Some children may be wary of the dentist, but the team at Beach Kids Dentistry in Virginia Beach works to ensure kids feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. A welcome board with new patient names on it, a prize box at the end of the visit and an elite “no cavity club” all help kids feel excited and welcomed at this practice.
Beach Kids Dentistry opened in January 2016. Dr. Jessica Clark purchased the practice from the previous owner with whom she had previously worked. Clark was then joined by her friend Dr. Ashley Holmes as a co-owner. Clark is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Holmes is a family dentist.
“We provide the full scope of pediatric dental services. It’s kind of nice because since I have more of a family dentistry background, we’re able to hold on to our patients for a little bit longer than maybe your typical pediatric dental office. We see patients from a baby’s first visit to the age of high school graduation. We typically start seeing kids at the age of one, which is when the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends children start coming,” says Holmes.
Clark also handles some surgical cases at Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
A Virginia Beach native, Clark grew up there as her father served in the Navy. Holmes is originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia. The doctors met when they were in dental school in Richmond and have been friends for almost 20 years.
“I always wanted to do something in the medical field,” says Clark, “and I always wanted to work with kids. I found my way just by going and observing, and I realized it was something that I really enjoyed. I appreciate that most appointments are like a ‘well-child’ visit. In that sense we see kids for healthy visits and we watch them grow up over the years. I especially enjoy seeing babies for their first visit, just because it’s so nice to meet the parents and provide education to set them up for a lifetime of good habits.”
Holmes, on the other hand, watched her father, a dentist, growing up and knew the field was her calling. “I pretty much grew up in his dental office in Fredericksburg,” she says with a laugh. “And when I went to dental school, after practicing in general dentistry for a little while, I always enjoyed working with children.”
When asked what sets their practice apart from others, both dentists talked about the feeling of family. “Our office feels like a family and we want everyone to feel like we take care of their family. So many of our patients have been with us for years,” Clark says. “Also, our front desk team, with Maria and Yvonne, have been working at this location for 20 years now, so they’ve been here longer than we have. They really add to the family feel.”
“And now we’re able to continue the tradition of taking care of families. We’re seeing patients whose parents were patients,” Holmes says, smiling.
Once patients have aged out of the Beach Kids Dentistry practice, the team gives patients a copy of Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss as a parting gift.
The team at Beach Kids Dentistry works hard to show their patients how much they appreciate them. “We have some patient appreciation events throughout the year, hosting movie days, where we rent a movie theater and our staff, our patients and their families come,” Holmes says.
Both Clark and Holmes and their team give back to the community, participating in events and fundraisers which support Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
When the two doctors aren’t busy at work, Holmes enjoys gardening and working out, while Clark enjoys the beach, traveling and playing tennis.
TO THE POINT:
Beach Kids Dentistry
Address: 1300 Kempsville Rd., Ste. 5, Virginia Beach, VA, 23464
Contacts: Dr. Jessica Clark, Dr. Ashley Holmes
Website: beachkidsdental.com
Phone: 757-467-7797
