Dr. Purnima Hernandez

BDS, DDS, MA, MA, BCBA, NBC-HWC

 

Dr. Hernandez, triple board certified as a pediatric dentist, behavior analyst and a health and wellness coach, has been in practice for over 30 years after receiving her education from Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Also a trained functional medicine provider, she was drawn to finding a better understanding of how lifestyle factors influence health. Her vision now is to integrate knowledge from all of these disciplines to further help the children she sees in her practice every day.

 

Learn all about Dr. Hernandez here.

Dr. Hernandez’ Triple Board Certifications Offer Many Personalized Interventions

 

At Bergen Pediatric Dentistry we pride in PERSONALIZATION of oral healthcare. We are Bio-Individuals, meaning each body is different from another and our experiences are varied. Our social, lifestyle, cultural beliefs may vary. Hence, while based in science, personalization of treatment plans is necessary for success. Our goal is to help educate, guide and provide a comprehensive oral health plan strategies that are borrowed from a variety of disciplines to manage disease processes.

 

We specialize in:

• Full-service Pediatric Dentistry, Behavioral Dentistry, “Wholistic” Dentistry & Growth & Development (Interceptive, Airway, Sleep Considerations).

Our Doctors are pediatric dentists, specializing in the treatment and prevention of dental disease, as well as the overall oral health of children. Through extra years of schooling, training, experience, and certification, a pediatric dentist is uniquely qualified to treat the dental needs of infants, children, and adolescents.

 

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

 

A pediatric patient has needs that are different than an adult. It is not limited to working on tiny teeth and their preservation. The focus is establishing a dental home early for a lifetime of excellence in oral health which is integral to overall health. In training to qualify as a pediatric dentist, the learner is exposed to education in child specific issues and extensive training (practice) when working with children. This includes education in child psychology, management of their behavioral responses, early orthodontics to guide growth, providing complex oral rehabilitation under sedation and preventative services.

 

We like to feel that you and your child do not come to our office to have their “cavities fixed” but rather to prevent them. Our mission is to provide all of the educational tools necessary for our patients to enjoy a cavity-free future.

 

What is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?

 

When a Pediatric Dentist is Board Certified it means that the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry or ABPD certifies that the dental care being provided is based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents and patients with special health care needs. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a Pediatric Dentist, like Dr. Hernandez, has successfully completed accredited training and a voluntary examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to the delivery of quality patient care.

 

Our Strengths

  • Collective Experience - We have 40 years of collective experience
  • Offer full & concierge dental services (link everything office)
  • Learning - is a lifestyle & age is no limitation to learn. We are constantly engaged in learning via CE courses both receiving and sharing with colleagues around the world
  • Technology- we are a group of “Techy Ladies” and include the latest & updated technology
  • Safe space – creating safe spaces for all is our effort, goal and service
  • Soft Skills Matter: we lead with respect, empathy, compassion, and invite a collaborative approach in which parents are key stakeholders in the designing their child’s health
  • Everything matters and everything is connected – allows us to consider inclusion of concepts from a variety of disciplines to help influence overall health

Your Child’s First Visit

 

 

When should I bring my child to the dentist?

 

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should see a dentist as soon as the first tooth appears, or by their first birthday. Ask Dr. Hernandez about a no-cost infant oral health exam before age one.

 

What to expect

 

We strive to make our ambiance as relaxing as possible for our families to find a safe space in our environment. But our effort is to build relationships with our children to build safe space within. It is from this safe space that fear is addressed and eliminated. This may require interacting with children one-one in presence of parents. Our effort is to collaborate with parents in understanding the child and jointly making decisions to best serve the person in the chair. All interactions conducted with Empathy, Compassion and Respect bidirectionally.

 

How to prepare

 

We have prepared video models and social stories for your child to watch beforehand so they are introduced to the dental equipment pre-visit. They may also observe a common exam and cleaning. Dr. Hernandez has produced several videos to help children and their parents prepare for their visit. Click here to watch!

 

What to Bring (VIDEO MODELS and SOCIAL STORIES)

 

Please have your new patient paperwork completed. If you have dental insurance, please make sure to bring your card and your driver’s license. Payment is due at the time of service.

 

Bring your smiles too! We can’t wait to meet you and your child(ren)!

Moments From Our Practice

Our Pediatric Dental Office

Research has shown that oral health is key to one’s wellbeing and influences overall health of a person. Mouth is an important part of the body and plays an important role in many functions such as eating, speech to sleep disordered breathing. At Bergen Pediatric Dentistry we practice “oral medicine” to improve your child’s health. Discussions of lifestyle factors and its influence on disease process is part of every conversation. Here, dentistry and medicine are not separated but rather integrated to promote best overall health.

 

Often dental procedures can be challenging for children of all ages and abilities. At Bergen Pediatric Dentistry we are committed to making these experiences comfortable, meaningful, educational and even fun. Our goal is to teach “healthcare tolerance” to all children so that they can grow to develop a positive association in dental environments thought out their lifetime. We have created a “safe space” for children in a dental spa like environment. Providing care with empathy and compassion. Bringing you the latest and greatest with a multidisciplinary approach. And inclusion of biological dentistry for our families who seek an integrative dental approach.

 

 

We are your

 

DENTAL CONCIERGE SERVICE

 

  • Personalized interventions
  • Excellent emergency response system
  • Minimal wait time
  • Multidisciplinary approach to oral health issues – lifestyle influences
  • Minimally invasive dentistry
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • Holistic Dentistry
  • Behavioral Dentistry
  • Laser dentistry including laser fascial releases
  • Airway and sleep dentistry for children
  • Myofunctional Therapy & fascial release
  • Tongue and Lip tie evaluations and releases
  • TMJ issues in children and adolescents
  • Mindful Radiology
  • Nutritional Coaching & more
  • Promoting health, Sleep & Anxiety management through Buteyko Breathing

 

Thank you for trusting us with your child!

 

 

We are available

 

Monday:        10:00 AM to 6:00 PMTuesday:         11:00 AM to 6:00 PMWednesday:  10:00 AM to 6:00 PMThursday:        11:00 AM to 6:00 PMFriday:             AlternateSaturday:        9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

For after hours emergencies, our patients of record can call our office at 201-796-4111 and listen to our voicemail for further instructions. Dial 911 for a medical emergency.

 

 

Email Us!

 

General Information and Admin:

Office@BergenPediatricDentistry.com

 

Lisa, Airway and Holistic appointment information: Airway@BergenPediatricDentistry.com

Office Tour Photos

 

Our Team Members

 

We’re Proud of All The Thumbs UP!!!

 

★★★★★ As a parent of an autistic child I always take my time to do a research before I chose a Doctor for my daughter. It is usually hard for us because she has many behavioral issues. I was also looking for a Dentist who works with special needs kids and understands some of my concerns in regard to the treatment  We were  positively surprised with our first time visit. Doctor P. Hernandez turned out to be a loving, caring and very trustworthy Dentist. Her staff is also very professional and friendly. She took her time with us and our daughter. Her approach was great. We believe she gained her trust. We are happy that we finally found a right Dentist for my child. Definitely I can recommend this office and we are looking forward to work with Doctor P. Hernandez to take care of my daughter’s teeth.

- Gabriella W. on Google

 

★★★★★ The office and Dr. Hernandez are exceptional, I always enjoy my visit with my daughter. The staff keeps us well informed and the office runs miraculously. I appreciate the time and energy Dr. Hernandez takes to educate and train her staff. There is never a long wait time, the office is well kept and very hygienic.

- Dijon M. on Google

 

★★★★★ Hands down best pediatric dentist ever! Dr. Hernandez patience care and concern are amazing! My son had severe sensory issues when he first started and through Dr. Hernandez care they are all but gone! She is a true miracle worker! Love her!!

- Willa R. on Google

 

★★★★★ Dr. Hernandez and the staff at Bergen Pediatric Dentistry are the absolute best. Dr. Hernandez et al have taken excellent care of my 2 children as they have grown and have addressed every aspect of dental care and she taught them self-care as well. As a speech-language pathologist who works with students with special needs, I feel completely secure that if when recommend clients to Dr. Hernandez, they will be in the best hands possible.

- Lisa V. on Google

 

★★★★★ This practice is amazing with my son with ASD! Cannot thank them enough for always making his visits calm and comforting!

- Jesenia R. on Google

 

★★★★★ Dr Hernandez and her staff are amazing, several family members recommended her and from the moment you step in you realize you are somewhere quite different. Every detail is thought of for the experience of the patient, your most precious person in your life. I highly recommend Dr Hernandez for both her abilities as a dentist and her connection to her patients. She treats the whole situation and noticed things I hadn’t even picked up in my son.

- Renee P. on Google

 

All Our Reviews

 

Hundreds More Reviews on Google and Facebook!

Ways to Request a Visit

 

Call Us!

201-796-4111

 

Stop By!

23-00 Route 208 S., Suite 2-5, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410    [directions]

(We can schedule you today but may not be available for treatment today.)

 

Email Us!

Office@BergenPediatricDentistry.com

 

 

or Complete Our Form!

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Dr. Hernandez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, her unique training provides your child an incredible experience regardless of their age and experience with the dentist.

 

Dentistry is a challenging healthcare event for the young and old. For experienced and the inexperienced. For many of our children with heightened sensitivities, intellectual and behavioral difficulties it can be an incredibly difficult event. These experiences often leave behind medical trauma which influences future responding in the dental chair. Research indicates that “Behavior” is a huge barrier to receiving dental care.

 

For whom: Those with heightened sensitivities, intellectual & behavioral difficulties (diagnosed or not), and any child who is having difficulty receiving basic dental care.

 

Specialist: Dr. Hernandez is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) since 2013. But she believes her true gift and learning happened through her 26-year journey raising her son with multiple disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder. Over the years she has done multiple certifications and research to help her children increase tolerance to healthcare procedures.

 

Request a Visit

Dr. Hernandez is a Board Certified Integrative Medical Specialist.

 

Mouth is the gateway to health. Research is indicating the importance of attention to oral health in influencing overall health of a person. Inflammation and disease processes in the mouth are not separate from the rest of the body. It is a bidirectional relationship. In a holistic appointment we consider a deep dive in many factors that will influence oral health. The discussions are personalized but in general include deep dive in gut health, nutritional counselling, nourishment for healthy teeth, uncovering root causes for disease processes and its prevention. We select materials that are aligned with family’s lifestyle and bring attention to lowering overall toxic burden.

 

For whom: Those who are holistic & Integrative aligned. These are longer conversations for initial appointments.

 

Specialist: Dr. Hernandez is a Functional Medicine practitioner and completed her training. She is a Nationally boarded Health and Wellness Coach. She recently became certified as a food Addictions Coach. Her list of related trainings and certifications along with countless hours spent in learning daily remain unmatched. Lastly, she not only learns the knowledge but includes in her personal daily living.

 

Request a Visit

Breath/ Airway / Growth & Development / Muscle Function / TMJ interest

 

“Breath” is an important function of the body. The mouth & nose have a huge influence in how we breathe. And how we breathe impacts overall dental and health. This connection is part of an emerging science (Sleep Dentistry) that is helping us uncover root cause to many dental issues. Oral non-nutritive habits, Poor muscle function, Mouth Breathing, tethered oral tissues (TOT), Teeth grinding, TMJ issues are common problems seen in children. Parents often report excellent diet and yet children having decayed teeth. These conditions also have consequences on growth and development of the face which further perpetuates the problem. Most importantly problems in little people can become bigger problems as we age.

 

For whom: For children with oral breathing, poor sleep patterns, non-nutritive habits, poor muscle function – low tone, TMJ – clicking, popping or locking, malocclusion (crooked teeth), crowded teeth.

 

Specialists: Our doctors and hygienists are constantly engaged in staying abreast of this emerging science by daily learning. We screen children for structural issues and interview parents on their sleep habits. We help educate the parents and provide resources to increase awareness. We have included many services such as Myofunctional therapies, fascial releases, TMJ appliance, breath re-education and so much more to help our children to “Breathe for Health”

 

Request a Visit

Call Today!

 

Stop By! 23-00 Route 208 S., Suite 2-5

Fair Lawn, NJ 07410  [map]

 

NJ Specialty #3808

NJ Specialty #3808

Map

We’re Proud of All The Thumbs UP!!!

 

★★★★★ As a parent of an autistic child I always take my time to do a research before I chose a Doctor for my daughter. It is usually hard for us because she has many behavioral issues. I was also looking for a Dentist who works with special needs kids and understands some of my concerns in regard to the treatment  We were  positively surprised with our first time visit. Doctor P. Hernandez turned out to be a loving, caring and very trustworthy Dentist. Her staff is also very professional and friendly. She took her time with us and our daughter. Her approach was great. We believe she gained her trust. We are happy that we finally found a right Dentist for my child. Definitely I can recommend this office and we are looking forward to work with Doctor P. Hernandez to take care of my daughter’s teeth.

- Gabriella W. on Google

 

★★★★★ The office and Dr. Hernandez are exceptional, I always enjoy my visit with my daughter. The staff keeps us well informed and the office runs miraculously. I appreciate the time and energy Dr. Hernandez takes to educate and train her staff. There is never a long wait time, the office is well kept and very hygienic.

- Dijon M. on Google

 

★★★★★ Hands down best pediatric dentist ever! Dr. Hernandez patience care and concern are amazing! My son had severe sensory issues when he first started and through Dr. Hernandez care they are all but gone! She is a true miracle worker! Love her!!

- Willa R. on Google

 

★★★★★ Dr. Hernandez and the staff at Bergen Pediatric Dentistry are the absolute best. Dr. Hernandez et al have taken excellent care of my 2 children as they have grown and have addressed every aspect of dental care and she taught them self-care as well. As a speech-language pathologist who works with students with special needs, I feel completely secure that if when recommend clients to Dr. Hernandez, they will be in the best hands possible.

- Lisa V. on Google

 

★★★★★ This practice is amazing with my son with ASD! Cannot thank them enough for always making his visits calm and comforting!

- Jesenia R. on Google

 

★★★★★ Dr Hernandez and her staff are amazing, several family members recommended her and from the moment you step in you realize you are somewhere quite different. Every detail is thought of for the experience of the patient, your most precious person in your life. I highly recommend Dr Hernandez for both her abilities as a dentist and her connection to her patients. She treats the whole situation and noticed things I hadn’t even picked up in my son.

- Renee P. on Google

 

All Our Reviews

 

Hundreds More Reviews on Google and Facebook!