As Benton’s first pediatric dental practice, 318 Pediatric Dentistry fills a key need in this expanding area, offering specialized care for children and adolescents in a welcoming, family-focused environment. Dr. Schmidt combines professional experience in pediatric dentistry with a passion and commitment to personalized care—a quality he feels is sometimes lost in the current healthcare landscape.

When asked about the emphasis on individualized patient care, Dr. Schmidt said, “Healthcare can often feel so impersonal and I want to break that cycle with every child and parent who walks through our doors. I want them to feel like they’re part of our family. When they come in, they’ll be seen by me and my professional team—never wondering which dentist or hygienist may be serving them next. This specialty practice is all about creating comfort, connection and familiarity. I want to offer an environment and service that parents can count on to provide the best care for their children.”

Dr. Schmidt’s background further underscores his dedication to young patients. He earned his BS in Biology from Louisiana State University, followed by his DDS, a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, and a Master of Science in Dentistry from the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans. His interest in pediatric dentistry began as a college summer camp counselor and was solidified while working in the pediatric clinic during dental school. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, and the Northwest Louisiana Dental Association. Dr. Schmidt felt called to return home to Benton after his time in South Louisiana; ready to serve families across the Shreveport-Bossier area and be closer to his own.

“Having the opportunity to open a practice here, serving the community I grew up in, is not lost on me,” Dr. Schmidt shared. “I’m looking forward to creating lifelong, positive memories of going to the dentist for kids in our area, the same way they were created for me.”

The practice is co-located on Kingston Road in Benton with Lang Orthodontics in a state-of-the-art, bright, and engaging facility designed to make dental care a positive experience for kids and families. This shared space creates a convenient destination where parents can access both pediatric dental and orthodontic services, all in one place.