At Dr. Shelby's office, we offer comprehensive dentistry and orthodontics for children of all ages and all walks of life. Kids love us and parents trust us because we spend the time getting to know you and your child. We take the time to explain the sometimes complex and overwhelming details of dentistry so that you can make informed decisions.
Our goal is to educate, empower, and inspire your child to care about his or her teeth and be proud of their smile. We also love to spend time educating you—the parent or guardian—about best practices for your child’s at-home care between dental visits, helping you feel inspired and empowered to keep your child’s teeth healthy into adulthood.
We want your child to love the dental office and look forward to their dental exams and teeth cleanings. If your child needs braces, we also want them to feel confident while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
At Dr. Shelby's, we enjoy spending time with children and their families. If we can provide information or education that leads to better oral health for your child—and a healthy smile for life—we find the time spent well worth it! Besides, we enjoy talking to our patients and their families.
If you would like to learn more about the compassionate team at Dr. Shelby's, or if you would like to schedule an exam for your child, contact a friendly team member today.
Meanwhile, read through a few of the bios below to learn more about the dental professionals who are anxious to meet you and your child today!
Shelby Smith, DDS, MS
Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist
To Educate, Empower, and Inspire.
Dr. Shelby Smith received her DDS degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1990. Having found her joy in working with children, she went on to UCLA, where she earned her Masters in Oral Biology and took specialty training in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry. While there, she also completed a fellowship in treating children with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.
Moving back to her hometown after college, she began practicing in Antioch in 1993, specializing in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics for the past 29 years. Wanting to give back to those who don't have access to care, she worked as the staff Pediatric Dentist at the Alameda County Medical Center Eastmont Dental Clinic, where she specialized in behavior management cases and served as a pre-doctoral instructor for UCSF dental students. In 2010, Dr. Shelby was asked by the Dental Board of California to serve as an Orthodontic Expert on their Peer Review Board. She was responsible for helping ensure that the public is being served by dentists who are ethical and who practice according to the standard of care.
Dr. Shelby plays a very active role in the dentistry community and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, the California Association of Orthodontists, the Contra Costa Dental Society, the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association.
Dr. Shelby is married with five adult children. She credits her children with keeping her young and giving her the ability to see the humor in every situation.
As a dental practitioner, Dr. Shelby and her staff work hard to deliver dentistry in a fun, caring, and efficient manner, and to work with patients and families towards a lifetime of dental care. She loves seeing the surprise on a patient’s face when they complete their orthodontic treatment. Comparing their final result with their “before” picture is always a wow moment for both patient and doctor.
Kiely
Insurance Benefits Coordinator
Kiely has worked in dentistry since 1997, both in Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic offices. She's spent years as an Office Manager and has extensive experience managing all aspects of dental insurance coverage, ensuring accurate billing, and maximizing benefits for patients. She's committed to liaising between patients, our office, and insurance companies to facilitate seamless communication and claims processing.
Kiely is also a learning coach for her youngest son, who is homeschooled. She enjoys cooking, the outdoors and spending time with her family.
Kate, RDAEF
Registered Dental Assistant with Extended Restorative Functions
Kate graduated from dental assisting school in 2011 and joined our practice just as we got back to work from the COVID shutdown in June 2020. She's been an invaluable addition to our team with her calm demeanor and invariably sunny disposition. With her years of experience in pediatric dentistry, she's a calm and reassuring presence for our many young and frightened patients.
Even with a husband and three boys at home, in 2022 Kate decided to further her education by attending University of the Pacific, Dugoni School of Dentistry to obtain her Extended Functions license. This allows her to perform a wider variety of procedures such as placing fillings after Dr. Shelby removes the decay. We're very excited to see Kate thrive in her new role!
Kate has no free time.
Heather, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Heather has been with the practice since 2006 and has been a dental assistant since 1996. Her extensive experience makes her an invaluable mentor for new staff members and a familiar face for our families, especially as we are blessed to be treating the next generation of patients.
She finds being able to help our patients' quality of life is the most rewarding part of her job. She loves easing our patients' fears and creating a pleasant dental experience while enhancing their health and boosting their confidence and self esteem. Seeing patients smiling and happy when they leave means it's been a job well done.
When she's not at the office, she enjoys gardening, yoga and meditation. She enjoys hiking with friends and BBQ-ing with family.
Jenny, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant/Treatment Coordinator
Jenny joined the practice in 2008 and got her RDA degree in 2010. She has always worked in pediatrics and has a love of educating both parents and children in good oral health. Jenny will often spend 30 minutes or more helping parents come up with a personalized prevention strategy that fits in with their lifestyle. Because Jenny attends many continuing education classes with Dr. Shelby, she is also well versed in the treatments that the doctors recommend and able to explain them in depth.
Jenny is married with five adult children and enjoys reading, skiing, hiking, backpacking and her dog, Penny.
Lauren, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Lauren has been a member of our dental team since 2018 and she received training at Carrington College. The best part of her job is helping scared or uneasy children understand and allow for treatment. It makes her day when they come to their next dental appointment confidently and unafraid. Lauren is the architect of such kid-friendly phrases as "double parked" teeth, the "Superman" cape, and "Spiderman" floss. She's a never ending source of new and creative ways to help kids enjoy their time here (and help their teeth be so "Fancy!")
When Lauren is away from work, you can find her at softball tournaments, cheer competitions, and basketball games with her three active children. She also enjoys hiking, biking, and going to the beach. If you run into her in the outdoors, she encourages you to say hello!
Sara, RDA
Registered Dental Assistant
Sara has been with the practice since 2018 and received her education at Western Career College in 2006.
The best part of her job is being around kids and helping them find their smiles. Sara is our office cheerleader, invariably in a good mood and encouraging everyone. She's a bundle of energy and helps keep us all on our toes.
When she's not at work, she's spending time with her three children adventuring, watching movies and playing games.
Dr. Smith is amazing with my 3 boys! She puts them instantly at ease and catches issues early on to save us time and money later on. The entire office staff is welcoming and professional. So lucky we found this office.