
At Bala Kids Dentistry, board-certified pediatric dentist Sheedeh Madani, M.S., D.M.D., has created a practice that builds lasting relationships with patients and their families. She is a passionate educator, a dedicated community contributor, and, above all, someone who deeply cares about every child’s well-being.
The colorful, tranquil, and welcoming Bala Cynwyd office boasts a décor and culture designed to transform every dental visit into a positive experience. Dr. Sheedeh and her team go to great lengths to help each patient feel valued, encouraged, and motivated to adopt healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
“We treat every child and their caregivers as an extension of our own family,” Dr. Sheedeh says. “As a parent myself, I understand the unique challenges of raising children and navigating daily routines. We offer guidance on oral habits at home, but it’s essential to acknowledge, commend, and support the valuable efforts parents and their children are already making, even if they feel they are not meeting traditional goals.”
This is why Bala Kids Dentistry takes a personalized, gentle, and comprehensive approach to treating each child. Dr. Sheedeh and her fellow clinicians emphasize cavity prevention and the use of protective sealants and silver diamine fluoride to halt or slow the progression of tooth decay. When dental issues do arise, Dr. Sheedeh’s team utilizes a combination of extensive training and meticulous preparation to deliver state-of-the-art care.
“Our team performs a daily huddle at the start of each day, to thoughtfully review each child’s chart in advance including their medical, dental history, and anticipate what procedures and X-rays may be needed,” Dr. Sheedeh explains. “Our approach at Bala Kids Dentistry is to extend beyond clinical care. We make a conscious effort to remember the small details, such as the name of a child’s favorite stuffed animal or special family circumstances. These personal elements can make a significant difference in a child’s experience at our office.”
Dr. Sheedeh characterizes the team of providers at Bala Kids Dentistry as “second to none.” She cites fellow board-certified pediatric dental colleague, Dustin Root, D.M.D., with whom she worked side by side during their residency program at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children; he served as chief of the residency program. Dr. Root has been an integral part of the Bala Kids Dentistry family for more than six years. His presence allows the caregivers to choose a male provider who is caring, enthusiastic, and skilled.
Most recently, Dr. Sheedeh has brought on two additional clinicians she describes as “spectacular”: Marina Kanakos, D.M.D. and Jennifer Skoff, D.M.D. All the providers at the practice share a compassionate, positive, and conservative approach to dentistry, and Dr. Sheedeh says their presence enhances the practice’s ability to deliver exceptional care to even more local families.
Dr. Sheedeh’s rise to prominence as one of the area’s leading pediatric dentists seemed almost fated. She knew she wanted to work with children since her first job as a summer camp counselor for Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood, where she worked for five years. Also, she came of age in a family of dental and medical professionals: her father, an oral surgeon; her mother, an oral medicine specialist; and her brother, a pediatrician.
“Being surrounded by family members who work in the healthcare field inspired me to help others,” she says. “I am able to carry forward the values instilled in me by my family and community.”
To make quality dental care accessible, Bala Kids Dentistry offers a membership plan for children of all ages: Penguins (ages 0 to 3), Sea Turtles (ages 4 to 11), and Dolphins (ages 12 and older). This plan includes three dental exams, including one emergency exam, two cleanings, two fluoride treatments, and any necessary radiographs, all for a single annual fee. Membership also entitles patients to significant discounts on additional services and other benefits, including discounts for additional children in the household.
“Our membership plan allows us to continue delivering high-quality, personalized care without the constraints of insurances.” Dr. Sheedeh adds. “It allows us to dedicate extra time to each patient to ensure they receive the best possible care.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Sheedeh is excited about Bala Kids Dentistry’s continued growth so the practice can serve more children and their families.
“It’s important for us to see children within six months of their first tooth coming in or by their first birthday, whichever comes first,” she says. “This early start helps prepare parents for what’s to come and how to protect the teeth early. It also ensures we monitor and support each child’s dental development effectively. Establishing a warm, welcoming dental home early on sets the stage for a lifetime of good oral health.”
About Dr. Sheedeh Madani
Dr. Sheedeh Madani, who has been featured as a Top Pediatric Dentist in Philadelphia magazine, Main Line Today, and Suburban Life, is a lifelong native of the Philadelphia area. She attended Friends’ Central School in Wynnewood and later received her undergraduate degree at the University of Pennsylvania. After earning a Master’s in Biomedical Science at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, she returned to Penn for her dental doctorate, where she was awarded Certificates of Merit in both pediatric dentistry and oral medicine.
Dr. Sheedeh’s passion for working with children led her to specialize in pediatric dentistry at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Working in a hospital-based setting provided her with the opportunity to collaborate with other medical providers and laid a solid foundation for comprehensive pediatric care. Dr. Sheedeh then used her education and clinical experience to better her community by founding her own practice, Bala Kids Dentistry.
Dr. Sheedeh, who was recently honored as one of Main Line Today’s “Power Women,” has a deep connection to the community apart from the workplace. She enjoys participating in school-outreach programs aimed at educating children about the importance of oral hygiene and proper dental care. She also participates in and sponsors community events, health fairs, and other initiatives rooted in health-related education. In addition, she mentors aspiring dental students and other young professionals who are early in their careers.
“Collaboration and giving back are very important to me,” she says. “Over the past decade, I have mentored a lot of students going into the dental field and other colleagues who have gone on to open practices of their own. To me, the more people I’m able to help, the better off the community will be in the long run.”
Photo by Tessa Marie Commercial
Bala Kids Dentistry
15 Presidential Blvd., Suite 303
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
610-DENTIST (610-336-8478)
BalaKidsDentistry.com
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Life magazine, September 2024.