Meet Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Pitera, or Dr. Erica as she goes by in the office, grew up locally in Cromwell, CT and graduated from Cromwell High School. She went on to receive her BS in biology from Duke University. She earned her DMD at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and was awarded for achievement in dental care for patients with special needs and for her leadership in the American Student Dental Association. Dr. Erica then completed a two-year specialty residency program in pediatric dentistry at Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Dr. Erica is a board-certified pediatric dentist who specializes in providing comprehensive oral care to all pediatric and adolescent patients in Middletown and surrounding Connecticut communities. In addition to her many professional memberships, she is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a member of the medical staff at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford. She values continuing education and strives to stay up to date with all the latest dental treatments and techniques.
Growing up with a brother with special needs, Dr. Erica has developed a great deal of patience and understanding for helping children of all abilities. From a young age she knew she wanted to be a pediatric dentist so she could help children like her brother have a positive dental experience. She prides herself in providing quality care in a friendly and special way, and strives to make visits to the dentist fun for all kids.
Beyond dentistry and caring for children, another one of Dr. Erica’s passions is baking. Although this is a bit ironic for a dentist, she has always used baking as an expression of her artistic side and, of course, to satisfy her “sweet tooth”. She teaches children to maintain a healthy lifestyle, while still being able to have a special treat once in a while! Some of her sweet creations can be found on her baking blog – Erica’s Sweet Tooth.
Dr. Erica resides locally in Higganum with her husband Ryan, their two sons Wesley and Brooks, and adorable Bernese Mountain Dog, Piper. She can’t wait to meet you and your family at their next visit!
Your First Visit
At Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to make your child’s first visit with us as pleasant and educational as possible. We will take the time to get acquainted and gather information, including a thorough examination and cleaning. Our focus is to make you and your child comfortable with us and the dental experience, while also evaluating your child’s dental health. Dr. Erica will review your child’s oral hygiene and dietary practices and answer any questions you may have. We hope to partner with you and your child for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Before the first visit: Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child and convey good feelings about dental visits being a part of growing up. Explain that the dentist will look at and count all of his or her teeth but please do not tell your child that the dentist will not hurt, as this may have never entered his or her mind. Rather, emphasize that the dentist will be gentle and friendly. Avoid using words like needle, drill, shot, pull or any other word suggesting unpleasantness. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit and chances are, they will!
Our new patient paperwork is available through our secure online form that will be sent directly to our office electronically. Please click on the link below to access and complete the form before your visit. Click “Submit” when complete. We will have you review it and sign it in the office. Thank you.
Our Office
Welcome to Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry. We serve families of infants, toddlers, adolescents, teens and those with special healthcare needs of all ages.
Our mission is to provide the best comprehensive dental care for your child in a friendly, safe and state-of-the-art environment. We want your child to develop a positive attitude toward dental health and learn the necessary skills to maintain a cavity-free smile for a lifetime.
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“I am so happy to find this place! My son had his first appointment today and they did a geat job with him. They explained everything and made him feel comfortable. He had a great first dentist experience. Thank you!"
~ Lauren C
“Wonderful staff and office for your little ones! Highly recommend. My kids had a blast! They made going to the dentist fun for them.”
~ Brittany V.
“My 2 year old Mya had a great 1st time experience. Beth was soo kind, informative and very patient with Mya. Mya is usually very shy but Beth made it so easy for her to warm up! Erica was just as lovely, outgoing and gentle. Overall a great friendly and clean environment. Highly recommend Sweet Tooth to everyone! ”
~ Cordney F.
“Today was my daughter’s first appointment and she was so nervous. Kept asking if it would hurt. Beth, along with the entire staff, went above and beyond to make sure she had a wonderful experience. By the time we left, she loved going to dentist and is asking when she gets to go back ❤️ Highly recommend!”
~ Randi E.
“This place is so welcoming and they are all so sweet! Beth, the dental hygienist, is so awesome/detail oriented and Dr. Erica is the best of the best 10/10 recommend!
~Samantha
“Great place! Very inviting & friendly. Loved the pictures they take and magnet for your fridge of their first dental visit!! So cute! Thank you!”
~Crystal M
“We loved our first visit today! They were so kind and patient with my 3 year old! Once the appointment started, my daughter's fears of the dentist went away! 100% recommend!”
~ Kaitlyn
“Nothing but great things to say about Sweet Tooth! We were welcomed with smiles and my little one felt totally comfortable during her appointment. Highly recommend this to all kiddos!”
~ Cassandra
Preferred Day:
We are available at the
following times:
Monday 8:30AM – 6PM
Tuesday 8:30AM – 5PM
Wednesday 8:30AM – 5PM
Thursday 7:30AM – 4PM
If you have an after-hours emergency, call us at 860-347-4681 and follow the instructions in our message.
Request an Appointment
Serving Connecticut families of Middletown, Cromwell, Portland, East Hampton, Higganum, Durham, Middlefield, Rocky Hill, Meriden, East Haddam, and the rest of Middlesex County.
Winner:
Best Dentist 2017 - 2024
Connecticut Magazine
What is a Pediatric Dentist?
A Pediatric Dentist like Dr. Erica is a specialist dedicated to the oral health of children and the monitoring of their facial growth and development. Our office is designed for treating children from infancy through adolescence, as well as the medically and the physically compromised. In our opinion, taking your child to see a pediatric dental specialist is as important as taking them to see a pediatrician.
What is a Board Certified
Pediatric Dentist?
When a Pediatric Dentist is Board Certified it means that the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry or ABPD certifies that the dental care being provided is based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a Pediatric Dentist like Dr. Erica has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to the delivery of quality patient care.
Establishing Your Child’s Dental Home
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents and other care providers to help every child establish a dental home by 12 months of age. Establishing a dental home provides some key components to dental care for your child including...
• Comprehensive oral health care including acute care and preventive services.
• Individualized preventive dental health program based upon a caries-risk assessment.
• Anticipatory guidance regarding growth and development.
• Plan for acute dental trauma (emergencies).
• Dietary counseling.
• Referrals to dental specialists when care cannot directly be provided within the dental home.
• Referral at an age determined by patient, parent, and pediatric dentist.
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Trusted by Parents. Loved by Kids.
Phone: 860-347-4681
Fax: 860-344-0286
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Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. About discrimination and translations.
Winner:
Best Dentist 2017 - 2024
Connecticut Magazine
Ph: 860-347-4681
Fax: 860-344-0286
