Our Pediatric Dental Office

Where kids become heroes and parents feel empowered.

Our Story

Little things make all the difference, especially when you’re little.

Plover Pediatric DentistryLearn more about Plover Pediatric Dentistry in Potomac, MD, is a dental office made just for kids and their parents. Husband and wife team, Dr. Alvarez and Dr. Kim, set out to create the type of practice they’d want their own children to visit.

Dentistry doesn’t have to be scary.

Remember the first time you rode a bike or jumped off the diving board into a pool? A little scary, right? We’ve all been there, but thinking back, it’s the support, love, and positivity that got us through and helped us grow. Our kid-friendly office and warm staff create positive experiences at the dentist for toddlers, young children, and teens.

Healthy teeth and gums start early.

As dentists who specialize in young teeth, we help children understand the importance of going to the dentist and ways to improve their oral health. We’re your partner for your child’s happy and healthy smile!

Our Core Values:
1. Curiosity. Using play to turn fear into curiosity. We encourage children to discover, imagine, and learn through play.
2. Engagement. We focus on the “we” not “me.” We are connected to our community, our families, our staff, and our environment.
3. Quality. Discover how we use evidence-based dentistry to achieve excellence. Our office uses the most up-to-date sterilization practices and modern technology. We also adhere to the latest guidelines, research, and recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatric DentistryLearn more about Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Your Potomac Pediatric Dentists

Giving children a positive start in dentistry.

Dr. Hae Jin Kim

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist & Owner

Dr. Hae Jin Kim

"I became a pediatric dentist to help children succeed from the very beginning with their dental health. I connect with children directly and help them focus on their strengths and capabilities. It gives me a great sense of purpose to know that our office can help families have positive experiences with us."

Dr. Hae Jin Kim is a second-generation Korean-American who was raised in Boston and Los Angeles. She chose dentistry because she genuinely cares about others and wants to help them with their problems. The best part of her job is forming relationships with children and families. She enjoys watching children grow up, especially those who were once anxious become more confident with every visit.

Through the love and support of her family, Dr. Kim pursued the specialty of children’s dentistry. Today, she’s a pediatric dentist and co-owner at Plover Pediatric Dentistry in Potomac, MD.

Outside of the office, Dr. Kim enjoys running marathons, is a Board Member of Girls on the Run, is actively involved with the Montgomery County Road Runners, and volunteers with the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps.

Fun Facts
- Her hero is her dad; a hardworking, generous, and selfless spirit who’s always with her
- Studied abroad in Copenhagen, and taught English in South Korea
- Started learning photography because she secretly wishes to be a photojournalist. One of her favorite past times is reading “Humans of New York”
Education & Memberships
- Amherst College, BA in Psychology, 2006
- University of Southern California, DDS, 2011
- SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Pediatric Dental Residency, 2015
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Diplomate Opens a new link to the official website
- American Dental AssociationLearn more about American Dental Association
- Maryland State Dental AssociationLearn more about Maryland State Dental Association
- American Academy of Pediatric DentistryLearn more about American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Maryland Academy of Pediatric DentistsLearn more about Maryland Academy of Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Pedro M. Alvarez smiling in a blue shirt

Dr. Pedro M. Alvarez III

Board Certified Pediatric Dentist & Owner

Dr. Pedro M. Alvarez III

"I let parents know that I want to understand them and their concerns. With children, I have found that if you start by talking with them about things they are interested in, they often become more engaged with their dental care."

Dr. Pedro M. Alvarez grew up on the St. Lawrence River in a small rural town in upstate New York. His father was a dentist and his mother a nurse, so he was exposed to healthcare early on. Dr. Alvarez started as a general dentist but found that many adults have anxiety because of a bad experience as children. So he set out to make a difference as a pediatric dentist.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, sailing, doing handiwork, and learning how things work.