Pediatric Dentist in SE Calgary
About BabyTooth
Inspiring Kids to Love The Dentist
At BabyTooth, everything we do centers on one simple belief: children deserve dental care that makes them feel safe, confident, and comfortable coming to the dentist. Our goal is to create positive dental experiences that support healthy habits from a child’s very first visit onward.
Why Calgary Families Choose BabyTooth
Our focus is prevention, education, and building trust, so kids feel safe and parents feel supported. Every visit is designed to be calm, positive, and tailored to your child’s needs. Our mission is simple: inspire a generation of kids who actually enjoy going to the dentist.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire a generation that is happy going to the dentist.
That mission guides every decision we make, from how appointments are structured to how we talk with children and parents.
A successful visit at BabyTooth is not measured by how much dentistry gets done. It is measured by whether a child leaves feeling proud, calm, and willing to come back again.
A Prevention-First Philosophy
Dr. Kari believes prevention is the most powerful tool in pediatric dentistry. By teaching families how cavities form, how daily habits affect oral health, and how to care for baby teeth at home, we help reduce the need for invasive procedures later. Education is a constant part of each visit, and children are encouraged to understand what is happening in a way that feels age-appropriate and empowering.
Meet Dr. Kari
Dr. Kari is the heart of BabyTooth. Since founding the practice in 2007, she has made it her mission to build a generation of kids who feel comfortable – heck, even excited! – about a visit to the dentist. She’s our resident expert on all things pediatric dentistry. She can do anything from filling a cavity to extractions to working with even the most uncooperative of little patients and can answer any and all questions along the way.
LIVES FOR:
Her two boys Cooper and Jacob, her sweetheart Dan, spending time with family and friends, travel, navigating her spiritual journey.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People are courageously loving.
Our Team
Registered Dental Hygienists
Kelly Ptolemy
Registered Dental Hygienist
Plaque-busting is this hygienist’s superpower and she does it with the gentlest touch. Kind and caring, Kelly genuinely wants to provide the best experience possible for her patients.
She’s our resident expert on good feels, often leaving little gifts for her team members.
LIVES FOR:
Her dogs – Penny and Maddie – smiles, laughter, new adventures and doing things for others.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People sharing kindness and adventure.
Mackenzie Deck
Registered Dental Hygienist
Our youngest staff member Mackenzie brings loads of energy and enthusiasm to our practice and jumps back and forth between two roles here – either assisting at the front desk or performing hygiene. Wherever she is, you can find a smile on her face and a willingness to help in any way she can.
She’s our resident expert on all things digital/social media/video.
LIVES FOR:
Her nieces and nephews and camping in the van she and her fiancé recently refurbished.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People being caring, accepted and loved.
Registered Dental Assistants
Keli Beisel
Registered Dental Assistant
This jack-of-all-trades can be found performing hygiene, working chair-side with Dr. Kari in the clinic or assisting in the operating room. She is ready and willing to take on any task.
She’s our resident expert on babies, with the youngest child of all our team members.
LIVES FOR:
Her daughter Jaelynn, spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors and camping.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People experiencing powerful dedication.
Melanie Punchard
Registered Dental Assistant
Mel is the bubbly voice on the phone setting up appointments, managing new patient intake and answering your questions. If you get a phone call or email from us, there’s a good chance it’s from Mel. Mel is also a registered dental assistant and is very knowledgeable about the treatment side of dentistry as well.
She’s our resident experience in all things Recall Max – our appointment scheduling service.
LIVES FOR:
Her two daughters Emerson and Avery, dance competitions, live music and the colour purple.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People experiencing the greatest song ever.
Dental Administrators
Nelle Pedersen
Practice Coordinator
Nelle keeps the lights on around here, dealing with all practical matters related to the practice including IT, team meetings and making sure our accounts are up-to-date. She also manages all surgical facility bookings and pre-op consultations.
She’s our resident expert on all things Dentrix – our patient management software.
LIVES FOR:
Spending time with family and friends, travel, camping, live music.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People surrounded by love and laughter.
Sherry Hvingelby
Office Administrator
Sherry is the friendly face you see before leaving the office. She takes care of payment for services, discusses treatment plans, and schedules your next visit or follow-up treatments.
She’s our resident expert on all things insurance.
LIVES FOR:
Quality time with friends and family, travel, cooking and entertaining.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People experiencing a soulful, balanced journey.
Sarah
Sarah is one of our newest team members. She will be the smile greeting you and getting you ready for your treatment while assisting Dr. Kari. Sarah may also be seen working alongside the hygienists and is always eager to share her dental knowledge.
She enjoys making a fun dental experience for your child and hopes to share some laughs along the way.
LIVES FOR:
Spending time with her daughter and her husband, time with extended family and friends, road trips, and new adventures.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
Live well, laugh often, love always.
Jessie
Jessie is the first person you will meet when you come into our office. She is the friendly face at the front desk who helps make sure every kiddo and grown-up feels right at home. Jessie helps with all the behind-the-scenes details to keep the office running smoothly.
She enjoys helping families feel comfortable from the moment they walk through the door.
LIVES FOR:
Family time with her two sons Trevor and Kaiden, her granddaughters Raiden and Thea, and cuddling her puppies Ellie and Rolo.
GUIDING STATEMENT:
People being kind and empathetic.
A Place Families Can Trust
Parents often describe BabyTooth as trustworthy, caring, knowledgeable, genuine, and compassionate. We believe baby teeth matter. We believe children deserve respect and patience. And we believe that with the right support, dental visits can be something kids feel good about. At BabyTooth, we are not just caring for teeth. We are helping shape confident, informed patients who carry those positive experiences with them for life.
Request an Appointment