Welcome to Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry in Westminster, CO

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry serves families across Westminster, CO from our kid-designed office in nearby Erie. Led by Dr. Alison Grover, a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with advanced training from UCLA, our practice provides specialized pediatric dental care for children from their first tooth through adolescence.

How Westminster, CO Families Reach Mini Miners

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is located at 61 Erie Pkwy, Suite 101, Erie, CO 80516, approximately 20 minutes from central Westminster.

The northwest Denver metro has several general dentists who offer pediatric services, but finding a dedicated pediatric dentist in Westminster, CO with board certification takes more searching. That's one reason Westminster families make the drive to Mini Miners. Dr. Alison Grover completed a two-year pediatric dental residency at UCLA and earned the Diplomate credential from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a distinction held by roughly one in three pediatric dentists nationwide. Your child gets the benefit of that advanced training in an office built from the ground up for children.

We also serve families from Broomfield, Thornton, Arvada, Lafayette, Superior, and the surrounding communities. If you're coming from the Westminster area, you'll find plenty of parking right outside our front door.

Little girl in dentist's chair during examination process

What Makes a Pediatric Dentist In Westminster, CO Different from a General Dentist

A pediatric dentist completes two to three years of specialty training beyond dental school, focused exclusively on treating children from infancy through young adulthood. This additional training covers child behavior management, growth and development, sedation techniques, and care for patients with special needs.

General dentists see patients of all ages and handle a wide range of dental issues. Pediatric dentists narrow that focus entirely to children. The difference matters most when your child is anxious, very young, has special needs, or requires sedation for treatment.

Dr. Grover earned her DDS from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, then completed her pediatric dental residency at UCLA. She went on to pass the rigorous examination required to become a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. That credential means she has demonstrated advanced knowledge in pediatric dental care beyond what residency training alone provides. At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, your Westminster child receives care from a specialist whose entire career is focused on one thing: children's dental health.

Pediatric Dental Services for Westminster Children

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry offers a full range of specialized dental services for children of all ages, from newborn oral health evaluations to orthodontic care for teens. As your pediatric dentist in Westminster, CO, we give families access to preventive, restorative, and advanced treatment options under one roof.

Preventive Care and Dental Exams

Regular checkups, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants form the foundation of your child's oral health. Dr. Grover recommends exams every six months starting at age one, following American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. Digital x-rays (low radiation, safe for children) help catch problems early.

Restorative Treatments

When cavities or tooth damage happen, Mini Miners uses advanced techniques that reduce stress for children. Hall Crowns let Dr. Grover place a crown without any drilling or numbing, making the experience faster and calmer. We also offer white crowns for front and molar teeth, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to stop decay without drilling, and ICON resin infiltration to treat white spots on teeth without injections.

Sedation Dentistry for Kids

Orthodontics and Early Evaluation

Some children need extra help staying comfortable during treatment. Mini Miners offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation, oral conscious sedation for moderate anxiety, and general anesthesia administered by a licensed anesthesiologist for more complex cases. Dr. Grover matches the sedation level to your child's needs and the procedure involved.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Mini Miners provides Phase 1 orthodontic treatment including Invisalign, removable appliances, and traditional braces. Having your child's orthodontic care in the same office where they receive all their dental care means one team knows their complete dental history.

Special Needs Dental Care

Mini Miners has extensive experience treating children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, developmental delays, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. Dr. Grover creates individualized treatment plans using adapted communication, child-paced scheduling, and Happy Visits to help every child feel safe. We also offer Hall Crowns specifically because they eliminate the drill and numbing that many special needs patients cannot tolerate.

What Your Child's First Visit at Mini Miners Looks Like

Your child's first visit to Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is designed to build comfort and trust before any treatment begins. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a first dental visit by your child's first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing.

When you arrive, your child can explore our waiting area, which has arcade games, a slide, and hand-painted train tracks on the floors. The goal is for kids to associate our office with fun before they ever sit in a dental chair. During the exam, Dr. Grover checks your child's teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development. She'll talk with you about brushing techniques, diet, fluoride, and any concerns you have.

For children who are nervous or visiting a dentist for the first time, we offer Happy Visits. These are short, no-pressure appointments where your child meets the team, sits in the chair, and gets comfortable with the sights and sounds of the office. There's no treatment during a Happy Visit. It's purely about building a positive association so future appointments go smoothly.

Parents are always welcome in the treatment room. Unlike some pediatric dental practices that ask parents to wait outside, we believe dental care works best as a partnership between the dentist, the child, and the parent.

Why Westminster Parents Drive to Mini Miners

Pediatric dentist examining child's teeth

Westminster families choose Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry because the combination of board-certified expertise, kid-designed environment, and advanced techniques is difficult to find closer to home. When searching for a skilled pediatric dentist in Westminster, CO, parents consistently tell us the 20-minute drive is worth it once they see how their child responds to our office.

Three things set Mini Miners apart from other options available to Westminster families.

Dr. Grover's credentials go deeper than most. Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry with a UCLA pediatric residency. She didn't just complete a residency. She passed the additional board examination that fewer than one-third of pediatric dentists pursue.

Our techniques reduce fear and discomfort. Hall Crowns (no drill, no numbing), ICON white spot treatment (no injection), and Silver Diamine Fluoride (no drilling) give children options that simply aren't available at most dental offices. We also offer every level of sedation from nitrous oxide to general anesthesia for children who need it.

The office was designed by parents, for kids. Dr. Grover and her husband Logan didn't just open a dental practice. They built one. Every choice, from the arcade games to the ceiling-mounted TVs to the flavor choices for toothpaste and fluoride, came from asking one question: what would make a child want to come back?

Frequently Asked Questions

What age should my child first see a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child's first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Early visits let Dr. Grover check for developmental issues, assess cavity risk, and give you guidance on brushing, diet, and fluoride. Many parents are surprised to learn that tooth decay can start as soon as the first tooth appears. Bringing your child in early sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy dental habits.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

A pediatric dentist completes two to three additional years of specialty residency training after dental school. That training focuses entirely on children's dental development, behavior management, sedation, and treating patients with special needs. A family dentist treats patients of all ages but does not receive this specialized pediatric training. If you're looking for a pediatric dentist in Westminster, CO who specializes exclusively in children, Dr. Grover at Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry offers a level of expertise that general practices typically cannot match.

How far is Mini Miners from Westminster, CO?

Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is located at 61 Erie Pkwy, Suite 101, in Erie, CO. Westminster families reach us in approximately 20 minutes via US-36 East or I-25 North to Erie Parkway. There is free parking directly outside our office. Many Westminster parents tell us the drive goes quickly and is well worth it for the specialized care their children receive.

Does Mini Miners accept dental insurance for kids?

Yes. Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry accepts most major dental insurance plans. Our dedicated insurance team verifies your child's benefits before the appointment and helps you understand what your plan covers. For families without dental insurance, we offer an in-house membership plan that includes preventive care and access to our full range of pediatric services. Call (303) 500-3202 and our team will check your specific plan before your visit.

What if my child is afraid of the dentist?

Dental anxiety is common in children, and Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry has multiple tools to help. We offer Happy Visits, which are short, no-treatment appointments where your child gets comfortable with the office. During treatment, children watch movies on ceiling-mounted TVs and choose their own toothpaste and fluoride flavors. For children who need more support, Dr. Grover offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia. We move at your child's pace and never rush a nervous patient.

What sedation options does Mini Miners offer?

Mini Miners provides three levels of sedation. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) offers mild relaxation and wears off quickly. Oral conscious sedation provides moderate relaxation for longer or more involved procedures. General anesthesia, administered by a licensed anesthesiologist, is available for children who need deeper sedation due to extensive treatment needs, young age, or severe anxiety. Dr. Grover evaluates each child individually and recommends the safest option for their situation.

Does Mini Miners treat children with special needs?

Yes. Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry has extensive experience caring for children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing differences, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD, and other conditions. Dr. Grover creates individualized plans for each child, using adapted communication, flexible scheduling, Happy Visits for gradual desensitization, and no-drill techniques like Hall Crowns. Our private treatment rooms (no open-bay layout) help reduce sensory overload for children who are sensitive to noise and activity.

How often should my child visit the pediatric dentist?

Most children should see their pediatric dentist every six months for professional cleanings, exams, and preventive treatments like fluoride application. Regular visits allow Dr. Grover to monitor dental development, catch cavities early, and apply sealants to protect vulnerable teeth. Some children may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their individual oral health needs. Dr. Grover will recommend the right schedule for your child after their initial evaluation.