About

Terrific Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Columbia, MD, led by Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist Dr. Terri Ambrose, offers a fun, welcoming, and compassionate environment for children's dental care. They provide comprehensive services from preventive care to restorative dentistry, focusing on making dental visits a positive experience for kids and educating families on lifelong oral health.

Hours

Monday

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Quick Info

Address

5850 Waterloo Rd #220, Columbia, MD 21045

Phone

(443) 251-4029

Website

http://www.terrificsmilespd.com/?utm_campaign=gmb

Get Directions

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Amenities

Toilet

Planning

Appointments recommended

Payments

Credit cards
NFC mobile payments

Payments

Cash only

Detailed Introduction

Terrific Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is a specialized dental clinic located at 5850 Waterloo Rd #220, Columbia, MD 21045, serving the Howard County area. The practice is spearheaded by Dr. Terri Ambrose, a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist with a passion for creating positive dental experiences for children. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Ambrose earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University College of Dentistry and completed her pediatric residency at Brookdale University Hospital. Her mission is to ensure children love going to the dentist, providing a kid-friendly environment with amenities like toys, TVs, fidgets, private rooms, weighted blankets, and noise-canceling headphones to ensure comfort and ease anxiety. Terrific Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of children, from infants to adolescents. These include routine check-ups, gentle dental cleanings (prophylaxis), fluoride treatments, and dental sealants for preventive care. They emphasize a conservative approach to dentistry, prioritizing prevention and education for both children and parents on establishing healthy oral habits. For restorative needs, the clinic provides tooth-colored fillings, bonding for chipped or fractured teeth, stainless steel and zirconia crowns, and root canal treatments when necessary. They also offer non-invasive alternatives for treating cavities that minimize discomfort, avoiding numbing and drilling where possible. In cases of dental emergencies like toothaches, chipped teeth, or knocked-out teeth, Terrific Smiles provides prompt and compassionate care. Beyond general and restorative dentistry, the clinic specializes in catering to children with special healthcare needs, offering individualized care plans, private rooms, and various aids to ensure comfort and safety. They also provide advanced behavior management options, including nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and general anesthesia for children who experience dental anxiety or require extensive treatment. Terrific Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is committed to exceptional customer service, respecting patient time by striving to start visits punctually and giving full attention to each child and family. They encourage parent involvement in the treatment room and provide educational tools to foster good oral hygiene at home. The practice is in-network with most PPO insurances and offers membership plans for families without dental insurance, making quality pediatric dental care accessible. Dr. Ambrose is also community-oriented, engaging in local initiatives like the Terrific Smiles Scholarship with the Bright Minds Foundation.

Photos

Patient Reviews

5.0 out of 5

Raven Dillon

I can’t say enough wonderful things about this dental office! As a parent of five children, I’m always looking for a place that is not only professional but also kind and accommodating. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm and inviting. The doctor is incredibly gentle and patient, especially with my daughter who has disabilities.

They took the time to ensure she was comfortable throughout the entire visit, which I really appreciated. The office is efficient, making our appointments run smoothly, and I was able to get all my kids in without any hassle. The doctor’s professionalism and care have earned my trust, and it's clear my children feel the same – they absolutely love going to the dentist now! I'm also proud to support a Black-owned business, and it’s clear that this practice values both excellent care and a positive experience for their patients.

Highly recommend this office for anyone looking for a dental provider who is not only skilled but truly compassionate!

January 23, 2025

Verlin Douglas

First rate accommodations. This was my daughter's first visit to the dentist. The staff was courteous, friendly, and professional. The office was clean and full of positive energy. We found our dentist!

June 19, 2025

Glizy Bliss

I took my 15 month old baby to Terrific Smiles, and I couldn't have been happier with the way her appointment went. When searching for a dentist, I wanted a place that was clean, welcoming, pleasing to the eyes for a baby/child & and informative, and I found that and much more at Terrific Smiles. From the moment we walked in the door, we were greeted and welcomed, which eased my anxiety. I was offered tea/coffee, and we were led to a small intimate room, which was clean and dorned with safe toys for my baby to play with while we waited.

We did not wait long at all, which was a plus, but my baby was preoccupied with the toys, lol. Dr. Ambrose was amazing! She was gentle, kind, reassuring, and explained each step as she went through them. She showed me how to hold my baby in a relaxing way to brush her teeth, how to floss, toothpaste & teething suggestions, how much toothpaste to use & when would be the best time to ween her off of Bottles.

This was not our 1st time going to the dentist, but needless to say, the other place did not meet any of my expectations & I'm so glad we found our home at Terrific Smiles. Signed a happy & 1st time mom!

December 19, 2023

Sharmila Khanal

We were looking for a pediatric dentist nearby and conducted quite a bit of research. Eventually, I found Terrific Smile Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Terry is really nice and very friendly with kids. Both of my daughters enjoyed their visit there.

It was their first time at this practice, and they loved both the place and the doctor. My girls mentioned that other dentists would just do their job without explaining what they were going to do with their teeth. However, Dr. Terry took the time to discuss their oral health and explain the procedures she was performing. I’m so glad we found the best pediatric dentist!

February 28, 2025

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