SL_BestDentist4KidsProfile_0420FINAL_Layout 1 4 / 23 / 20 3 : 54 PM Page 2 the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine to earn his doctorate in dentistry , he came home to finish a two - year training program at St . Christopher’s Hospital for Chil - dren in 2009 . He joined his mother in practice 11 years ago and has never looked back . In addition to “ Dr . Lennie , ” as she’s known to patients , the Best Dentist 4 Kids team includes “ Dr . Katie ” — that is , Katie Cushing , D.M.D . An associate who takes great pride in her work , Dr . Cushing embodies a trait Dr . Koumaras says he looks for in all his team members — “ an overall positive attitude . ” “ I literally try to hire a team of good people , because I feel like a team of good people will always try to do what’s best for patients and families , ” says Dr . Koumaras , fluoride , a liquid chemical that , when applied “ I have a laser that I can use to treat who is a Diplomate of the American Academy to a cavity at staggered intervals , can halt the babies who are having a hard time breast - of Pediatric Dentistry . “ And we have a team of progression of decay . While Dr . Koumaras feeding , ” he explains . “ We can release an good people who want to do right . ” states this may not be suitable for all patients , attachment in the baby’s mouth , and the Another distinctive trait of Dr . Koumaras ’ he notes that in certain cases — very young moms are so happy because many had pain practice : the ability to communicate effectively patients , for example — the application of during breastfeeding . I really enjoy doing that with parents and patients like . Some parents these liquid treatments can slow the eradication in the office because parents leave just so have suggested to him that prior interactions of the tooth until the child is older and better happy . ” with other pediatric dentistry practices left able to tolerate treatment . The procedure — a laser frenectomy in them confused or ill informed of the paths of In addition to very young patients , Dr . medical terms — may sound intimidating , but treatment available to them . Koumaras and his team have experience Dr . Koumaras uses advanced laser technology “ I make sure parents are informed of all treating patients with special needs . He is on to make it quick and almost painless ; he sug - treatment options , ” he shares . “ I make rec - staff and has outstanding relationships with gests many babies sleep right through the ommendations , but I give options . There’s both St . Christopher’s Hospital for Children procedure . always a plan B or C . ” and Holy Redeemer Hospital , meaning he is “ Most other offices put infants to sleep to As a practice that strives to stay at the able to utilize their facilities for patients who do this procedure , but I think it’s ridiculous to forefront of technology , Best Dentist 4 Kids may not be suited to a traditional office visit . put a newborn under anesthesia , ” he says . employs a host of the latest tools and method - “ One detail we pay very close attention “ Because we use a laser , the mouth heals ologies . For example , the use of digital to is what we’re putting a child through and quicker , more cleanly , and the procedure is panoramic imaging technology offers an alter - how much that child can tolerate , ” he explains . really quick and it is not painful for the baby . ” native to patients who cannot tolerate traditional “ Even the ‘ best ’ kids can only sit for so long . It Even for those very young patients who X - rays . takes some time to learn , but I really take a are not experiencing such issues , Dr . Koumaras Best Dentist 4 Kids can also utilize zirconia lot of pride in looking at treatment overall , cautions parents not to ignore cavities in crowns whenever desired . These natural - from a child’s age to behavior to the amount young teeth . “ It only takes a year to a year looking crowns are made of durable material of work needed . ” and a half from the time a cavity appears to that blends easily into a child’s smile . Aside from Dr . Koumaras ’ credentials , the time it hits the nerve , ” he explains . “ Sometimes , when a parent comes in experience , and expertise , one of his best Dr . Koumaras also employs silver diamine with a child with a lot of cavities , the parent traits is the genuine joy he takes in laughing doesn’t want their child to have a mouthful and smiling with his patients . of silver teeth , ” he explains . “ Many times , the “ My favorite thing is taking kid who had a kids don’t care , but the parents feel bad or bad experience at another office , a kid who don’t want friends or family to see how much comes in fearful , and showing that child and work the child has had . ” family that we can do the work with just TLC , The practice also utilizes ACTIVA BioAC - light anesthetic , if any , and funny jokes , ” he TIVE - RESTORATIVE , a composite that chem - says . “ It happens at least once a day . There’s ically bonds to teeth that practitioners can a lot of bad dentistry out there , but for my use to seal teeth and prevent bacterial patients , we’re going to make sure every kid microleakage . Natural , tough , and moisture has a good experience and that the work tolerant , the material also blends seamlessly gets done . ” into a child’s natural smile . A dentist who inspires children to smile — “ I’ve been using ACTIVA for about five a novel idea indeed . years and have found it bonds better to the ? tooth , and involves less chemicals , ” Dr . Kou - maras shares . “ You also don’t have to cure in increments , it bonds better , lasts longer , and Best Dentist 4 Kids D is easier to place — and that helps me be more efficient . That means quicker filling Bestdentist4kids.com visits , and happy kids and parents . ” 461 N . Warminster Road Many of Dr . Koumaras ’ patients are new - Hatboro , Pa . | ( 215 ) 672 - 5437 borns , some as young as three days old . 9815 Roosevelt Blvd . Treating them , he says , is one of the job’s Philadelphia , Pa . | ( 215 ) 333 - 9697 greatest rewards . SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM APRIL 2020 | 33