Fabiana Steren Offit, DDS in Baltimore: Pediatric Dentistry with Sedation Options for Anxious Children
Fabiana Steren Offit, DDS operates a pediatric dental practice in Baltimore serving children from infancy through the teen years, with a specific emphasis on treating children with dental anxiety through in-office sedation.
What Fabiana Steren Offit, DDS actually is
Dr. Offit's practice is a pediatric-exclusive dental office, meaning every element from equipment scaling to appointment scheduling prioritizes children's developmental stages and emotional comfort. Unlike general dentists who treat adults and children, a pediatric-focused practice uses child-sized instruments, shorter appointment blocks, and training specific to behavioral guidance. Dr. Offit's practice distinguishes itself within Baltimore's pediatric dental landscape through its sedation capability; many pediatric practices refer anxious children to hospital settings, while an in-office program keeps treatment local and often more affordable.
Services and pricing
The practice provides preventive care (cleanings, fluoride, sealants), restorative treatment (fillings for decay), and emergency care (abscess, trauma, pain management). Preventive visits typically range from $100 to $180 depending on the scope of cleaning and assessment. Restorative work (composite fillings) generally costs $150 to $300 per tooth, with variation based on tooth size and complexity. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation adds $75 to $150 per appointment; deeper sedation using oral medication or IV routes will cost more and should be discussed at consultation. Many dental insurance plans cover preventive care at 80 to 100 percent; restorative and sedation coverage varies by policy and requires verification before treatment.
How this compares to other Baltimore pediatric dentistry options
Baltimore has several pediatric dentists, including those at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry's pediatric clinic and independent practices like those in Canton and Roland Park. UMD's pediatric clinic often has longer wait times (three to six months for non-urgent cases) and prioritizes resident training, but offers lower costs for families without insurance or with financial constraints. Private pediatric practices typically offer faster appointment access and more control over provider continuity. Dr. Offit's sedation capacity sets the practice apart; it eliminates the need for general anesthesia at a hospital facility, which carries higher out-of-pocket costs and requires additional physician clearance. Choose UMD's clinic if cost is the primary constraint; choose a private practice if you need faster access or continuity of care; choose Dr. Offit's specifically if your child has significant dental anxiety and you want to avoid hospital-based treatment.
Who this suits and who it does not suit
This practice is ideal for children ages 2 to 18 with dental anxiety, sensory sensitivities, special needs, or a history of traumatic dental experiences. It also suits families seeking a single provider over multiple years and those whose dental insurance covers in-office sedation. It is not appropriate for infants under 2 (most pediatric practices begin around age 2 to 3). It may not suit families whose insurance does not cover sedation and who cannot absorb the out-of-pocket cost; in that case, the UMD clinic or practices offering payment plans would be preferable. It is not appropriate for children requiring operating-room-level sedation or complex surgical extraction; those cases require referral to oral surgery.
What the first visit involves
The first appointment typically lasts 45 minutes to one hour. Dr. Offit will review the child's medical history, perform a clinical exam (looking for decay, bite issues, developmental concerns), and take X-rays if needed. If sedation is being considered, additional questions about allergies, prior anesthesia experiences, and current medications will be documented. Parents receive a treatment plan and cost estimate in writing. No treatment is performed on the first visit unless it is emergency pain relief. Bring the child's insurance card and any records from previous dentists.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Verify hours and parking before visiting by calling the practice directly; pediatric dental office hours frequently differ from general practices and may include early morning or after-school slots. Street parking is available in the immediate area of most Baltimore pediatric practices, though some locations offer limited dedicated lots. The practice is located in Baltimore city proper, which affects travel time from different neighborhoods; confirm the exact address when scheduling.
Dr. Offit's practice fills a genuine gap in Baltimore pediatric dentistry by offering sedation-capable care without hospital referral, making it the choice for families whose children's anxiety would otherwise delay necessary treatment.
