About
Gramercy Kids Smiles, located at 200 E 15th St in New York, NY 10003, stands as New York City's premier pediatric dental practice, uniquely integrating oral health, speech, and airway development from infancy onward. Founded by Dr. Fatina Shtivelman, a board-certified pediatric dentist, the practice emerged from her personal journey as a mother facing breastfeeding challenges with her own son, which sparked a profound commitment to addressing lip and tongue ties early in a child's life. This pivotal experience inspired Dr. Fatina to pursue advanced training and create a holistic care model that goes beyond traditional dentistry, evaluating not just teeth but tongue mobility, airway function, and speech readiness to set children on a path toward long-term health and confidence.[1][2][7] Dr. Fatina's impressive educational background includes a D.D.S. from SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, a general practice residency at Staten Island University Hospital, and specialized pediatric dentistry training at Stony Brook University Hospital, where she served as chief resident. Her research focused on improving dental access for special needs populations, and she further honed her skills through a fellowship at Stony Brook treating medically complex patients under IV sedation and general anesthesia. This rigorous foundation, combined with her board certification—the highest honor in pediatric dentistry—positions Gramercy Kids Smiles as a beacon of expertise in Manhattan's Gramercy Park, Kips Bay, East Village, Lenox Hills, and beyond.[7] The mission of Gramercy Kids Smiles is rooted in compassion, prevention, and education, treating every child as if they were their own. As parents themselves, Dr. Fatina and her team, including orthodontic partner Dr. Jason Berk, prioritize personalized, unrushed visits in a fun, comfortable environment that transforms dental anxiety into excitement. Happy dental visits foster lifelong healthy smile habits, and the practice excels in making the little details matter for each unique child. What truly sets Gramercy Kids Smiles apart is its pioneering integration of services: it's NYC's only pediatric dental office holistically addressing oral health alongside speech and airway development from day one. Using state-of-the-art laser technology for precise, painless lip and tongue tie releases, they resolve breastfeeding difficulties, speech impediments, and long-term oral concerns swiftly, collaborating closely with lactation consultants, speech therapists, and myofunctional experts. This comprehensive approach starts with newborns and continues through adolescence, predicting growth for timely orthodontic interventions while emphasizing prevention through interactive worksheets, brushing education, and parental resources.[1][2][4] Services encompass a full spectrum of pediatric care, from routine cleanings and exams to advanced sedation options like nitrous oxide and general anesthesia for anxious or complex cases, restorative treatments, and orthodontic assessments. An affordable in-house membership plan simplifies access to ongoing care, underscoring their dedication to community wellness. The team's expertise extends to Dr. Ani Merjian, who completed advanced general dentistry at Columbia University and pediatric residency at St. Barnabas Hospital as chief resident, focusing on compassionate care for infants to adolescents; and Vickie Sanchez, a registered dental hygienist from Hostos Community College, passionate about pediatric hygiene and creating positive experiences.[3] Parents rave about the practice, with reviews highlighting Dr. Fatina's patience—turning nervous kids into excited visitors—and the friendly staff, earning a stellar 4.90 rating from 142 Zocdoc users. Unlike standard dental offices that treat symptoms in isolation, Gramercy Kids Smiles offers a deeper, more personal preventative philosophy, empowering families with knowledge for optimal outcomes. This unique value proposition—early intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge technology, and genuine parental empathy—distinguishes them in a crowded NYC market, making them the trusted choice for pediatric dental excellence. Whether tackling infant feeding issues or adolescent orthodontics, Gramercy Kids Smiles builds smiles that last a lifetime, one joyful visit at a time.[1][2][3][4][5][7]
