Our pediatric dental team is committed to caring for your childs smile for many years. We love to watch our patients smiles grow from little to big, whether were teaching a toddler how to brush her baby teeth or fitting a little leaguer for his first athletic mouthguard. We encourage kids to get interested and involved during their visits because we truly believe that long-term oral health is a team effort. Its never too early to start!
Dr. Caitlin Barnes grew up in the Tidewater area of Southeastern Virginia, and went on to attend both college and dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University. Following a summer externship in Barrow, Alaska, Dr. Barnes joined the staff at the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital where she served as a general dentist for 2 years. During this time, Dr. Barnes traveled to outlying villages via bush plane, providing dental care to remote areas of Alaska. Also during this time, Dr. Barnes also became passionate about caring for pediatric patients in order to prevent dental problems later in life. She decided to pursue a pediatric dental residency program at the Alaska Native Medical Center here in Anchorage. Following her residency, Dr. Barnes worked in private practice for several years before starting her own practice in 2016. Dr. Barnes is proud to provide high quality dental care for children and those with special needs, is passionate about community involvement and dental outreach, and enjoys spending time with her husband and three children in her free time.
Allisyn grew up in Palmer, Alaska. Her love for children comes from her time as a Licensed Foster Parent and teaching preschool. Her passion for dentistry began in 2015 when she became a Dental Assistant. Helping children have a positive experience at the dentist is a priority for her and the main reason she loves pediatric dentistry. When she is not caring for kids in the office, she can be found crafting, learning trivia and spending time with her husband and two children.
Morrisa was born and raised in Anchorage and loves living here! Morrisas interest in dentistry sparked in High School while participating in a job shadowing program at a local dental clinic. It was there that she realized the many opportunities to learn something new every day in dentistry! She is excited to be in Pediatric Dentistry so she can provide a smooth and upbeat experience to families and their children. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending time reading a good book or cooking and baking for her loved ones.
Jessie grew up in Chugiak, AK. She has worked in the dental field since 2019 and loves it! She attended the UAA Dental Assisting program and became a nationally certified Dental Assistant through DANB. Her time working at Aurora Childrens Dentistry has allowed her to expand and learn new skills, including surgery coordinating. She enjoys working with children and making the dentist a fun and joyful experience. While not at work she can be found spending time with her family or studying for school.
Val was raised in Fairbanks. She discovered her passion for dentistry while working at a dental office during high school. She has been working in dentistry for 17 years. She realized her heart was in pediatrics before she went to hygiene school. Her favorite thing about working in pediatric dentistry is having the opportunity to make a positive difference in a child's oral health and wellbeing with out judgement. She loves to have fun outdoors with her family skiing, sledding or growing something in the garden.
Mai has lived in Alaska for 23 years and has been in the dental field for 11 years. She chose pediatric dentistry because of her enjoyment working with children. Outside of work, she has a large family that she loves spending time with, playing board games and hosting movie nights. Mai also has a passion for outdoor activities with family and friends.
Sharla is originally from Alaska but enjoyed living in Fiji for 5 years before moving back home. Sharla has been a dental assistant since 2019 and is a natural when working with children. In her free time she loves watching movies and doing arts and crafts, especially beading. She has also recently picked up video games as a hobby!
Jackie was born in Los Angeles, California and raised on a Navajo reservation in Arizona. She has been in the dental industry for over 20 years and loves what she does! The most rewarding aspect of her job is helping individuals with special needs. During her days off, she loves to travel, explore interesting places and meet new people. She loves going home after work and hanging out with her mini poodle Kika.
Ally was raised in Wasilla, Alaska. She recently graduated from Concordia University in Wisconsin, where she played college hockey and soccer. Ally discovered her interest in pediatric dentistry while shadowing various dentists for dental school. She will continue to pursue her passion for dentistry at Creighton University School of Dentistry in Fall of 2022. Ally loves being outdoors with her family, playing hockey, or spending time with her animals in her spare time.