Dentristy for kids
Comfortable, friendly, and fun. We love kids — and they’ll love us!
A Mother’s Touch, An Expert’s Care
Dr. Melissa Gibson, herself a mother, treats every young patient with the warmth, care and attention they deserve. One of a select few children’s practitioners to be a Diplomate by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Gibson is uniquely qualified to ensure that your child has the best oral health care available.
A Focus on Fun
Who ever thought a trip to the dentist could be so enjoyable? Kids get to choose their paste and fluoride flavors. From playing in our tent and cabin, to playful and simple brushing lessons to blowing bubbles (indoors!) till we’re out of breath, every kid who walks into Shenandoah Smiles gets a hearty dose of playtime even before they’re in the chair.
Quality Care Means Peace of Mind
Dr. Gibson and her team offer every patient only the best. Whether your child is here for a routine preventative cleaning or a more complex procedure, we’ll always take the time to explain everything clearly and thoroughly. You can make decisions with confidence that you’re doing what’s best for your child’s oral health.
Meet Melissa Gibson, DDS
SSPD
We all want what’s best for our kids, and that’s especially true when it comes to promoting great oral health and beautifying their smile. From your child’s first visit onward, Dr. Melissa Gibson provides expert care with a mother’s gentle touch and easy manner. Education and information for parents and their kids alike is paramount at Shenandoah Smiles — and Dr. Gibson will always take the time to listen to your questions and assuage your concerns.
A biochemistry graduate of Florida’s Stetson University, Dr. Gibson received her doctorate from New York University College of Dentistry, then completed a General Practice Residency at the National Naval Medical Center. Her career in the Navy took her around the world aboard the U.S.S. Carl Vinson; selected for advanced training, she then earned a Master’s in Science and Dentistry, as well as a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, from Virginia Commonwealth University. She later served as Chairman of Pediatric Dentistry at the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, Maryland.
Board-certified as a Diplomate by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Gibson is also a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and College of Diplomates.
Though she has lived all across the United States, she considers Winchester, Virginia, home. She lives there with her husband, Bob, three daughters, and many animals.
Meet Melissa Gibson, DDS
SSPD
“Dr. McFarland joined our practice in July of 2018. She is passionate about helping children and their families feel valued, loved, and cared for when they visit the dentist. She was born in Austin, Texas, but as the eldest child of an Air Force officer she spent her young life moving every few years. She has lived in Alaska, Texas, Alabama, England, and many places in between. After graduating from high school in Virginia she decided to add North Carolina to the list of states she called home. She attended Duke University (Go Devils!) where she met her husband, Andrew, and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in biology. “Además, doctora McFarland aprendí Español!”
Dr. McFarland decided to stay in North Carolina for her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (the weight of this decision will not be lost on college basketball fans). She graduated from UNC with distinction and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society. She then returned to Texas with her husband in order to complete her residency in pediatric dentistry at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, where she earned both a Master’s degree in Oral Biology and a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. McFarland is a Board Certified pediatric dentist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association.
Dr. McFarland and her husband returned home to Virginia in June of 2018 to be near both sets of grandparents. Their son and daughter enjoy living close to family! In her spare time, Dr. McFarland loves to read, play board games, and try new delicious foods. Dr. McFarland looks forward to seeing you out and about in Winchester! She only asks that you please don’t fault her for her “mom bun” if you see her in her pajamas in Target.
Meet Heather Ballentine, DDS
SSPD
Dr. Heather Ballentine was raised in California where she obtained her Bachelors degree is Physiological Sciences from UCLA. Dr Ballentine then attended University of The Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco. At dental school, she was instrumental in her school’s community outreach programs and was awarded a Community Service Award. She graduated a member of the Tau Kappa Omega Honor Society.Dr. Ballentine then traveled to New York City for her residency in anesthesia at Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. At the Level I Trauma Center Hospital she received advanced training in the care of pediatric, adult and special needs patients in and out of the operating room. She was honored with the position of Chief Resident for the Department of Anesthesiology in her final year. She is a board certified Dentist Anesthesiologist.Dr. Ballentine moved to Virginia in 2012 and has settled in Richmond where she enjoys spending her time at museums, restaurants and coffee shops. She joins Shenandoah Smiles a few times each month.
Our Services
Shenandoah Smiles Pediatric Dentistry provides excellent care for every young patient who walks through our door. Come experience the warm, welcoming, playful atmosphere that will put both you and your child at ease. We offer an array of services using the latest technology and equipment.
Some Recent Visitors
We are ALWAYS having a great time at Shenandoah Smiles Pediatric Dentistry! Here are just a few photos of some recent patients having a great time at the dentist!
Are you ready to take charge of your child’s oral health?
“Took my daughter to this office. Dr. Gibson is absolutely wonderful. She is extremely skilled and has an incredible bedside manner. Her office is beautiful and kid friendly. In fact, it’s probably the nicest doctor’s office I’ve ever been to.”
– Marc R.
The entire staff, Dr. Gibson, the office, everything! Dr. Gibson relates to you and the kiddo, explains everything, and isn’t rushed. The hygienists are so sweet and so patient, same with the front desk ladies. The decor is SO AWESOME. And they give treats/goodies as you’re leaving. A five star rating is an understatement! Thank you, ladies!
Just took my 19-month-old daughter to her first dentist appt, and it was fantastic! The whole team was SO patient. Dr. Gibson easily took care of her, despite the squirming, and then blew bubbles with her! The office is adorable and the kids even get individual TVs while their teeth are cleaned… I wish Dr. Gibson was available to adults!
Dr. Gibson is so wonderful! She’s passionate and understanding and completely takes every patient and their needs to a personal level. She’s got the tender touch all kids need when seeing their doctor, of any type. Her office is exceptional. It’s so clean and modern yet so much fun for the little ones!