Our Proud History
Our practice is the first pediatric dental specialty practice in Bowie, Maryland. Dr. Scott Lawrence joined Dr. Howard Berg (who started the practice in 1976) in 1990. Dr. Jen-Fan Weng joined them in 2001 and they became Berg, Lawrence & Weng, Pediatric Dental Specialists. In 2015, they became
The Pediatric Dental Specialists and Dr. Berg retired shortly thereafter in January, 2016.
A smile can
light up the world.
Seeing children smile is the best part of our day.
You'll be surprised
how excited they are for their next visit.
We teach healthy habits for a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
We can't wait to see you at your next visit!
Our Mission
This practice owes its existence and prosperity to the Grace of God.
It is our mission to provide quality Pediatric Dental care and experiences; to bring joy and health to children.
When we succeed, the thanks and praise belong to Him.
When we stumble, we renew our efforts, and place our trust in His care.
We sincerely appreciate the confidence and trust that our patients and their parents have placed in us.
Our Office
Policies
Our office is dedicated to providing the ultimate in premium dental healthcare to our patients. Our full time and attention is devoted to your child’s oral health, as well as, to their development of a positive attitude towards dentistry. Your total peace of mind is our goal.
We will make every effort to be on time for your child’s appointment and deal with you and your child with honesty and integrity. We will always try to make our fees as reasonable and affordable as possible.
We have two policies that we feel are important to share with our patients. We strongly believe in our work and professional efforts, and we therefore ask that you read these pages thoroughly, understand these policies and agree to comply with them.
Commitment to Appointment Policy
An appointment in our schedule is a bond of trust that we will be here to serve you and you will be present for treatment. Our office policy is firm in this regard, we will not tolerate frequent cancellations, constant short-notice changes or tardiness. This is an expression of mutual respect for each other’s time.
Commitment to Financial Arrangement Policy
We believe we have a responsibility to use the best in professional care, skill and judgment in planning and delivering dental treatment. Your payment will reimburse us
for our services. By using our services, you agree to be responsible for all charges. Your portion of the payment is due at the time of service, unless prior arrangements have been made. Furthermore, if your insurance does not pay our office directly, payment for all treatment is due at the time of service. Ultimately, it is the parent's responsibility to verify that their child is on their dental insurance plan(s) and to understand their particular plan's coverage. We will aid you with your insurance forms, but the policy owner, the parent, not the insurance company, is responsible for payment. Financial arrangements can be made for larger treatment plans, but approval is necessary before treatment is initiated.
Please feel free to call us with any questions, compliments or complaints. We feel that understanding and communication, as well as satisfaction, are a most important part of your child’s treatment.
Click the links below for our first visit forms
or to email us!
Our Team
Our primary asset is our
talented and friendly staff.
Your child’s appointment will be comfortable and enjoyable because of our team and the relaxed environment that we have created.
We cultivate a relationship with each of our patients, which not only ensures better children’s dental care, but also turns a visit to the dentist into a visit between friends.
Our staff members enjoy a long term relationship with both the office and our patients. Several of our staff members have been with us for over twenty years.
Many of our current patients’ parents were also seen by our office as a child!
Passion for
Pediatric Dentistry
Compassion
for our Patients
Peace of Mind
for their Parents
First Visit
We have ways of explaining procedures to children, being honest and presenting it in a manner that will not frighten them. If your child asks, “will it hurt?” We feel it is wise to say that the Dentist is your friend and will be very gentle with you. Avoid phrases such as “it won”t hurt” and “that wasn’t so bad.”
Please complete our new patient forms.
If you or someone you know has an infant, please read about our Infant Oral Health Program.
Infant Oral Health Exam
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children be seen by a dentist, within six months of the eruption of his/her first tooth, or by their first birthday. The goal of this first dental visit is to establish a “dental home” for your child, so that together with parental guidance and education, we can prevent future dental problems.
During the complimentary, infant oral exam (under age 2), the hygienist reviews many dental topics with the parents. You also meet one of the dentists, who performs a quick dental examination of your child. Depending on the findings, we recommend the appropriate follow-up.
Receive a FREE infant oral health exam, just... schedule a visit!
Pediatric Dentistry
Services
All our doctors are pediatric dentists, specializing in the treatment and prevention of dental disease, as well as the overall oral health of children. Through extra years of schooling, training, experience, and certification, a pediatric dentist is uniquely qualified to treat the dental needs of infants, children, adolescents and those with special needs.
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?
For the very same reasons you take your child to a pediatrician. A pediatric patient not only has a different dentition than adults but he/she may have specific dental and behavioral needs that are unique to a child. These needs may include orthodontics, dental sealants, fluoride applications or home treatments, or just simply education in oral hygiene. In addition to treating existing dental problems, our office focuses on prevention through patient and parent education. We like to feel that you and your child do not come to our office to have their ”cavities fixed,” but rather to prevent them. Our mission is to provide all of the educational tools necessary for our patients to enjoy a cavity-free future.
Preventive Oral Hygiene Instruction:
This includes proper brushing, flossing and eating habits, ideal fluoride levels and the use of pit and fissure sealants. We strive to provide a fun, educational environment where children learn about the importance of good dental hygiene.
Restorative Dentistry:
This includes composite (tooth-colored) fillings, stainless steel crowns, pulpotomies/pulpectomies
(nerve treatment), and space maintainers. We may also use SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride) to arrest certain cavities and prevent disease progression until the cavities can be restored. We also provide sedation dentistry for children with severe anxiety or procedures that would be difficult to accomplish in any other way (see link below). We are committed to discussing all treatment options and answer all questions you many have. We are always working for the goal of your child’s healthy, beautiful smile.
Growth and Development & Braces:
As pediatric dental specialists, Dr. Scott Lawrence and Dr. Jen-Fan Weng are experts on facial growth. Early growth and development evaluation and intervention may provide your child with a more positive experience should they need braces later on.
Emergency Treatment:
While our goal is to prevent dental emergencies, we understand that the need for urgent dental care is sometimes necessary and can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. We strive to handle dental emergencies promptly and with compassion.
Click our links below to learn more about Pediatric Dentistry:
Orthodontics
The American Association for Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. Early detection and treatment gives your child the edge - a much better chance for natural and normal development. One advantage of having Dr. Scott Lawrence and Dr. Jen-Fan Weng for your child’s dental home is that we monitor their growth & development on a regular basis. Our parents truly appreciate having orthodontic treatment done in our office. This allows them to coordinate cleaning and check-up visits with orthodontic appointments.
By working with the natural growth, instead of against it, we can prevent problems from becoming worse, and give your child a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Studies have shown that people who have straight teeth are more likely to smile more. This leads to a greater self esteem, which may lead to a more fulfilling life.
Types of Braces
Traditional Braces
Standard metal braces are actually made of very sophisticated metals and their technology has advanced significantly over the past 20 years. Many kids are excited because they can “decorate” their braces with a variety of colors.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an option for older teens with less severe orthodontic problems. A series of clear mouthpieces are worn to slowly correct the bite.
Orthodontic Appliances
We may recommend an orthodontic appliance that is custom-made for your child. Appliances are made to expand the jaws, move teeth within the jaws or hold teeth in position.
Learn more about orthodontics below:
Meet Our Doctors
Dr. Scott Lawrence
“I enjoy all the interactions with the parents and their children and appreciate the opportunity to build a relationship with them as ‘Dr. Scott.’” – Dr. Scott Lawrence
Dr. Scott M. Lawrence received a Bachelor of Science degree in Math/Biology from Wake Forest University in 1983. He graduated from West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1987. Dr. Scott received his certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Columbus Children’s Hospital along with a Master’s Degree in Pediatric Dentistry from The Ohio State University in 1989.
He and his wife Kathy, have one son, Brent. His interests include running, swimming, fantasy football and spending time with his family.
Dr. Jen-Fan Weng
“Every child has a beautiful smile and I enjoy the opportunity you give me in treating your child. Your child will be treated with the utmost care and patience.”
– Dr. Weng
Dr. Jen-Fan Weng graduated from Loyola college in Baltimore with a B.S. degree in Biology. She is a 1993 graduate of the University of Maryland Dental School. Dr. Weng then completed her pediatric dental specialty training at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. She has been practicing in Maryland since 1996 and joined Dr. Lawrence in 2001. Dr. Weng is a board certified pediatric dental specialist. Dr. Weng enjoys exploring places, near and far, and spending time with family and friends.
Request an Appointment
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Call Us! 301.262.0242
Fax: 301-262-8764
Email Us! info@tpdsdds.com
Address: Melford
(formerly Maryland Science & Technology Center)
16900 Science Drive, # 115
Bowie, Maryland 20715
Once you have reached Belair Drive, proceed into Melford. Follow Melford Blvd into the traffic circle and take the third exit (North - Science Drive) Drive past the Courtyard Marriott and our office building is on the left side of the road past Old Crain Drive. Enter the office complex and take an immediate left to go to Building 16900. Our entrance is on the left side of the building, #115.
