Pediatric Dentist Near Crieve Hall in Nashville, TN

Our practice is built only for kids, from the way we talk with patients to how we plan each treatment. Board certified pediatric dentists Dr. Breanna Barnes and Dr. Sara Ahmed take time to answer questions, walk parents through every option, and move at a pace that feels right for your child. With modern technology, gentle techniques, and flexible insurance, membership, and financing options, Crieve Hall families get specialized care without the stress.

Dr. Breanna Barnes’s journey into dentistry is one of rediscovery and passion, deeply rooted in her childhood in Olathe, Kansas. Growing up as the daughter of a pediatric dentist, she spent summers immersed in the day-to-day operations of her father’s practice. While initially envisioning a future in medical science or interior design, it wasn’t until college that she realized how dentistry uniquely combines her love of science, creativity, and helping others.

After graduating with honors from Southern Methodist University, Dr. Barnes went on to earn her dental and public health degrees at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Her dedication to specialized pediatric care led her to complete a residency at the University of Tennessee, where she also earned a Master of Dental Science. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Barnes has advanced training in infant frenectomies, laser dentistry, and esthetic restorations like zirconia crowns, enabling her to provide gentle, comprehensive care tailored to each child’s needs.

Driven by a vision to provide compassionate, quality-focused care, Dr. Barnes opened Songbird Pediatric Dentistry to create a welcoming, patient-first practice. Recognizing a need in Fairview, she established the area’s first pediatric dental office, adopting a mom-run, non-corporate approach to dental care. Shortly after, she acquired Up Pediatric Dentistry, where she continues to make exceptional pediatric dental care available to her community. At both of her practices, her goal is to create an environment where every family feels genuinely valued and supported.

Dr. Barnes is particularly passionate about serving children with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, and infants experiencing nursing challenges due to lip or tongue ties. Her holistic philosophy extends beyond treating dental concerns to addressing underlying causes and preventing future issues. Her mission is to make every child’s dental visit a positive, fun, and supportive experience.

Outside of the office, Dr. Barnes is a wife and proud mother of two toddlers. She enjoys baking gluten-free desserts, exploring antique shops, staying active, and spending time in nature. Both her professional expertise and personal experiences as a parent influence her warm, empathetic approach to pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Sara Ahmed was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is proud to now call Nashville home after relocating from Boston, Massachusetts. Before moving to Nashville, she served as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Dentistry at Boston Children’s Hospital and as an Instructor in Developmental Biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Ahmed completed her pediatric dental residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with honors in community service, and received her Bachelor of Science degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan.

As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Ahmed has extensive experience caring for children with complex medical and special healthcare needs. She is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized care and has had the opportunity to lecture on pediatric dental topics both locally and nationally. She is also fluent in Arabic and Urdu.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Ahmed loves cooking, practicing yoga, and exploring everything Nashville has to offer. She is always excited to discover a new restaurant or coffee shop and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. Most of all, she loves being a mom and is grateful to be putting down roots and building a life with her family in Nashville.

UP Pediatric Dentistry gives Crieve Hall families a convenient South Nashville option for specialized children’s dental care. From your child’s first visit and routine cleanings to fillings, sedation support, and help after a dental injury, our team provides thoughtful, personalized care in a bright, welcoming office where kids feel comfortable from the moment they arrive.