Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists are specialists equivalent to the pediatricians of dentistry. We are one of eight specialities recognized by the American Dental Association. We must complete a minimum of two years advanced training beyond the general dentist degree in order to be licensed to treat children exclusively.

Our specialist training includes:

child psychology; we anticipate a child's needs so we can guide them appropriately and communicate with them at their level of understanding

overall growth & development with special focus on facial, jaw and tooth development

childhood illnesses and diseases

anxiety and pain management (with and without medication)

 

Arnold Tracht, DDS, MS

Dr. Tracht, affectionately called "Dr. T" by his staff and patients, is a native Detroiter. He completed his general dental degree, and specialty program in pediatric dentistry, at the University of Michigan in 1973 and 1975 respectively.

He is married to his college sweetheart, Janice who is a social worker, published author and artist. They have three grown children.

In addition to his specialty in pediatric dentistry, Dr. Tracht has advanced training in interceptive or "early treatment" orthodontics. He is recognized for his success in identifying and correcting teeth and jaw problems early (usually between the ages of 4-9 years) and guiding facial development. Early treatment can minimize, and sometimes eliminate, more extensive and costly orthodontic treatment when the child is older and all of the permanent teeth are present.

Affiliations:
American Dental Association
Michigan Dental Association
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Society of Dentistry for Children
Former clinical instructor, Dental Clinic at St. Joseph Hospital; Pontiac Michigan
Past specialty examiner for the Michigan State Board of Dentistry

 

Lisa Goldberg, DDS

Dr. Goldberg is a native of the metro Detroit area. She earned her DDS degree at the University of Detroit in 1991 and completed her specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in 1994. Dr. Goldberg's husband (also a dentist) and four children are the focus of her life. Dr. Goldberg was recently addressed as "Dr. Old Bird" by a four year old patient!

Affiliations:
American Dental Association
Michigan Dental Association
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Society of Dentistry for Children

 

Priya Kothari, DMD

Dr. Kothari is a native of Toronto, Canada. She graduated in General Dentistry from Boston University in 1997 and then completed a one-year advanced General Dentistry training program at the University of Pennsylvania in 1998. After practicing as a general dentist for almost ten years with a particular focus on treating children, Dr. Kothari returned to academia to pursue specialty training in pediatric dentistry. In 2007, she completed her postgraduate training in Pediatric Dentistry at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

Affiliations:
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
International Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Dental Association
Canadian Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow

 

Daniel Briskie, DDS

"Dr. Dan" is a 1985 graduate of the State University of NY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. He completed his specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at the Mott Children’s Health Center in Michigan in 1987. He received his Board Certification from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 1993 and was inducted as a Fellow into the International College of Dentists for his accomplishments and contributions to the field of dentistry. Dr. Briskie is an Adjunct Professor in the University of Michigan Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.

He lives with his wife, older children and a grandson in Grand Blanc. Dr. Briskie is an avid Detroit Pistons fan and outdoorsman. He has remained involved with coaching a variety of youth sports for over 15 years and has a special enthusiasm for soccer.

Affiliations:
American Dental Association
Michigan Dental Association
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
International College of Dentists
Hurley Medical Center Department of Surgery
University of Michigan Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry

 

Nicholas T. Rafaill, DDS

Dr. Rafaill, together with Dr. Tracht, has developed a comprehensive program to provide total orthodontic care for children and adults. Dr. Rafaill earned his dental degree from the University of Minnesota in 1992 and completed his specialty training in orthodontics and temporomandibular joint disorders from the Eastman Dental Center, New York. Dr. Rafaill and his wife are the proud parents of two children.

Affiliations:
World Federation of Orthodontists
American Association of Orthodontists
Michigan Association of Orthodontists
Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists
American Dental Association
Michigan Dental Association

 

 

Community Service


Our staff takes an active role as dental educators in our community, helping to promote our goal of creating a cavity free generation! Dr. Tracht's Community Outreach Program has become a favorite among local preschool and elementary programs. We provide youngsters with a fun introduction to dentistry and oral health. Last year our hygienists visited over 3,000 students in classrooms throughout the area! We are frequent speakers at various parenting groups, scout meetings and civic functions, as well.