Dr. Junie Alvarez, DMD
Pediatric dentist
Dr. Junie has cared for kids' teeth for more than 12 years. She is known for her calm voice and for turning every checkup into a game of I spy.
Fun fact: Can count 20 teeth in 10 seconds flat
Kids' dentist in Red Bank, NJ
Brave little smilesstart here.
Gentle checkups for ages 1 to 17, from a team that makes the dentist the fun part of the week. Parents get straight answers. Kids get a place they actually want to come back to.
Where would you like to visit today?
Pick a world. You can change it anytime.
- Evening and Saturday hours
- Parents welcome in the room
- Most PPO plans accepted
What we do
Gentle care for every stage of a growing smile
From the very first tooth to the teen years, everything happens in one calm, cheerful office in Red Bank.
First checkups
A gentle first look by the first birthday, with lots of tips for parents on teething, brushing and bottles.
Cleanings and checkups
Every six months we count, clean and polish, and kids pick the flavor of their tooth polish.
Sealants and fluoride
Thin, invisible coatings that help protect the back teeth from cavities.
Gentle fillings
If a cavity shows up, we fix it calmly and explain each step in kid-friendly words first.
Emergency visits
Chipped tooth or sudden toothache? Call us and we will do our best to see you the same day.
Braces checks
From about age 7 we keep an eye on how the bite is growing and let you know if a referral makes sense.
Your first visit
Your child's first visit, step by step
Read it together before you come. Kids who know what to expect feel braver in the chair.
Page 1
Say hi at the front desk
Our team says hello, gives you a sticker and shows you around.
For grown-ups: Arrive about 10 minutes early. New-patient forms can be filled out online beforehand.
Page 2
Ride the rocket chair
The big chair goes up, up, up. Some kids say it feels like a rocket ride.
For grown-ups: We show and tell every tool before we use it, so nothing is a surprise.
Page 3
Count your teeth together
We count every tooth with a tiny mirror. Most kids have 20 baby teeth!
For grown-ups: You are welcome to stay in the room the whole time.
Page 4
Pick a treasure
Every brave smile ends with a trip to the treasure chest.
For grown-ups: We finish with a short chat about brushing, snacks and when to come back.
Play break
Brush the sugar bugs away
Scrub every sugar bug off the tooth. Move your finger or mouse back and forth, just like brushing.
For grown-ups: a quick game that doubles as a brushing lesson. Two minutes, twice a day.
8 sugar bugs to go
Our dentists
Meet your child's dentists and team
Tap anyone to say hi. Kids who know our faces before they arrive feel braver on visit day.
Dr. Marcus Pell, DDS
Pediatric dentist
Dr. Marcus specializes in helping nervous kids feel at ease. Ask him about dinosaurs and he will happily talk for an hour.
Fun fact: Tells the best dinosaur jokes in New Jersey
Kayla Brooks, RDH
Dental hygienist
Kayla does the cleanings and polishing, and she lets every kid pick the flavor.
Fun fact: Has tried all 12 polish flavors (bubblegum wins)
Ben Okafor
Dental assistant
Ben helps the dentists and shows kids every tool before it is used, so nothing is a surprise.
Fun fact: Can balance a toothbrush on his nose
Rosa Delgado
Front desk
Rosa welcomes every family, answers insurance questions and keeps the sticker basket stocked.
Fun fact: Knows every patient's favorite sticker
For parents
For parents: the practical stuff
“My daughter asked to go back the next day. I never thought I would hear that about a dentist.”
“They explained everything to my anxious son in words he understood. No tears at all.”
“Evening appointments and a team that is great with toddlers. Easy choice for our family.”
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by your child's first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in.
Can I stay in the room with my child?
Yes. Parents are always welcome in the room. For older kids, we are also happy to let them try on their own while you wait nearby.
My child is nervous. How do you help?
We go slowly, use kid-friendly words, and show each tool before we use it. Short, positive first visits build trust for years.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept most PPO dental plans and check your benefits before the visit. Call us with your plan name and we will confirm.
What should we do in a dental emergency?
Call our office right away. We keep time open for emergencies and will do our best to see your child the same day.
Hours
Hours and location
| Monday | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Puddlejump Pediatric Dentistry
Address12 Maple Brook Road, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone(732) 555-0172
Get directions
See you soon
Ready for a brave little checkup?
New patients are always welcome. Call us or book online and we will save a spot for your little explorer.