Our Mission
At the heart of our practice is a commitment to unconditional empathy, excellence without finish lines, and unreasonable hospitality, because we believe our patients deserve nothing less.
Every child deserves care that is not only clinically exceptional but also emotionally attuned. We recognize the weight that comes with sitting in the dental chair, the fears of the child, the hopes of the parent, and we treat both with grace, patience, and deep empathy. It is our privilege to care for people, not just teeth.
Our decisions are guided by a shared commitment to integrity, mutual respect, and the idea that the strength of our practice lies in our team's unity. Everyone here matters. Every detail matters.
We don't ration our effort or energy. We give fully, whether through a reassuring word, a seamless procedure, or an unexpected act of kindness. We aim to be the most trusted, admired, and respected pediatric dental practice in the community, not only by our patients but by our peers and colleagues as well.
We remain at the forefront by thoughtfully evolving, adopting the technologies, techniques, and tools that truly deliver the best outcomes for our patients. We continually refine our skills and decision-making through evidence-based standards and meaningful education. While our methods advance, the heart of our care remains timeless: ensuring that every child and family leaves feeling seen, cared for, and confident that they received the highest caliber of dentistry, delivered with intention.
Our Journey
Pediatric Dentistry of Palo Alto was founded in 1994 by Dr. Vernon J. Adams Jr., DMD. A graduate of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine who completed his pediatric dental residency at UCLA, Dr. Adams had already spent more than a decade in pediatric practice, much of it in the Monterey Bay Area, when he came to the Peninsula with a clear vision: a practice built to care for every kind of child, including medically complex children and children with special health care needs.
He backed that vision with a deep hospital relationship. On staff at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford since 1993, and an adjunct clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Stanford, Dr. Adams made it possible for this practice to care for children whose medical conditions can be complicated by dental problems, from children undergoing chemotherapy to children preparing for heart or liver transplants. He invested in the community just as deeply, serving on the Palo Alto school district's pediatric advisory board from 1991 to 1996.
More than three decades later, the practice Dr. Adams built has grown into a cornerstone of pediatric oral health in Palo Alto and beyond, caring for a second generation of Peninsula families. Dr. Jonathan Hurng (Dr. Jon), a board-certified pediatric dentist trained at UCSF, Harvard and UCLA, leads the practice and builds on that foundation every day with conservative, evidence-based care and a deeply personal approach to each family we serve.
What Sets Us Apart
- Specialized pediatric focus. Our team specializes exclusively in pediatric dentistry. We are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and technology to address the unique dental needs of children, including those with special health care needs, ensuring a positive experience for every child.
- A commitment to comfort and safety. We understand the importance of creating a safe, welcoming environment for our young patients. Our office is designed with children in mind, from the playful decor to the state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring each visit is comfortable, anxiety-free, and fun.
- Innovative sedation options. Recognizing that each child's needs are different, we offer a variety of sedation options tailored to ensure a calm, stress-free dental experience. Our practice is a leader in sedation dentistry for children.
- Community and education. We believe in the power of education and community engagement. Our practice is actively involved in community outreach, providing educational programs on oral health, and participating in local events.
- Family-centric approach. We build lasting relationships with our patients and their families, offering personalized care plans, flexible scheduling, and a supportive atmosphere.
