# Balster & Pfohl Pediatric Dentistry

> Board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Erik Balster and Dr. Beth Pfohl provide specialized dental care for infants, children, teens, and special needs patients in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Accepting new patients. Call (319) 294-8181.

## Practice Information

- Name: Balster & Pfohl Pediatric Dentistry
- Alternate Name: Dr. Balster Pediatric Dentistry
- Website: https://www.drbalster.com
- Phone: (319) 294-8181
- Email: frontdesk@drbalster.com
- Address: 4150 Edgewood Rd. NE, Suite 250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
- Coordinates: 42.0083, -91.6441
- Accepting New Patients: Yes
- Insurance: Most major dental plans, Iowa Medicaid, Hawki (Iowa CHIP)
- Specialty: Pediatric Dentistry
- Rating: 5.0 stars (150+ reviews)

## Doctors

### Dr. Erik Balster, D.D.S.
- Role: Founder, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Education: University of Iowa College of Dentistry, D.D.S.
- Training: Pediatric Dental Residency
- Board Certification: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- Affiliations: Past President, Linn County Dental Society; Member, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Practice Since: 2009
- Interests: Outdoor activities, running, cooking

### Dr. Beth Pfohl, D.D.S.
- Role: Partner, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Education: University of Iowa College of Dentistry, D.D.S.; B.S. Civil Engineering
- Training: Pediatric Dental Residency
- Board Certification: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- Affiliations: Former Dental Director, Healthy Kids School-Based Clinics; 8 years volunteering at Ronald McDonald House; Member, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Joined Practice: 2015
- Interests: Traveling, family adventures

## Services

1. Cleanings & Exams: Professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, digital X-rays with reduced radiation, sealants, thorough exams of teeth, gums, bite, and jaw development every six months.
2. Infant Dentistry: First dental visit by age 1 or first tooth (AAPD recommended). Gentle lap-to-lap exam, cavity risk assessment, teething and nutrition guidance.
3. Special Needs Dentistry: Both doctors have specialized residency training. Adaptive techniques, sensory-friendly environment, individualized behavior guidance, collaboration with medical teams, sedation options.
4. Dental Emergencies: After-hours availability from both doctors. Knocked-out teeth, fractures, toothaches, abscesses, soft tissue injuries. Same-day appointments when possible. Call (319) 294-8181.
5. Hospital Dentistry: Full dental treatment under general anesthesia at St. Luke's Hospital. For children with extensive needs, severe anxiety, or special healthcare needs. Board-certified anesthesiologist.
6. Minimally Invasive Dentistry: Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to arrest cavities without drilling, Hall Crowns without shots or drills, interim therapeutic restorations. Evidence-based, preserves natural tooth structure.

## Office Hours

- Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- After-hours emergency dental care available by calling (319) 294-8181

## Website Pages

- Home: https://www.drbalster.com
- About Us: https://www.drbalster.com/about
- Our Services: https://www.drbalster.com/services
- Meet the Doctors: https://www.drbalster.com/team
- New Patients: https://www.drbalster.com/new-patients
- Contact: https://www.drbalster.com/contact

## First Visit Information

Your child's first visit includes: warm welcome and greeting by name, review of health history, gentle exam by Dr. Balster or Dr. Pfohl, professional cleaning and fluoride treatment (if appropriate), and a parent consultation to discuss findings and create a care plan. We recommend visiting by age 1 or first tooth.

## Insurance & Payment

We accept most major dental insurance plans. We also accept Iowa Medicaid and Hawki (Iowa's Children's Health Insurance Program). For families without insurance, we offer competitive self-pay rates. Our team verifies benefits before your visit.

## Location & Directions

Located in the Edgewood Town Centre medical office building on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids. Take I-380 to the Edgewood Road exit and head north. Free parking available in front of the building and in the attached parking structure.

## Service Area

Cedar Rapids, Iowa and surrounding Eastern Iowa communities including Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, Ely, Swisher, North Liberty, and Iowa City.

## FAQ

Q: When should my child first visit the dentist?
A: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child visit the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Early visits establish positive dental experiences and allow early detection of potential issues.

Q: Are both dentists board certified?
A: Yes. Both Dr. Erik Balster and Dr. Beth Pfohl are board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They each completed specialized pediatric dental residencies after dental school at the University of Iowa.

Q: Do you offer emergency dental care for children?
A: Yes. Both doctors are available after hours for pediatric dental emergencies including knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, and facial trauma. Call (319) 294-8181 immediately.

Q: Do you treat children with special needs?
A: Yes. Both doctors have specialized residency training in treating children with special needs. We use adaptive techniques, sensory-friendly environments, and individualized care plans. Sedation and hospital dentistry options are available.

Q: What insurance do you accept?
A: We accept most major dental insurance plans, Iowa Medicaid, and Hawki (Iowa's Children's Health Insurance Program). We also offer affordable self-pay rates for families without insurance.

Q: Where is the office located?
A: 4150 Edgewood Rd. NE, Suite 250, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402. We are in the Edgewood Town Centre medical office building with free parking.

## Social Media

- Facebook: https://facebook.com/balsterpediatricdentistry
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/balster_pediatric_dentistry