Why Families Choose Gateway Little Smiles for a Pediatric Dentist in St. Peters

Young patient holding a teddy bear during a pediatric dental exam in the St. Louis area.

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At Gateway Little Smiles, Dr. Corey Hastings leads our locally owned pediatric dental practice, passionate about creating healthy, confident smiles. As a trusted pediatric dentist in St. Peters, he delivers personalized, gentle care that helps children feel comfortable during every visit. Our team believes in making dental care fun, educational, and effective—because we know a positive early experience sets the tone for a lifetime of oral health.

Creating a Kid-Friendly Dental Experience

Walking into a dental office can feel intimidating for a child. Our staff greets patients with a warm smile, friendly conversation, and a welcoming environment. The dentist and team explain each step in a way kids can understand. We focus on helping children build confidence in the chair while teaching them the value of strong dental habits.

Our goal is simple: make your child feel at home while receiving exceptional care.

Here’s how we do it:

  • We use age-appropriate language to explain procedures.
  • Our staff listens to each child’s concerns and answers their questions.
  • The doctor personalizes treatment based on your child’s unique dental needs.
  • Our exam rooms feel cheerful and non-threatening to help reduce anxiety.

When your child feels safe and respected, they’ll look forward to coming back—and that’s exactly what we see every day.

Prevention Comes First

Preventive care gives every child a strong foundation for lifelong dental health. The dentist doesn’t just check for cavities. He performs thorough exams for signs of early developmental concerns, bite issues, and gum health. Our team coaches families on brushing, flossing, and nutrition, which play a big role in oral wellness.

We also provide:

  • Professional cleanings and fluoride treatments
  • Sealants to protect hard-to-reach molars
  • Space maintainers, when necessary
  • Guidance on thumb-sucking, pacifiers, and teething

The doctor ensures each patient leaves with tools and knowledge to care for their smile at home.

Gentle Care During Every Procedure

Our team takes extra steps to ease children’s nerves when treatment goes beyond cleaning. The dentist speaks calmly, moves gently, and encourages open communication throughout every procedure. Kids can watch their favorite shows or listen to music to distract and relax. We offer minimally invasive techniques to ensure the smoothest possible recovery. Whether we fill a cavity or place a crown, we move with care, precision, and empathy.

Building Trust With Parents

As parents, you want the best for your child. That’s why we keep you informed at every stage of care. Our team discusses each diagnosis and walks you through the treatment options. We respect your input and create plans that make sense for your family.

Here’s how we support you:

  • We explain clinical findings in plain language.
  • Our staff answers all your questions thoroughly.
  • We schedule appointments with your convenience in mind.
  • You can stay with your child during most treatments.

We treat you like a partner in your child’s health, and that partnership leads to better outcomes.

A Long-Term Dental Home

We don’t just want to see your child once. We want to grow with your family. From a baby’s first tooth through the teen years, the dentist offers consistent, age-appropriate care that evolves with your child’s needs. Because our office focuses only on pediatric dentistry, every tool, technique, and team member specializes in caring for kids.

When children build long-term trust with their provider, they feel empowered to take control of their health. That’s what we aim for every day at Gateway Little Smiles.

Pediatric Dentist in St. Peters

Give your child a dental home that feels warm, personal, and trustworthy. At Gateway Little Smiles in St. Peters, Missouri, Dr. Corey Hastings provides expert, compassionate care in a setting that puts kids first. When you are ready to schedule your child’s first appointment,  contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Corey Hastings. Visit us soon for a trusted pediatric dentist in St. Peters.

We Have Three Convenient Locations!

At Gateway Little Smiles, the office amenities include TVs with streaming services, headphones for a personal experience, a variety of toys for fun breaks, a gumball machine with exciting prizes, and thoughtful goodie bags to make every day a little brighter.

Smiling child in outdoor setting symbolizing healthy smiles in Greater St. Louis.

We Love Our Patients!

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Jimmy Wilson
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Dr. Ashley and Ms. Teressa had me and my two kids in & out, with a quick but comprehensive appointment. Thank you!
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Chelsea Brown
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There so amazing
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AFineMess
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More than happy with all staff! They go above and beyond every day, and it shows!
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Randy Reitz
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Took my grandkids to this office today and was totally impressed with the service. Teressa, Zoe and Dr. Ashley were all kind, attentive and informative of their needs. It was a great experience.
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Alexandra Hurtado
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My daughter’s first dental appointment and we both had a great experience! Zoe was SO kind and made the experience less scary for my daughter and Dr. Culver was very knowledgeable and gentle with her as well! The entire office staff was really nice and welcoming. Definitely recommend for your little ones :)
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Grelissa Baker
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I love Gateway Little Smiles. Dr. Ashley was very patient, fun and personable.
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Kyesha Wilson
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I gave this place of business a 5 star because they are pretty awesome! However what i experienced today was a bit confusing. I took my 7 yr old for tooth extraction (first time ever getting a tooth pulled) when they came out to get him I was instructed to stay in waiting area..I proceed to ask why and was told “we try to do things without the parent “ now if you’re teaching independence I get it but, explain that to the parent and give them that option still . Mind you there were 3 parents after me that went back with their children , My son went back without me and ended up soiling himself which has never happened (he’s 7). I was not pleased, he told me beforehand that he was scared. Will I still recommend this place? Absolutely! But I will be verbal next time about going back with my son. I do want to mention I spoke to the front desk about it and she offered for me to go back but my attitude wasn’t in the right place. I believe if I went back with him he would have never peed himself.
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Nicole Picotte
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They are so great with kids! Even when my daughter was scared they made her feel better!
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Reva Reeder
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We absolutely love going here!