards for sports. We coach kids to own their brushing routine.
Cavity prevention through the braces years, wisdom-tooth monitoring, whitening guidance, and honest talk about sports drinks and vaping.
Meet Dr. Katy
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Katy is a board-certified pediatric dentist with training that combines dentistry, public health, and hospital-based residency. She grew up in a family of dentists and has spent her career focused on one goal: making the dentist feel like a place kids actually don't mind going.
She earned her BA and Master of Public Health (MPH) at UCLA, then completed her DDS at New York University in the honors program for Pediatric Dentistry and Special Needs. Her hospital residency at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx trained her to care for medically complex children and patients with special healthcare needs alongside routine pediatric dentistry.
Outside the office, she plays a mean game of backgammon, roots for olives on pizza, and spends time in Whistler, BC, whenever she can escape Southern California.
Kids should feel safe, confident, and encouraged about taking care of their teeth. — Dr. Katy Tajik
In her own words
A short interview about how she approaches a child's first visit, why she loves pediatrics, and what she wants families to know before they come in.
Interview courtesy of Lyons Dental Group · 2023
Common questions
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends by age one, or within six months of the first tooth. It's less about treatment and more about getting your child comfortable — and giving you time with a specialist to talk through brushing, feeding, and prevention.
Yes. Parents are welcome to stay for the entire visit. For most families that's the best setup, especially for younger kids and first visits.
We're in-network with most major PPO plans and can verify your specific plan before your appointment. Call us at (818) 763-9353 or ask on the form below and we'll check for you.
Yes. Dr. Katy trained in the honors program for Pediatric Dentistry and Special Needs at NYU and did her residency at a hospital-based program treating medically complex children. We book longer appointments and coordinate with your child's other providers when needed.
We start slow. First visits are often just a "counting teeth" trip with no treatment. When treatment is needed and a child is anxious, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available. Sedation beyond nitrous is arranged case-by-case.
Inside Modern Smiles at 10545 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606 — the same building as the adult practice. Free parking on-site. About 10 minutes from Burbank, Studio City, Toluca Lake, and Valley Village.
Book a first visit
Fill out a few quick details and we'll get back to you within one business day to schedule your child's first visit — usually within a week. If it's easier, just call the office.
Our front desk answers Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We'll happily verify insurance while you're on the phone.