At Kids Dental Center, our top priority is to prevent dental disease and maintain the best dental health for infants, children, and teenagers, including those with special needs. Our team takes pride in providing a modern, gentle approach to pediatric dental care and oral health. Prevention and education are the keys to the proactive approach we practice!
Dr. Carlos Valenzuela
Dr. Valenzuela (known by his patients as "Dr. V") is originally from San Diego, CA but was raised in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Valenzuela attended the University of Arizona where he obtained a triple degree in Microbiology, Chemistry, and Spanish on a four-year scholarship. Dr. Valenzuela was awarded the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship coming out of high school. He pursued his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dental Medicine & Oral Health, graduating in 2015.
Dr. Valenzuela followed his brother-in-law's (Dr. Abdoll's) footsteps and completed his training in pediatric dentistry from the distinguished Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine where he graduated with excellence in orthodontics and patient care in 2017. While in residency, Dr. Valenzuela had the privilege to work in multiple affiliated hospitals and community centers (Franciscan Children’s, Boston Medical Center and East Boston Community Health Center) that exposed him to a diverse and culturally rich population of patients.
Dr. Valenzuela received extensive training in treating patients with special needs and medically compromised (cancer, blood disorders) comprehensive pediatric dentistry, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, hospital dentistry, space management and appliance therapy, behavior management, emergencies/trauma, and oral surgery.
Dr. Valenzuela recently passed the written portion of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry examination and now awaits to take the oral portion of the examination to become a Board Certified (Diplomate) Pediatric Dentist. Dr. Valenzuela is committed to providing the latest dental care and technology to his patients by attending year-round continuing education courses.
In his spare time, Dr. Valenzuela enjoys watching college basketball (Arizona Wildcats), traveling, the gym, and spending time with family and loved ones.
Dr. Valenzuela's Licensure and Certifications:
- American Dental Association
- Western Regional Boards
- Active Arizona Dental License
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- CPR
- Arizona Sedation License
- Active Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Massachusetts Dental License 2015-2017
- Surgery Center and Hospital Credentialed
-
Soft Tissue Laser Certified
- Active Member of American Orthodontic Society
Dr. Timothy Yu – Orthodontist
Originally from the Midwest, Dr. Timothy Yu was born and raised in Michigan and went to Oberlin College in Ohio where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He continued his love of science by attending Temple University School of Dentistry in Pennsylvania where he earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree, graduating near the top of his class.
During dental school, he found his life’s calling - orthodontics - and continued his pursuit by remaining at Temple University to complete his orthodontics residency and earning a Master’s of Science Degree and Orthodontics Specialty Certificate. During residency, he was able to explore many cutting-edge areas of orthodontics, culminating in his master’s thesis studying the effectiveness of Invisalign compared to conventional braces. As a resident, he also enjoyed introducing dental students to the intricacies of orthodontics as a preclinical lab instructor. In 2008, he moved to Phoenix with his wife Lucia and began to set roots, welcoming their first child Noah in 2010.
Dr. Yu is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and is an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontics, and American Board of Orthodontics. In his spare time, he loves golfing and spending time with his wife and family.
Dr. Todd Christensen - Dentist Anesthesiologist
Dr. Christensen has been practicing in the Valley since 2002. He brings a high level of experience and expertise to Kids Dental Center and helps to ensure that our patients receive optimal dental care by minimizing discomfort and making it possible for dental work to be completed. His goal is to deliver the anesthesia in a way that is comfortable for every child and parent. Dr. Christensen is always happy to address any questions or concerns that children and parents might have in regards to anesthesia.
Dr. Christensen was born in New Mexico, but was raised in Mesa, so he considers himself an Arizona native. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1987 and then enjoyed two years of community and missionary service in Peru. He earned his Bachelor of Science from the University of Utah, completed dental school at the University of Connecticut in 2000, and was accepted into Loma Linda University Dental Anesthesiology residency. In 2002 he moved back to Arizona where he currently resides in Gilbert with his wife Cheryl and their children Nick, Zach, and Emily.
Dr. Christensen is a Diplomate of the National Board of Anesthesiology and is a Fellow within the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He is also a fluent Spanish-speaker.
In his free time, Dr. Christensen enjoys time with his family and time spent outdoors, hiking, biking, camping, basketball, sightseeing, and great music.