BOARD-CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTAL EXPERTISE
Your child’s safety, comfort, and clinical outcomes depend entirely on the training of their doctor. Pediatric dentistry requires more than general knowledge. It demands rigorous specialized education, clinical mastery, and a deep understanding of childhood development.
At Tiny Tooth Co., our clinical team holds the highest credentials in pediatric dentistry. We bring hospital-level training and specialized behavioral expertise to our practice, ensuring your family receives world-class care.
Dr. Andrew Vo, DDS, MS | Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
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Dr. Andrew Vo, DDS, MS | Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist ~
Dr. Andrew T. Vo sets the clinical standard for our practice. As a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, he has completed the highest level of rigorous examination by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This is a distinction earned by only a select percentage of practitioners.
His foundation in dentistry began at the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 2015. Driven to master complex cases, he completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program in 2016 through the US Army, then dedicated his career entirely to pediatrics.
In 2019, Dr. Andrew earned his Master of Dental Science (MS) and Pediatric Dentistry Certificate from The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This facility is recognized as one of the country's premier pediatric medical centers.
Advanced Clinical Focus & Leadership
Chief Resident Leadership – Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Served as Chief Resident in Pediatric Dentistry at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s leading pediatric healthcare systems. In this leadership role, Dr. Andrew Vo mentored pediatric dental residents, coordinated complex case management, and helped guide clinical protocols for advanced pediatric dental care, hospital dentistry, and interdisciplinary treatment planning.Multidisciplinary Pediatric Healthcare Collaboration
Extensive experience working alongside pediatric physicians, anesthesiologists, ENT specialists, speech therapists, and medical subspecialists to provide comprehensive dental care for children with complex medical and systemic health conditions. This collaborative approach ensures safe, evidence-based treatment for medically compromised pediatric patients.Special Needs Dentistry & Autism Care Expertise
Advanced clinical training in treating children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory sensitivities, and specialized healthcare needs. Dr. Vo focuses on creating individualized behavioral guidance techniques, sensory-adapted dental environments, and safe treatment protocols to help children with special healthcare needs receive comfortable and successful dental care.Hospital Dentistry & Pediatric Anesthesia Experience
Extensive experience providing dental treatment for children in hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers when advanced care is required. This includes comprehensive dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia for children with severe dental disease, behavioral limitations, or complex medical conditions.National Recognition & Professional Leadership
Top 40 Dentists Under 40 – Recognized for leadership, innovation, and impact in the dental profession.
USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Humanitarian Award Scholar – Honored for dedication to community service and improving access to pediatric oral healthcare.
United States Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) – Selected for this prestigious program recognizing academic excellence and leadership in healthcare.
Board Member – USC Century Club Alumni Association – Contributed to advancing alumni engagement and supporting the next generation of dental professionals.
Pediatric Oral Health Research & Policy Contributions
Dr. Vo has contributed to pediatric oral health research and national policy discussions through work with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Pediatric Oral Health Research & Policy Center.
His published policy work includes contributions to:
“Denial of Access to Operating Room Time in Hospitals for Pediatric Dental Care” – A national policy brief addressing barriers children face when attempting to access hospital-based dental treatment for severe dental disease.
This research highlights the importance of improving hospital access for pediatric dental care and advocating for children who require specialized treatment environments.
Dr. Marcus Heffner, DDS | Pediatric & Special Needs Specialist
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Dr. Marcus Heffner, DDS | Pediatric & Special Needs Specialist ~
Dr. Marcus Heffner brings a wealth of specialized clinical training, calm leadership, and genuine empathy to the care of every child and family at Tiny Tooth Co. His approach to pediatric dentistry centers on building trust, creating predictability, and helping children feel safe and understood during their dental visits.
Dr. Heffner developed his rigorous clinical foundation through an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program in Hawaii. During this time, he worked extensively with underserved pediatric populations and families facing barriers to dental care. These experiences helped shape his clinical philosophy and strengthened his commitment to advocating for children who require specialized dental support.
Through years of experience treating children with a wide range of medical, developmental, and behavioral needs, Dr. Heffner has become highly skilled at transforming high-anxiety dental visits into calm, positive, and successful experiences. His patient-centered approach allows children to build confidence and trust while receiving safe, high-quality dental care.
A Tailored Approach to Pediatric Care
Dr. Marcus believes that every child deserves an individualized dental experience. No two children are the same, and successful pediatric dentistry requires flexibility, patience, and careful attention to each child’s emotional and sensory needs.
Advanced Behavioral Guidance
Dr. Marcus is highly trained in evidence-based behavioral guidance techniques that help children feel comfortable and secure in the dental environment. By establishing trust quickly and communicating in a child-friendly way, he helps even the most anxious children successfully complete treatment.Personalized Treatment Pacing
Understanding that each child responds differently to dental care, Dr. Marcus adapts treatment pacing and clinical protocols in real time. This individualized approach allows children to move at a pace that feels safe and manageable while still achieving excellent clinical outcomes.Sensory-Aware Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Marcus is particularly attentive to sensory sensitivities and emotional cues. His calm demeanor and predictable approach help children who may struggle with dental environments feel more relaxed and in control during their visits.Collaborative Care with Parents
Dr. Marcus values strong communication with parents and caregivers. He works closely with families to ensure they feel heard, respected, and actively involved in the treatment planning process. This partnership helps parents feel confident about their child’s dental care and long-term oral health.
Expertise in Complex Pediatric Dental Needs
Dr. Marcus has extensive experience treating children with complex developmental, medical, and behavioral challenges. His clinical training allows him to safely and effectively care for children who may require additional patience, specialized techniques, or a modified dental environment.
Dr. Marcus frequently treats children with:
Autism spectrum disorder
Sensory processing differences
Dental anxiety and dental phobia
Developmental delays
Medical conditions that require specialized dental protocols
Extensive dental comprehensive care under General Anesthesia
His goal is always to ensure that every child receives compassionate, safe, and effective dental care regardless of their unique needs.
Academic Leadership & Teaching
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Marcus has contributed to the education and mentorship of future dentists. He served as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one of the nation’s leading pediatric healthcare institutions.
In this role, he helped guide dental residents in pediatric clinical techniques, behavioral management strategies, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. His involvement in academic dentistry reflects his commitment to advancing pediatric dental education and improving care for children nationwide.
Commitment to Children and Families
It the heart of Dr. Marcus’ work is a simple philosophy: children deserve to feel safe, respected, and cared for during every dental visit.
His ability to connect with children, combined with his strong clinical training and gentle approach, allows families to feel confident that their child is receiving exceptional pediatric dental care in a supportive environment.
Together with Dr. Andrew Vo, Dr. Marcus helps lead Tiny Tooth Co.’s mission of providing modern, compassionate pediatric dentistry where all big smiles start tiny.
The Clinical Standard for Special Healthcare Needs
Every child deserves a dental home equipped to handle their specific needs. Our doctors do not rely on standard approaches. We utilize evidence-based guidelines and our extensive hospital residency training to treat children with complex physical, developmental, and sensory conditions safely and effectively.
Experience the Highest Standard of Clinical Care
You should never have to compromise when it comes to your child's health. At Tiny Tooth Co., our advanced hospital training and board-certified expertise translate directly into a safer, more comfortable, and highly predictable dental experience for your family.
Whether your child needs a routine preventative exam or specialized behavioral support, you are in expert hands. We are currently accepting new patients at our Costa Mesa clinic.