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Pediatric Dentistry
Children need dental care that understands their unique needs at every stage of development. At Up Pediatric Dentistry, we provide gentle pediatric dental services designed to protect your child’s smile, prevent dental problems, and create positive experiences from an early age.
How is pediatric dentistry different from general dentistry?
While caring for children’s teeth is not drastically different than dentistry for adults, there are some differences in the approach dentists take. Dentists who care for pediatric patients will cater their services and methods to little ones in an effort to create a positive relationship with oral health. By focusing on education and prevention in a fun, relaxing environment, pediatric dentists can help empower children to feel comfortable and confident at the dentist’s office.
Did You Know?
Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease.
Meet Our Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric Dentist, Board-Certified & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Breanna Barnes
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.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Sara Ahmed
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.
Gentle Dental Care for Growing Smiles
At Up Pediatric Dentistry, we make every dental visit comfortable and positive with personalized care designed specifically for children. Our team helps protect your child’s smile while building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Care Options Designed for Your Child
Healthy Smile Development
Comfortable Pediatric Visits
Why Choose Up Pediatric Dentistry for Your Child’s Dental Care?
Child-Friendly Dental Approach
We provide care in a welcoming environment where children feel comfortable, understood, and supported during their visits.
Complete Pediatric Dental Services
From preventive checkups to restorative and specialized treatments, we offer comprehensive care for growing smiles.
Focus on Preventive Care
Our team helps identify concerns early and provides guidance to support strong, healthy teeth.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every child receives care recommendations based on their dental needs, growth, and overall oral health.
Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry
Specialized Care for Children
Pediatric dental care is designed specifically around children’s developing teeth, behaviors, and oral health needs.
Prevents Future Dental Problems
Regular visits help identify concerns early and support healthier smiles.
Builds Positive Dental Habits
Early dental experiences help children develop confidence and healthy oral care routines.
Supports Healthy Growth
Monitoring your child’s teeth helps guide proper development and long-term oral health.
Comfortable Child-Focused Visits
A welcoming environment helps children feel relaxed and more comfortable during appointments.
Provides Personalized Treatment
Every child receives care recommendations based on their unique smile and dental needs.
Care Options Designed for Your Child
Healthy Smile Development
Comfortable Pediatric Visits
Gentle Dental Care for Growing Smiles
At Up Pediatric Dentistry, we make every dental visit comfortable and positive with personalized care designed specifically for children. Our team helps protect your child’s smile while building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
What to expect at your child’s first appointment
Comprehensive Smile Evaluation
We examine your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health while discussing their dental history and any concerns you may have.
Personalized Care Recommendations
Our team explains our findings and recommends preventive care, treatments, or healthy habits based on your child’s unique dental needs.
Comfortable Dental Experience
We introduce children to the dental environment, answer their questions, and help them feel relaxed and confident during their visit.
Reviews From Nashville Families
Why Parents Trust Up Pediatric Dentistry
Convenient Pediatric Dentistry Near You
Choosing the right dental home helps support your child’s healthy smile from an early age. At Up Pediatric Dentistry, we provide comprehensive pediatric dental care in a comfortable, child-friendly environment where children feel relaxed and parents feel confident.
Our team focuses on making every visit simple and positive by providing personalized recommendations, preventive guidance, and gentle treatments based on your child’s needs. From your child’s first dental appointment to ongoing smile care, we are here to support healthy teeth and create positive dental experiences.
