The Pediatric dentist is the specialist who is dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teenage years.  The very young, preteens, and teenagers all need different approaches in dealing with their behavior; guiding their dental growth and development, and helping them avoid future dental problems. 

Pediatric dentists have had special training which allows them to provide the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for a wide variety of children's dental needs.  They are trained and qualified to treat special patients who may have emotional, physical, or mental handicaps.

Robert C. Payne, D.D.S., M.A.

Dr. Robert C. Payne, " Dr Bob", graduated from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids in 1967 with a Bachelor Of Science degree in Biology.  He received his dental degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI in 1971.  Following four years in the United States Air Force Dental Corp, he established a family practice in Grand Rapids.  Dr. Bob's interest in taking care of children's dental needs led him to return to specialty training in pediatric dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas where he received his specialty degree in 1981.  He was asked to stay on the faculty at the dental school after he completed his residency in Pediatric Dentistry.  He taught graduate and undergraduate students on a full time basis for three years and part time for approximately four years. He was also in a private pediatric dental practice in the San Antonio area.  During his time on the faculty, Dr. Bob received his Master of Arts Degree in Higher Education.  In 1986, he and his family returned to their " roots" in Grand Rapids.  Dr. Payne is a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.  He is a member of the President's Circle of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation.  He has lectured nationally and internationally on various pediatric dental topics as well as authored or co-authored several articles on a variety of dental topics.  Dr. Bob presently serves on the Pediatric Dental Peer Review Committee for the Michigan Dental Association.  He is a member of the following:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry American Dental Association

• Michigan Dental Association

• West Michigan Dental Society

• Kent County Dental Society

• American Orthodontic Society

• Active Staff-Spectrum Health Hospital

He and his wife Sue have been married forty years. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Our Team

Our administrative and clinical staff has a combined experience in pediatric dentistry of 124 years!  They are highly skilled in taking care of all your child's dental needs.  Their training enables them to provide a professional and pleasant experience not only for our patients but the parents as well.  They are truly a " team" and will do everything possible to make your child's time at our office as stress-free and comfortable as possible.