About the Practice

Welcome to Dentistry for Children

DENTISTRY & ORTHODONTICS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS

At Dentistry for Children, our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to providing the kids and adults who visit us with the best possible care. Patient satisfaction is our top priority. We are proud to be a trusted dental home for so many families in La Cañada Flintridge, California.

Our main focuses are on prevention, pediatric and adolescent growth and development, disease causality, child psychology and management, and highly specialized pediatric restorative techniques and modalities. Our team also specializes in caring for special needs patients. We build trust and confidence with each patient so dental visits are always enjoyable experiences.

Dentistry for Children promises to treat each patient with care, respect, and compassion. We prioritize your and your family’s individual oral health needs so you can enjoy healthy, happy smiles.

Step inside our warm, welcoming dental office to enjoy a comprehensive list of services, from pediatric and general dental care to cosmetic treatments and orthodontics. We can’t wait to meet you and your family!

The best kids dentist ever! Very detailed and extremely professional! Both of my kids love the staff.

lara h.

Meet the Dentists

Dr. Pedro Romero

Dr. Romero earned his dental education at Escuela Colombiana de Medicina in Bogotá, Colombia. He received his dental degree (DDS) in 1993 and completed his pediatric dentistry specialty in 1997. In 2002 he obtained his United States dental license after successfully completing the American Dental Board Examinations and California State Dental Board Exam. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Romero is also certified to administer oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide.

Dr. Romero loves children and cares for his patients as if they are his own. He will do only what is best for your child. His gentle and quiet demeanor is soothing to each patient. He emphasizes prevention while providing individualized care and maximum comfort to ensure every child can have a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.

Memberships:
• American Dental Association
• California Dental Association
• San Fernando Dental Society

Dr. Romero is married to his colleague Dr. Lezama, with whom he has two children. In his spare time, he enjoys running, cycling, swimming, skiing, and scuba diving.

Dr. Marcela Lezama

Dr. Lezama graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Honduras and earned her dental degree (DDS) in 1995. She completed the American Dental Board requirements and exams with excellence in 2003. Ever since she realized dentistry was her calling, she has devoted her life to her career. She finds great satisfaction in making her patients feel at ease and relaxed in the dental chair while providing them with high-quality, professional dental care.

Dr. Lezama has participated in various dental research projects at Loma Linda University Research Department and has enjoyed being a part of several dental outreaches and volunteer programs, including MEND in the San Fernando Valley. She regularly completes continuing education courses to enhance her knowledge. Dr. Lezama has completed The Comprehensive and Restorative Residency Program and The Advanced Fixed Prosthodontics Residency at Esthetic Professionals. This is a highly recognized dental education center in Tarzana, California, that provides top-tier dental continuing education.

When not working in the office, Dr. Lezama enjoys spending time with family and working out.

Dr. Ninette Hacopian

Dr. Hacopian obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California. She graduated with academic excellence in her class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Hacopian went on to earn her certificate and master’s degree in orthodontics at Loma Linda University. Here, she defended her thesis, titled “Morphological Changes in Alveolar Process Following Orthodontic Space Closure.”

Dr. Hacopian further exemplified her commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in patient care by achieving the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Her professional affiliations include the American Board of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and the California Association of Orthodontists.

While focusing on patient care, Dr. Hacopian also strives to immerse herself in the community in which she lives and works. She believes that everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of and works hard to create positive, meaningful experiences for her patients while building their confidence along the way.

Outside of the office, Dr. Hacopian enjoys exercising, reading, and cooking. She loves traveling with her husband and twins, spending time in nature, and trying new food recipes. Her favorite sport is swimming.

Meet the Team

Sara Mendez

Emily Cardin

Carolina E. Gonzalez

Marketing Coordinator
Carolina joined Dentistry for Children in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in advertising and business administration. With her background in branding and strategic communication, she is dedicated to engaging patients and their families through thoughtful dental-focused marketing initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing, cooking, and spending time with her family. Her organization and positive energy help keep the office running smoothly, and she loves keeping everything in perfect order. Carolina lives happily with her husband and son and loves spending time with the family.

Dental Assistants

Diana Munoz

Dental Assistant
Diana joined Dentistry for Children in 2023 as a dental assistant. With a background from the American Dental and Medical Institute and Providence College, she has focused her work in the healthcare field since 2017. Her certifications include dental assisting, medical billing, and radiology. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking and reading psychology books. Known for her caring and compassionate nature, she loves working with children and making them feel comfortable during their visits.

Pedro Chavez

Dental Assistant
Pedro has been a dedicated dental assistant at Dentistry for Children since 2019, working closely with Dr. Romero. A graduate of the Career Care Institute, Pedro is originally from Palmdale, CA. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and watching sports. With two younger siblings, he’s great with kids and is known for his excellent communication with young patients. Pedro is also passionate about cars and has a hidden talent for skateboarding.

Rita Reyes

Registered Dental Assistant
Rita is a highly qualified Registered Dental Assistant who obtained her dental education at San Carlos University of Guatemala. Efficiency, integrity and kindness are part of her qualities. Patients and staff enjoy relating and working with her. Rita is married with two daughters. In her spare time, she likes cooking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Orthodontic Assistants

Johny Lopez

Orthodontic Assistant
Johnny has been an orthodontic assistant at Dentistry for Children since 2020, bringing over a decade of experience and a warm, caring approach to his role. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Johnny grew up in Hollywood, CA, and has been assisting in orthodontics since 2007. Outside of work, he enjoys composing electronic music, DJing, and spending time with his family—especially his young son and daughter. Johnny is known for his kindness to everyone at the practice.

Marcela Torroledo

Orthodontic Assistant
Marcela, a dedicated orthodontic assistant at Dentistry for Children since 2014, is a Colombian-trained dentist who began her career in 1995. She moved to Glendale, CA, in 2001 and has since devoted herself to orthodontics. A single mother of two college-aged children, Marcela finds joy in hiking and reading novels. She is well-known for her strong work ethic and reliability, and she is always focused on delivering the best care for young patients.

Ronny Avila

Orthodontic Assistant
Ronny, a registered dental assistant at Dentistry for Children since 2020, has years of orthodontic experience, having started his career in 2013. Known for his organizational skills, Ronny keeps the office running smoothly while providing attentive care to young patients. A dedicated father of two, he enjoys reading and traveling, and is currently taking on the adventure of learning to surf. He is bilingual in English and Spanish, and his responsible and friendly nature makes him a valuable asset to the team.

Our philosophy of care is built on…

COMPASSION

Our team provides empathetic care to patients of all ages and abilities.

PREVENTION

We take a proactive approach to care to help our patients avoid future dental issues.

EXCELLENCE

We hold ourselves to high standards and are committed to achieving excellence in all that we do.

team member sitting behind front desk with wall of college team pennants on wall in the background

Office hallway with college team pennants on wall

pediatric patients playing arcade games in reception area of office

Are you looking for a dental home that accepts both kids and adults?

Dentistry for Children is here to support your whole family with high-quality dental care. Contact us today to book your next appointment.

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