By STEPHEN DAWKINS

Staff Writer 

A trip to the dentist is probably not considered fun for most children, but Oak Mountain Pediatric Dentistry strives to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.

The practice opened in February and sees patients ranging from 6 months to 18 years—and special needs patients of any age.

Briarwood High School graduate Dr. Jeff Flannery, who also spent time at the school as a teacher and coach, opened Oak Mountain Pediatrics with a vision of creating of place where all children could be treated in a non-threatening environment.

Flannery graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and then went on to complete his specialty in pediatric dentistry at the UAB.

“I wanted to come back and take care of the Shelby County community,” Flannery said. “I love this area.”

Flannery is equipped to handle a range of patients. He is fluent in Spanish, and at UAB, Flannery was selected to the Sparks Trainee, where he received advanced training in treating patients with special needs.

And he considers himself a “family guy.” Flannery and wife Ellen have five children.

The staff also includes hygienist Stephanie Garrett, office manager Madeline Patterson and assistant Alisa Fleming.

The business office—located at 6930 Cahaba Valley Road, Suite 200, near the intersection of Alabama Highway 119 and U.S. Highway 280—has an Oak Mountain State Park theme, including rustic designs and a logo featuring a bear in a canoe, paddling with a large toothbrush.

There is a playhouse and TVs on the ceiling above the exam tables so that children can be “distracted” from the treatment they are receiving. The dentistry avoids harsh chemicals and prides itself on a kid-friendly approach.

“Parents come in and are amazed: ‘I can’t believe you brushed his teeth that easily,’” Flannery said.

The Oak Mountain Pediatric Dentistry staff is committed to educating children and parents about nutrition and preventing potential problems.

It is recommended for children to see a dentist by the time they are 12 months old.

Flannery said he decided on his career path during a mission trip to Mexico, where he saw dentists working with local children.

“That’s when I found out I wanted to be a dentist,” he said.

Oak Mountain Pediatric Dentistry is open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the summer. After Labor Day, hours will be extended to 5 p.m. on the same days.

For more information, call (205) 980-1338, visit ompediatricdentistry.com or check out the dentistry’s Facebook page