Dr. Heidi Vatanka, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
410.7 mi · 224 North Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314
At a glance
4.84 stars (55 reviews)
97% are satisfied with this provider ·
Accepts 20 insurances
Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, more+ ·
Works at Parker-Gray Pediatric Dental Care
Speaks English and Norwegian
4.84
55 reviews
Bedside manner
4.8
Wait time
4.6
Recent reviews
The staff and dental highgentist and doctor were awesome and we're able to get our son do most of what they wanted him to do. Very kid friendly.
April 3, 2017Elijah M.Verified patient
This was my daughter's first dental appointment and I was a bit worried about how it would go as she gives me trouble just to brush her teeth. The hygienist and the dentist were both very patient and very prepared, having things to distract her so they could do what they needed to. The visit went a lot better than I expected.
More than 1 year agoLayla D.Verified patient
Office location
Parker-Gray Pediatric Dental Care
410.7 mi · 224 North Fayette St, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Heidi Vatanka does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Delta Dental
Guardian
Metlife
UnitedHealthcare
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Delta Dental
Popular visit reasons
Crown
Filling
Milk Tooth Filling
Pediatric Dental Cleaning
Pediatric Dentist Consultation
Root Canal
Thumb / Pacifier Habit Counseling
Wisdom Tooth Problem
Crown
Filling
Milk Tooth Filling
Pediatric Dental Cleaning
More about Dr. Heidi Vatanka, DDS
*Please look out for an email with the practice MEDICAL HISTORY FORM attached, complete this out and bring to the office with you to make sure check in goes smoothly!*
Dr. Heidi Vatanka graduated from dental school at the University of Oslo, Norway in 1997. Upon graduation, she worked as a general dentist in Norway and in the United Kingdom providing comprehensive dental care to children and adults.While in the UK she completed one year of General Professional Training through the University of Cambridge. Her passion for children’s dentistry matured while working as a general dentist for over ten years.
In pursuit of her goal to become a children’s dental specialist, she enrolled in the Pediatric Dentistry Postdoctoral Program at Howard University College of Dentistry. In June, 2011 she graduated at the top of her class and received the Pediatric Dentistry Award for demonstrating academic excellence and overall clinical proficiency. Dr. Vatanka is American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Board Certified and is the recipient of the Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award honoring the top three percent scores of the May 2011 Qualifying Examination.
Dr. Vatanka’s international experience in dentistry brings a unique perspective to pediatric dental care. She has a gentle and conservative approach to dental treatment with an emphasis on prevention of dental problems in children. She believes in making every child’s dental visit a positive experience in order to ensure a lifelong positive attitude to dental and oral health.
Dr Vatanka is married, has a son and a daughter and resides in Alexandria. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and playing soccer.
Education & experience
Education
Dental School - University of Oslo
Howard University, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
Howard University, Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
Practice
Parker-Gray Pediatric Dental Care
Certifications
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Professional memberships
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry
Awards and publications
Richard C. Pugh Achievement Award honoring the top three percent scores of the May 2011 Qualifying Examination
Pediatric Dentistry Award for demonstrating academic excellence and overall clinical proficiency
Background
Languages spoken
English
Norwegian
Gender
Female
NPI number
#1043585995
Heidi Vatanka does not participate in Zocdoc to offer online booking at this time
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Top-rated
Closest to you
Available today
Dr. Kambiz Tavakkoli, DMD
Dentist
4.7576 reviews
0 mi1500 King St, Ste 300, Alexandria, VA, 22314
4.7576 reviews
0 mi1500 King St, Ste 300, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Hisham Merdad, BDS
Pediatric Dentist
4.9522 reviews
10.5 mi8316 Arlington Blvd, Ste 305, Fairfax, VA, 22031
Next available: Apr 7
4.9522 reviews
10.5 mi8316 Arlington Blvd, Ste 305, Fairfax, VA, 22031
Next available: Apr 7
Qurrat-ul-Anne Yousaf, BDS
Dentist
4.7330 reviews
9 mi815 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA, 22046
4.7330 reviews
9 mi815 W Broad St, Falls Church, VA, 22046
There are currently no additional providers matching this criteria
Dr. Irene Shin, DDS
Dentist
4.9625 reviews
0.5 mi303 S Columbus St, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Next available: Apr 7
4.9625 reviews
0.5 mi303 S Columbus St, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Next available: Apr 7
Dr. Asad Ansari, DDS
Dentist
4.2634 reviews
6 mi901 N Stuart St, Ste 101, Arlington, VA, 22203
Next available: Apr 3
4.2634 reviews
6 mi901 N Stuart St, Ste 101, Arlington, VA, 22203
Next available: Apr 3
Dr. Manish Rao, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
4.6635 reviews
12 mi6931 Arlington Rd, Suite T-200, Bethesda, MD, 20814
Next available: Apr 3
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Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
4.84
Wait time
4.57
Bedside manner
4.81
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
55 reviews
Most relevant
Marianna was fantastic with my daughter! So happy her first visit to the dentist was a pleasurable one!
March 30, 2015Audrey A.Verified patient
The office is beautiful, very welcoming. The staff are excellent with children and very comforting.
March 20, 2015Harlow T.Verified patient
My 3-year old son liked today's visit. He says he wasn't scared and he wants to visit her again!
December 22, 2014Naoki K.Verified patient
The staff is very caring, friendly, and warm. My son loved it there.
January 12, 2016Ben D.Verified patient
We had a great visit at Parker Gray and will definitely go back.
January 29, 2015Initials hidden
Lovely, thorough, explanatory, great with my boys!
September 3, 2014Initials hidden
The staff and dental highgentist and doctor were awesome and we're able to get our son do most of what they wanted him to do. Very kid friendly.
April 3, 2017Elijah M.Verified patient
This was my daughter's first dental appointment and I was a bit worried about how it would go as she gives me trouble just to brush her teeth. The hygienist and the dentist were both very patient and very prepared, having things to distract her so they could do what they needed to. The visit went a lot better than I expected.
More than 1 year agoLayla D.Verified patient
Dr. V was very pleasant and patient with my shy 3 1/2 yr old during his very first visit to the dentist. I would recommend her (and the practice) to others!
February 7, 2017Initials hidden
Doctor didn't check my son's teeth at all. I really don't know what the role of a referral letter is in here. I checked in the website and it clearly said that you accept Kaiser Permanente insurance and when my wife and son visited for the SET appointment, you asked about referral letter that they didn't have with them. :(((
November 18, 2016Mir M.Verified patient
What a fantastic first dental experience for both my daughter and myself. The office personal, Dentist, and Dental Hygienist were all amazing. This office is super clean and adorable!
November 16, 2016Maggiem M.Verified patient
I enjoy coming here. I take my hat off to her my son sometimes gives her a hard time. She still keeps her patience and keeps it professional. I couldn't ask for a better dentist for my children. The lobby is kid friendly provided with ipads. The kids completely forget they are at the dentist!
July 21, 2016Malachi L.Verified patient
Excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 10, 2016Faith C.Verified patient
Great experience with our 3 year old. Professional, friendly staff. Great facility. Immediately put my child at ease and have been great about answering our questions and concerns.
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
I truly enjoy taking my daughter here. Not only is Ms.Vantanka so sweet but she is very professional. She knows exactly what she is doing and great with kids! Also her assistant is amazing, overall such great staff! I don't live anywhere near her office,but it is well worth making the long trip for such wonderful service!
March 2, 2016Laloni S.Verified patient
I was really happy that Dr. Vatanka was sensitive to our needs. My daughter has the beginning of decay on a few teeth. Instead of insisting on putting cavity fillings at all the possible areas, Dr. Vatanka spoke to us honestly and gave us some choices. This was such an important part of the visit for me and convinced me that this practice was a quality one.
The hygienist's were great with the girls. They were professional, took their time, and seemed to be very happy employees.
The practice itself is very clean and very child-centered. The girls had fun and felt proud of themselves after their first trip to the dentist.
January 8, 2016Camilla V.Verified patient
The facilities are very modern and attractive. The hygienist Mariana took plenty of time to explain to my 2 1/2 year old exactly what was going to happen and show him all the tools. Her calm, careful approach kept him from being worried. Dr. Vatanka was very friendly and also put my son at ease. The receptionist was very helpful in scheduling future appointments and explaining our insurance benefits. I will look forward to future visits at this office!
September 3, 2015Ronan M.Verified patient
Dr. Vatanka, her front office staff, and her hygientists are great! I took both of my daughters to the office recently. One of them is very shy and the hygeniest and Dr. Vatanka were very caring and took their time explaining to her what they were going to do. Both of my girls walked away excited for their next visit!
September 17, 2015Adeline S.Verified patient
We saw Dr. Vatanka again yesterday. Though I booked the appointment date a month ago, Ihad to change our appointment time twice due to circumstances and they were very accomodating. My teenaged daughter and I love the staff and the doctor and would highly recommend this practice. I also heard the possibility of an orthodontist joining the practice in the near future so this is a good opportunity for parents who are thinking about getting braces for their kids and teeth cleaned and taken care of all in one office.
More than 1 year agoHannah L.Verified patient
It was great
September 10, 2015Ibrahim S.Verified patient
High impression and professionality.
April 28, 2015Sarida I.Verified patient
I took my teenaged daughter to see Dr. Vatanka last week for the first time and I must say I was very impressed with Dr. Vatanka and her staff. Staff members and nurses were warm and helpful. Dr. Vatanka listened to my concerns about my daughter's dental health, she was very thorough and gentle with my daughter and afterwards she explained everything to me very clearly.
The office is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria so the parking may be tricky. I would suggest arriving a little early for your appointment to secure a space. Also, the office was roomy, very clean and pretty, and had a corner with tablets for older kids' use. I am very happy to have found Dr. Vatanka on ZocDoc and I highly recommend her.
April 7, 2015Initials hidden
Wonderful! It couldn't have gone better.
April 24, 2015Beckham B.Verified patient
Dr. Vatanka and her staff managed to make my very nervous 6 year old feel like he was at a playground and not in a dentist's office. He loved being there, didn't mind the teeth cleaning and is looking forward to his next visit. Dr. Vatanka did a thorough investigation with full x-Rays as this was our first visit to this office. Very child friendly practice with great staff and doctors.
January 22, 2015Initials hidden
The whole staff, starting with the office to the hygienist and ending with the dentist, was phenomenal! They were super child friendly every step of the way. The office is very clean and inviting. The hygienist did a great job of walking my son through every step, which obviously made him feel comfortable and have an enjoyable first dental experience.
February 28, 2015John R.Verified patient
Dr Heidi and her staff was very friendly , made my kids feel comfortable and not scared instead they were very happy
Also dr Heidi was very professional and gave some good recommendations
January 30, 2015Initials hidden
Wonderful with our children!
February 13, 2015Henry F.Verified patient
Heidi is very personable and explanatory with my 5 and 2 year old sons about the procedures. Both boys cooperated and enjoyed their visit.
January 22, 2015Myles C.Verified patient
Top Notch Service!
August 28, 2014Max L.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoRachael C.Verified patient
March 30, 2017Miliani W.Verified patient
February 27, 2017Skylar S.Verified patient
January 24, 2017Initials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
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August 24, 2016Initials hidden
July 19, 2016Devin V.Verified patient
May 3, 2016Olivia F.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoDarya M.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoRico G.Verified patient
March 31, 2016Initials hidden
January 29, 2016Rose B.Verified patient
January 6, 2016Initials hidden
October 6, 2015Noah M.Verified patient
August 19, 2015Thomas Becker A.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
May 4, 2015Joory A.Verified patient
March 12, 2015Mohammed N.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
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What practice does Dr. Heidi Vatanka work with?
Dr. Heidi Vatanka works with Parker-Gray Pediatric Dental Care.
Where is Dr. Heidi Vatanka's office located?
Dr. Heidi Vatanka's office is located at 224 North Fayette St, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Which board certifications does Dr. Heidi Vatanka have?
Dr. Heidi Vatanka is certified by American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Heidi Vatanka?
Dr. Heidi Vatanka frequently sees patients for Crown, Filling, Pediatric Dentist Consultation, Root Canal, and Wisdom Tooth Problem. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Heidi Vatanka on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Heidi Vatanka speak?
Dr. Heidi Vatanka speaks English and Norwegian.
How do patients rate Dr. Heidi Vatanka in reviews?
55 patients have reviewed Dr. Heidi Vatanka. The overall rating for this doctor is 4.84/5. They have a 4.81/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.57/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.