Pediatric Dentistry —
Where Kids Actually Love
Going to the Dentist

Board-Certified Pediatric Dentists · Ages 1 and Up

North Shore Dental Group's dedicated Kids' Corner features arcade games (including Mario Kart), hand-painted murals, and two board-certified pediatric dentists who make every visit feel like an adventure. From first teeth to teenage smiles, your child's dental health is in the most caring, qualified hands on Long Island.

Schedule Your Child's Visit Meet Our Pediatric Dentists
Kids' Corner Manhasset, NY

The Kids' Corner Experience

A Place Built Just
for Your Kids.

"Our goal is simple: we want your child to be excited about coming to the dentist — not just okay with it, but genuinely looking forward to it."

The Kids' Corner at North Shore Dental Group is not just a waiting area with a toy bin. It is a purpose-built pediatric environment, completely separate from the adult treatment areas, designed from the ground up to make children feel comfortable, entertained, and safe. Everything about the space — from the colors on the walls to the games in the lobby — is chosen with one thing in mind: turning a dental visit into something your child actually enjoys.

Arcade Games & Mario Kart

Our Kids' Corner features real arcade games, including Mario Kart, that kids can play before and after their appointments. It is not uncommon for kids to ask their parents to arrive early — or stay a little longer — just to get in a few more rounds. The games serve a purpose beyond entertainment: they help children associate the dental office with fun, reducing anxiety before it ever starts.

Hand-Painted Murals

The walls of the Kids' Corner are covered in vibrant, hand-painted murals that transform the space into a world of imagination. These are not generic decals or stickers — they are original artwork designed to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels nothing like a clinical environment. Kids walk in and immediately feel like they are somewhere special.

Separate from Adult Areas

The Kids' Corner is its own dedicated space within our practice, separate from the adult treatment areas. This intentional design means children are not exposed to the sights or sounds of adult dental procedures. They have their own world, staffed by their own team of pediatric specialists who focus exclusively on making kids comfortable.

Designed to Build Excitement

Every detail of the Kids' Corner is designed to create positive dental memories that last a lifetime. When children have good experiences at the dentist from a young age, they carry those habits — and that comfort — into adulthood. Our environment helps your child develop a healthy relationship with dental care that will serve them for decades to come.

Our Pediatric Dentists

Two Board-Certified Specialists.
One Extraordinary Team.

Our pediatric dentists are not general dentists who happen to see children. They are fellowship-trained, board-certified specialists with years of additional education focused exclusively on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs.

Dr. Monica Tanna, D.D.S. — Board Certified Pediatric Dentist at North Shore Dental Group in Manhasset, NY

Dr. Monica Tanna, D.D.S.

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Monica Tanna is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She earned her dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and went on to complete her General Practice Residency at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, followed by her pediatric specialty training at Brookdale Hospital Medical Center.

After practicing in California, Dr. Tanna returned to New York, where she now serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU while caring for young patients at North Shore Dental Group. As a mother herself, she understands that every child is different — and takes the time to adapt her approach to each child's unique personality, fears, and needs. Dr. Tanna is a proud Manhasset resident who is deeply invested in the community she serves.

  • Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
  • D.D.S., University of Maryland School of Dentistry
  • General Practice Residency, Montefiore Medical Center
  • Pediatric Specialty Training, Brookdale Hospital Medical Center
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, NYU
  • Proud Manhasset Resident
Dr. Jeannine Weiss, D.D.S. — Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Dental Anesthesiologist at North Shore Dental Group in Manhasset, NY

Dr. Jeannine Weiss, D.D.S.

Board Certified — Pediatric Dentistry & Dental Anesthesiology

Dr. Jeannine Weiss holds the rare distinction of being board certified in both pediatric dentistry and dental anesthesiology — a combination that makes her uniquely qualified to treat children who require sedation or who experience significant dental anxiety. She received her dental degree from NYU College of Dentistry, completed her General Practice Residency at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, her Dental Anesthesiology Residency at Brookdale Medical Center, and her Pediatric Dental Residency at NYU.

Dr. Weiss has been with North Shore Dental Group for 17 years. She served as Pediatric Dental Program Director at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center for 8 years, where she directed the first pediatric dental residency program in Queens — and every single one of her residents became board certified. Beyond the dental chair, Dr. Weiss is a decorated U.S. Navy Captain who has deployed to Guantanamo Bay and served on Continuing Promise 2018. She is also an EMT-B, a Class A firefighter, and the President of the Albertson Fire Company. Her commitment to children, special needs patients, and underserved communities is matched only by her clinical expertise.

  • Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Anesthesiology
  • D.D.S., NYU College of Dentistry
  • General Practice Residency, SUNY Upstate Medical Center
  • Dental Anesthesiology Residency, Brookdale Medical Center
  • Pediatric Dental Residency, NYU
  • 17 Years at North Shore Dental Group
  • Pediatric Dental Program Director, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center (8 years)
  • Directed First Pediatric Dental Residency in Queens — All Residents Board Certified
  • Decorated U.S. Navy Captain
  • EMT-B, Class A Firefighter, President of Albertson Fire Company

Pediatric Dental Services

Comprehensive Care for
Growing Smiles.

From your baby's very first dental checkup to pre-orthodontic monitoring in adolescence, our pediatric team provides every service your child needs — in one comfortable, kid-friendly location.

First Dental Visits & Infant Exams

We welcome children starting at age 1 for their first dental visit. Early exams allow us to assess development, check for early signs of decay, and establish a positive relationship with the dentist from the very start.

Child Cleanings & Fluoride Treatments

Gentle, thorough cleanings tailored to young mouths, followed by professional fluoride application to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities during the years when teeth are most vulnerable.

Dental Sealants

Thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to seal out bacteria and food particles. Sealants are one of the most effective preventive measures against childhood cavities — quick, painless, and no drilling required.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

When cavities do occur, we use tooth-colored composite resin fillings that blend naturally with your child's teeth. These restorations are durable, mercury-free, and virtually invisible.

Pulpotomy (Baby Root Canal)

When decay reaches the nerve of a baby tooth, a pulpotomy removes the infected portion while preserving the tooth. This keeps the baby tooth in place as a natural space maintainer until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.

Stainless Steel Crowns

For baby teeth with extensive decay or structural damage, stainless steel crowns provide full-coverage protection. They are durable, cost-effective, and designed to last until the baby tooth naturally falls out.

Space Maintainers

If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer holds the space open for the permanent tooth. Without one, surrounding teeth can drift and cause alignment problems that may require orthodontic treatment later.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Safe, gentle sedation delivered through a small mask over the nose. Nitrous oxide helps anxious children relax during treatment while remaining fully conscious. It wears off within minutes — and our team's board certification in dental anesthesiology provides an added layer of expertise and safety.

Pre-Orthodontic Monitoring

We track your child's jaw growth, tooth eruption patterns, and bite development over time. Early identification of orthodontic concerns allows us to recommend intervention at the optimal age, potentially reducing the complexity and cost of future treatment.

Emergency Pediatric Care

Knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, toothaches, and dental trauma — we are here when your child needs us most. Call our emergency line at (516) 262-3070 for immediate assistance.

Your Child's First Visit

What to Expect —
And How to Prepare.

Your child's first dental visit is one of the most important appointments they will ever have. It sets the tone for a lifetime of dental health. Here is exactly what to expect when you bring your child to North Shore Dental Group for the first time.

1
Welcome to the Kids' Corner

When you arrive, your child will be greeted by our pediatric team and introduced to the Kids' Corner. They can play arcade games, look at the murals, and start to feel at home. We never rush this part — we want your child to feel comfortable before anything clinical happens.

2
Meet the Doctor

One of our pediatric dentists will introduce themselves to your child in a fun, age-appropriate way. For very young children, the exam may happen in a "lap-to-lap" position, where your child sits on your lap facing the dentist. For older children, they will be invited to sit in the "big kid chair" at their own pace.

3
Gentle Examination

The dentist will gently count your child's teeth, check for any signs of decay or developmental concerns, evaluate the bite, and assess the gums and soft tissues. For children old enough, we may take X-rays to check for hidden issues. Everything is done gently and at your child's comfort level.

4
Cleaning & Fluoride

If your child is comfortable, we will do a gentle cleaning and apply fluoride to help strengthen their developing enamel. For very young or very anxious first-timers, we may save this step for the next visit — the priority is always building trust.

5
Parent Discussion & Home Care Tips

After the exam, your pediatric dentist will discuss everything they observed with you. This includes oral hygiene tips tailored to your child's age, dietary guidance, fluoride recommendations, and a plan for follow-up care. We encourage parents to ask any and every question.

Tips for a Great First Visit
  • Use positive language — talk about "counting teeth" and "checking your smile" rather than words like "shots" or "drilling"
  • Read children's books about visiting the dentist in the days before the appointment
  • Schedule the appointment during a time when your child is typically well-rested and in a good mood
  • Bring a comfort item (favorite toy, blanket) if it helps your child feel secure
  • Arrive a few minutes early so your child can explore the Kids' Corner and settle in before the appointment
  • Stay calm and upbeat — children pick up on their parents' anxiety, so your positive attitude makes a big difference
  • Do not promise rewards for "being brave" — this implies there is something to fear. Instead, focus on how fun the visit will be

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Parents
Ask Us Most.

When should my child first visit the dentist?+
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. At North Shore Dental Group, we welcome babies and toddlers for their first visit starting at age 1. Early visits help us monitor development, catch potential issues before they become problems, and establish a positive relationship with the dentist from the very beginning.
How do you handle anxious or nervous children?+
We take a gentle, patient, and fun approach. Our dedicated Kids' Corner is designed specifically to put children at ease — with arcade games including Mario Kart, hand-painted murals, and a playful environment that feels nothing like a traditional dental office. Our pediatric dentists are both experienced in behavioral guidance techniques and take time to build trust with every child. For children who need additional help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is safe, effective, and wears off within minutes. One of our pediatric dentists is additionally board certified in dental anesthesiology, providing an extra layer of expertise for anxious patients.
What are dental sealants and does my child need them?+
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars), where most childhood cavities occur. The grooves on these teeth can be deep and difficult for small toothbrushes to reach effectively. Sealants fill these grooves and create a smooth, easy-to-clean surface that dramatically reduces cavity risk. The application is quick, painless, and requires no drilling. We typically recommend sealants as soon as the permanent molars come in — usually around ages 6 and 12.
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?+
Yes. Nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) has been used safely in pediatric dentistry for decades. It is inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose, helps children feel calm and relaxed during treatment, and wears off within minutes after the mask is removed. Your child remains awake and responsive throughout. One of our pediatric dentists is board certified in both pediatric dentistry and dental anesthesiology, making our team uniquely qualified to administer and monitor sedation for children.
How often should my child see the dentist?+
We recommend dental checkups and cleanings every six months for most children. Regular visits allow us to monitor growth and development, catch cavities early, apply fluoride and sealants as needed, and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. Some children may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their individual risk factors — our pediatric dentists will recommend the best schedule for your child.
What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?+
If it is a baby tooth, do not attempt to re-implant it — but do contact us right away so we can examine the area and ensure no damage to the developing permanent tooth. If it is a permanent tooth, time is critical: pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it if dirty without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, store it in milk or saliva and get to our office immediately. Call our emergency line at (516) 262-3070 for urgent guidance.
Do you see children with special needs?+
Absolutely. Our pediatric dentists have extensive experience treating children with special needs, including those with autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, and other developmental or medical conditions. Our team has dedicated much of their careers to serving special needs patients and underserved communities. Our team takes extra time, uses modified communication techniques, and adapts our approach to ensure every child receives comfortable, compassionate care.
What is a pediatric dentist vs a regular dentist?+
A pediatric dentist is a dental specialist who completes two to three additional years of residency training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. This additional training covers child psychology, growth and development, behavior management, sedation, and treatment techniques specifically designed for young patients. Both of our pediatric dentists are board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry — a distinction that requires passing rigorous written and oral examinations and demonstrates the highest level of expertise in the field.
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Ready to Get Started?

Schedule Your Child's
First Visit.

Whether it is your baby's very first dental exam or your teenager's routine cleaning, we are here to make every visit a great experience. Two board-certified pediatric dentists, a dedicated Kids' Corner, and a team that genuinely loves working with children — your family deserves nothing less.

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Or text us anytime at (516) 627-3535 · 450 Plandome Road, Suite 102, Manhasset NY 11030