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About Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry
At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, we warmly welcome young patients from across the Bay Area into a space where oral health and overall wellness are deeply connected.
We provide a comprehensive range of pediatric dental services,including routine cleanings, fillings, and emergency care, to support healthy smiles at every stage of development. But our care doesn’t stop there. We recognize that how a child breathes, sleeps, eats, and feels emotionally all influence their dental and whole-body health.
Our team is trained to look beyond oral health, paying attention to signs of sleep-disordered breathing, oral habits, and developmental concerns that can impact long-term well-being. We create a comforting, child-centered environment where families feel heard, supported, and empowered. Every visit is an opportunity to promote health from the inside out,because a healthy smile is just one part of a healthy child.
Meet Our Pediatric Dentists
At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, we welcome young patients from across the Bay Area into a space designed for comfort, healing, and growth. Our care goes beyond the teeth—we take a whole-child approach, supporting healthy smiles through prevention, education, and mindful, individualized treatment.
We provide a full range of pediatric dental services—from routine cleanings and fillings to emergency treatments—while also integrating guidance on nutrition, breathing, and emotional well-being. Our in-office Airway & Breathing Center supports optimal development by identifying early concerns related to sleep, growth, and jaw health.
Starting dental care early lays the foundation for lifelong wellness. We welcome families into a calming environment where dental visits become positive, empowering experiences. We support both children and caregivers with tools and knowledge to make oral health part of a healthy lifestyle at home.
Dr. Lopez brings enthusiasm and gentleness to every appointment, teaching children that going to the dentist can be fun, safe, and empowering. Through consistency, compassion, and trust, we help prevent common dental issues—while encouraging resilience and confidence in every child we see.
Dr. Melissa Lopez
Dr. Melissa is board certified in pediatric dentistry by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Read More
Dr. Judyth Lee
Dr. Lee is a board-certified pediatric dentist by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Learn More
Meet Our Hygienists & Team
At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric hygienists deliver individualized, compassionate care that nurtures your child’s overall health. Using advanced preventive treatments like sealants, fluoride, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), they ensure comfort and trust throughout each visit. They also partner with families to address oral habits, nutrition, growth and wellness habits that support lasting health beyond the smile.
Denise
Registered Dental Hygienist
Hi, my name is Denise, and I am a registered dental hygienist and the myofunctional therapist liaison at Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry. One of my goals is to help patients being at ease and having fun at the dentist! Another goal of mine is helping families identify potential pediatric sleep-disordered breathing and orofacial myofunctional disorders by examining tethered oral tissues. I take pride in providing the best care to my patients and giving patient education that they can take home. When I'm not at the office, I love to go hiking with my dogs (Princess and Nala) and love the chance to catch a sunset by the water. Fun fact about me: I've been skydiving before!
Cely
Registered Dental Hygienist
My name is Cely Paez. My role at Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry is a registered dental hygienist. My goal in this role is to provide our team with the support it needs to create a safe and positive experience for our patients. It is my personal goal to continue to invest in my professional growth, in order to promote oral health through providing knowledge and excellent care. My joy in life comes from my daughter and French bulldog, Rocko.
Our Team
Jessica
Practice Administrator
I’m Jessica and I have been in dentistry since 2006 when I graduated from the dental assisting program at Contra Costa College. I joined Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry in 2020 with extensive knowledge of patient account management and dental insurance processing. Today, I am the office coordinator/manager and help our busy days run as smoothly as possible! I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Isabel, and traveling in my spare time. I also love baseball, and am all about the color green. I look forward to helping grow your child’s smile!
Georgina
Front Desk Receptionist
Hi there! My name is Georgina. My role at Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry is as front office receptionist/coordinator. My goal is to help accommodate every patient's needs and assist in every way I can. My top priority is to make sure that each patient receives exceptional care and service. Some of my personal interests outside of the office are shopping, spending quality time with my children, and cooking. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy baking.
Sydnie
Social Media/Marketing Coordinator
Hello! My name is Sydnie, and I am the marketing and social media coordinator here at Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry. I manage our social media platforms, I work on office projects, and I run our marketing strategies and public relations. My goal is to not only get our name out there, but also to build relationships with each of our patients based on trust and loyalty. Outside of seeing your children's beautiful smiles, I love to spend quality time with my friends and family, travel to new places, and spend time outdoors. A fun fact about myself is that I was a patient of Dr. M's for the previous 7 years before starting at SPD! I look forward to seeing you around the office!
Ihaly
Clinical Practice Manager
My name is Ihaly Munoz. My role at Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry is as a registered dental assistant/clinical practice manager. My goal in this role is to help kids overcome the fear of going to their dental appointments and to build confidence and trust within the team. I want to provide the best care possible for every patient that walks into the office, by being hardworking, honest, and caring. In my free time, I love to spend quality time with my family and the native community. A fun fact about me is that I rescue hummingbirds and bring them back to full health. I will be looking forward to seeing you around Shadelands!
Gabby
Registered Dental Assistant
Hi, I’m Gabby. I have a passion for oral health and have been in dentistry since graduating from the San Jose City College dental program in 2016. I’ve always loved working with children and have been in pediatric dentistry for over 5 years. As an RDA, I strive to help children keep healthy smiles, inform parents about preventative oral care, and create a comfortable, welcoming space for children who may feel uneasy about dental visits. I am a mother of three, and along with creating memories with my family, I enjoy cooking, crafting, and painting.
Lwam
Dental Assistant
Hi! My name is Lwam. My job at SPD is as a back office dental assistant. My goal in the role is to give it my all for every single patient and to make everyone feel welcome. I hope to one day become a dentist, and I have inspiration all around the office! Outside of work, I am a full-time student, and I enjoy spending time with my family. A fun fact about me is that I have an identical twin sister! I can’t wait to see you around Shadelands!
Our experienced dental team is knowledgeable and accessible to all our patients. Our team works with kids to build good dental habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly.
We believe oral health is an essential part of overall wellness. That’s why we take an integrative approach,empowering children and parents with tools and knowledge that support a healthy mouth and a healthy body. Alongside teaching effective brushing and flossing techniques, we offer guidance on mindful eating, daily habits, and lifestyle choices that promote long-term oral and systemic health.
Caring for Anxious Patients
Although we’re always excited to be in our dental office, we understand that not every patient shares the same enthusiasm—especially when facing unfamiliar or more involved procedures. That’s why we take a whole-body, patient-centered approach to ease dental anxiety. Our environment is designed to feel calm and supportive, and for those in need of extra comfort during treatments like extractions or pulpectomies, we offer sedation dentistry to gently support the nervous system and create a more relaxed experience.
Schedule your Consultation
Supporting your child’s oral health is an important step in their overall well-being. At Shadelands Pediatric Dentistry in Walnut Creek, we take an integrative approach that blends preventive care with personalized, compassionate treatment.
Schedule a visit with our children’s dentist, Dr. Lopez, to begin your child’s journey toward a healthy smile and whole-body wellness