Convenient Access from Hillcrest
Niles Street links Hillcrest to Kinder Pediatric Dental, a children's practice on Union Ave in Bakersfield, in roughly 6 minutes behind the wheel. For parents who want a pediatric dentist near Hillcrest, that short hop covers everything from a toddler's first exam to a high schooler's checkup. Our team speaks Spanish, and every visit is built around laughter, fun and imagination, so kids leave feeling proud instead of nervous.
Begin at Horace Mann Elementary, 2710 Niles Street. Leave by Catalpa Way, turn right onto Niles Street and drive west for about two and a half miles. At Union Avenue, where the SR-178 on-ramp sits, turn north and go a few blocks to 3130 Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93305, between Flower Street and Lincoln Street. The full trip is about 3 miles, one of the shorter drives any of our families make.
Check the route once on Google Maps and you will likely never need it again. Dignity Health Memorial Hospital on 34th Street and Longfellow Elementary School are both close to the office, which makes the last stretch easy to recognize. Neighbors just to the west and north can find our pages for East Bakersfield and Northeast Bakersfield.
Hillcrest Is a Neighborhood of Growing Families
Hillcrest is an unincorporated community in east Bakersfield, part of Kern County rather than the city itself. The 2020 census counted 10,528 residents, the first time it was tallied as its own place. East Niles lies to the east and Potomac Park sits next door, and the whole community fits into less than a square mile and a half. Many homes date from the 1950s, and they are split almost evenly between owners and renters.
It is also a young place. Roughly a third of residents are under 18, and the median age is about 30. Four schools sit inside the community: Horace Mann Elementary, Ramon Garza Elementary, Sierra Middle School and East Bakersfield High School. On a weekday afternoon, that means a lot of kids, and a lot of teeth, heading home along Niles Street.
A practice devoted entirely to children fits that picture well. We see infants, grade-schoolers, middle schoolers and high school seniors, and the whole family can stay with one office for years. Hours run Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM, with the office closed Friday through Sunday. Because the drive is so short, a parent can often fit a checkup into the late afternoon without losing the whole evening.
Dental Priorities for Hillcrest Kids and Teens
Younger students at Horace Mann and Ramon Garza attend schools run by the Bakersfield City School District, which also runs Sierra Middle. These are the years when baby teeth fall out, permanent molars erupt and cavities can form quickly in back teeth that are hard to reach. Twice-yearly checkups catch small problems before they become toothaches. Our hygiene coaching gives kids their own brushing routine, so parents are not the only ones keeping track.
Teenagers face a different set of risks. East Bakersfield High, known locally as East High, was built in 1938 and is the second-oldest high school in Bakersfield, and its teams are the Blades. Athletes can chip a front tooth on the field or court, and long practice days often come with sports drinks and quick snacks that coat teeth in sugar. Composite bonding can rebuild a chipped edge in tooth-colored material, and regular cleanings keep sugary habits from turning into cavities.
Some children need more than a standard visit. Dr. Dove provides dentistry for children with special needs, and sedation options help when anxiety or a medical condition makes treatment hard. If your child has had a rough experience somewhere else, a calm first appointment here can help reset expectations.
Care You Can Expect From a Pediatric Dentist Near Hillcrest
Pediatric Dentistry
The foundation of every visit: a thorough exam, a cleaning, digital x-rays when needed and a clear explanation for parents. Children see the same friendly faces from toddlerhood to their teens.
Dental Sedation
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation and general anesthesia are options when a child is very anxious or needs extensive work. Dr. Dove recommends a level based on age, health and anxiety.
Repairing Chips With Composite Bonding
A chipped front tooth from a pickup game or a fall can be rebuilt with tooth-colored composite. The repair blends in, which matters to a self-conscious teenager.
Visits Adapted for Special Needs
We adjust pacing, communication and, when appropriate, sedation for children with special needs. Parents help us understand what works best for their child.
Fillings Before Small Cavities Spread
Catching decay early means a smaller filling and a shorter appointment. Regular checkups make that far more likely than waiting for a toothache.
Meet Your Child's Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Edward Dove graduated from Marquette University Dental School in 1989 and later trained as a pediatric dental specialist. Alongside his work in Bakersfield, he serves as a staff pediatric dentist at Maniilaq Hospital in Kotzebue, Alaska. His work spans communities as different as east Bakersfield and northwest Alaska.
Insurance & Financing
We are in-network with most major dental insurance plans, including Medicaid, and our staff sends the claims for you. When treatment costs more than you expected, financing can break it into smaller payments. Details on every option are on our financing and insurance page.
Check Out Our Raving Reviews!
“Excellent service and team! The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained everything very well and answered all my questions.”
Sandra M.
“The team is very kind! My youngest had her first dental procedure there and they did a great job!”
Holly N.
“My kids and I love this doctor. Been going to him for the last 8 years. He is the only dentist I take my kids to. My family and I trust him dearly. Thank you!”
Galaxy W.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kinder Pediatric Dental from Hillcrest, and how do I get there?
Horace Mann Elementary is about 3 miles from our office, usually a 6-minute drive. Take Catalpa Way to Niles Street, head west, then turn north on Union Avenue for the last few blocks. Few routes are simpler for families who want a pediatric dentist near Hillcrest, and there is no freeway driving involved.
Can you fix a tooth an East High athlete chipped during practice?
Yes, a chipped tooth can usually be repaired with composite bonding, a tooth-colored material shaped to match the original edge. We treat teenagers through adolescence, so high school players are welcome. New patients without insurance can start with the $69 Emergency Exam and X-Ray to see how much of the tooth was affected.
Where is the closest library branch for Hillcrest families?
The Northeast Branch of the county library is at 2671 Oswell Street, Suite B, just north of the community. It is a good place to borrow picture books about visiting the dentist before a first appointment. Reading one together the night before helps young children know what to expect in the chair.
What should a Ramon Garza family do about a toothache that starts on a Friday?
Call us when the office opens Monday at 8 AM, since we are closed Friday through Sunday. Over the weekend, keep the area clean, offer soft foods and note when the pain started and what makes it worse. Those details help Dr. Dove find the cause quickly once your child is in the chair.
Does the office care for Hillcrest children with special needs?
Yes, dentistry for children with special needs is part of what the practice offers. We can adjust the pace and the way we communicate, and sedation is available when it helps a child get through treatment more comfortably. Let our front desk know about your child's needs when you call, and we will plan the visit around them.
Schedule Your Visit from Hillcrest
Your pediatric dentist near Hillcrest is just down Niles Street. Reach our front desk at 661-485-4991, see every community on our Areas We Serve page, or start at the Pediatric Dentist Bakersfield, CA homepage.
