Dr. Susan Vickers

Complete Dental Care For Your Child

Could someone who played NCAA basketball for a legendary coach provide the best in dental care for your child? If the basketball player were Dr. Susan Vickers, the answer would be a resounding “Yes!”
Vickers played for the University of Maryland, one of college basketball’s best programs. As a member of the women’s team, she honed the positive and energetic mindset that propelled her to earn two separate certifications in dentistry.
A pediatric dentist begins and manages a child’s ongoing dental health. But if the child needs orthodontic care, it’s necessary to find a qualified orthodontist at a different dental office. That’s not the case when your child is under the care of Vickers, who is board certified in pediatric dentistry and is also an orthodontist. This unusual combination of qualifications means your child can receive all his or her care from the same, familiar dentist.
An Ocean City native, Vickers manages her practice from two convenient locations in Salisbury and Berlin, Md. Her young patients feel comfortable in the bright, modern offices. At the Salisbury location, a large sand castle — begging to be explored — awaits your child in the waiting room. The child-friendly surroundings calm the fear that can accompany a visit to the dentist.
To learn more about her dental services, we talked to Vickers recently in her Salisbury office.
Q: What services do you provide to young patients?
A: “Pediatric dentistry includes preventive care and teeth cleaning for infants, children and teenagers. We like to follow our patients until they’re in their early twenties, when they can ‘graduate’ to a general practice. We also provide orthodontic care to adolescents and adults at both office locations.”
Q: It’s unusual to find a dentist who is dual trained in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Where did you receive your dental education?
A: “I completed two dental residencies, earning a certificate in pediatric dentistry from the Baylor College of Dentistry and a certificate in orthodontics at the University of Louisville.”
Q: Why is early dental care so important for children?
A: “Early dental care is about more than creating a nice smile. It lays a foundation for dental health later in life. My goal is to prevent cavities and to monitor a child’s dental and facial bone development. When problems are addressed at an early age, it reduces the level of treatment necessary if the child were older.”
Q: Is there a “best age” for a child’s orthodontic treatment?
A: “Yes. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic screening for children by age seven. We can evaluate the teeth and jaw to see if there might be a bite problem in the future. Orthodontic problems can be addressed more easily — and less expensively — when a patient is young, because the surrounding bone structures are still growing and flexible.”
Q: What suggestions do you have for parents who are concerned about the cost of orthodontics?
A: “Parents should review insurance policies thoroughly to identify any provisions that may provide coverage. I encourage insurance education for parents. Here at Seaside Smiles we participate with a number of insurance plans so it’s likely we’ll be able to accommodate coverage. We also offer payment plans for costs not covered by insurance.”
Q: Children are frequently afraid of dental procedures. How can these fears be eased?
A: “Parents can help by reading children’s dental books with their children. The books can reduce fear of the unknown by instilling a ‘safe’ attitude about dental procedures before they begin. I also recommend using positive words in a positive setting. This creates a positive attitude about a situation that kids find scary.”
Vickers provides the highest quality of dental care with the support of staff that holds its own impressive credentials. Some have worked in dentistry more than 20 years. Another staff member teaches dental radiology at Wor-Wic Community College and is the author of the children’s dental book, “Mommy What’s This? Mommy Where Are We Going?”
You’ll find a front office staff that delivers a warm reception and exceptional customer service. Like a good basketball team, Vickers and her staff work together to make your child’s dental care pleasant and effective. For all your child’s dental care needs, choose Dr. Susan Vickers to put a smile on his or her face.

Visit Susan E. Vickers, DMD, MS at Seaside Smiles. Vickers has offices at 6512-A Deer Pointe Dr., Salisbury, Md. and at 10445 Old Ocean City Blvd., Ste. 12, Berlin, Md. Call 410-749-0009 for more information and hours, or visit www.seasidesmilesmd.com.