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Gentle Touch Smiles for Kids Dental & Orthodontics in Wilmington, Delaware, provides orthodontic care for children and teens.

About Gentle Touch Smiles for Kids Dental & Orthodontics
Gentle Touch Smiles for Kids Dental & Orthodontics in Wilmington, Delaware, provides orthodontic care for children and teens.
Dr. Patricia Rist and Dr. Era Pyakurel, both board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, lead the practice. The practice offers Invisalign clear aligner treatment and early orthodontic intervention for younger patients. Digital impression technology streamlines the treatment planning process, eliminating the need for traditional molds. Evening appointments are available to accommodate school and family schedules. Patients can book appointments online through the practice website. Gentle Touch Smiles for Kids accepts multiple insurance plans, including MetLife, Aetna, Cigna, Guardian, Delta Dental, and Ameritas. The practice also accepts Medicaid. Some HMO and DMO plans are not accepted. The office submits insurance claims directly on behalf of patients. For families without insurance coverage or those with out-of-pocket costs, payment plans are available. CareCredit financing is accepted as an additional payment option. The practice serves families throughout the Wilmington area. Individual treatment recommendations depend on each patient's specific orthodontic needs and developmental stage.
Treatments offered
Who They Treat
Gentle Touch Smiles for Kids Dental & Orthodontics provides orthodontic treatment for the following age groups:
Technology & Equipment
Gentle Touch Smiles for Kids Dental & Orthodontics uses modern orthodontic technology to deliver precise, comfortable treatment.
Orthodontists at this office
Dr. Patricia Rist, D.M.D.
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Dr. Era Pyakurel, DMD
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
George Derenzo
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Insurance accepted
14 plans listedPatient reviews
Sourced from Google
My children have been patients at Gentle Touch Smile for years, and it has been the only dental office they have ever known. We have always had positive experiences, which is why today’s visit was especially disappointing. Today was my first experience where I felt a lack of warmth, patience, and genuine attention. My son’s appointment felt very rushed, both with the hygienist and the dentist. I understand that this is a busy time of year, and the dentist made that clear by mentioning it several times. However, when a child has a designated appointment time, I believe they should still be treated with the utmost respect, patience, and attention during that time. As a parent, I value not only the quality of care but also how my children feel while receiving that care. Today’s experience did not reflect the level of service we have come to expect from Gentle Touch Smile over the years. I’m disappointed with the experience today and hope this feedback is taken seriously so that future visits can feel more welcoming, patient, and attentive.
My kids have been going to Dr. Patty for 9 years, and we absolutely love her! She always does amazing with the kids and is so kind, patient, and caring. Her assistant Crystal is always upbeat and cheerful, and everyone in the office is always so nice and welcoming. They make every visit a great experience, and I’m so thankful for the care they give my kids. Highly recommend!
Today’s appointment was good, The dental assistant Casey, the hygienists and Dental doctors were amazing. This place is clean and will be coming back for my next appointment. The gaming room is👏🏽
This is a Great place. My children love it here. Everyone is so nice from the X-ray tech's, to the receptionist, the hygienist who cleans the teeth, and the doctor is Wonderful. I never have a problem when I tell my kids it's time to go to the dentist!
We were attempting to switch to a closer community dentist. Facility was nice, almost no wait time and most of the staff were friendly. You would think that’s all great but everything collapsed very quickly in the process. All haste just to keep things moving, not personalized, just looking to get the check cleared. Didn’t seem like they worked with young children nor cared about their needs or ours. Whenever we tried asking questions, we were met with very short or no answers. It was my younger child’s first time at a dentist and this one is very sensitive and cautious with doctors. We were hoping they would have a chance to get a more eased in, young child friendly approach to get him engaged. Even when we requested the process to slow down just a little for their sake, the request wasn’t exactly met with professional tact. Ultimately, nothing was able to be done because my child’s needs were being ignored. My older child, still very much a minor, familiar and comfortable with dentistry at another practice, was immediately bothered by the fast pace and lack of introduction. Early in, was confused by the directions being given by the dentist aid and expressed they needed clarification and was met with a rude response. Then was escorted to another part of facility without anyone telling either parent (we both were present). We had to go find my child ourselves. When I asked why and what for I was treated like I was a problem. By then my child was very uncomfortable and was ready to leave. So we left without creating anymore fuss, stress or discomfort for our children or ourselves, thus that child’s appointment was also left incomplete.. I don’t want to put them down like this but respectfully, I hope no one has an experience like this again and changes are made to make sure all the needs of all families are met when it come to their healthcare. Still I say, Thanks for your service to the children and community. P.S.- Huge shout out to the “silver teeth” ladies who came to us to investigate the problem and expressed some form of care and understanding!
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