Get to Know Hersch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Spotlight

Feb 28

By: Dawna Clark

Where Quality Care Meets Cool & Fun

Newport Beach's top-rated pediatric dentists and orthodontist, the dynamic trio of Drs. Hersch, Goodman, and Waite are located across from Fashion Island. All team members are children at heart and have created a fun and inviting environment for their young patient families. The office philosophy is to create a very low-pressure, fun-loving atmosphere where children learn to be comfortable with dentistry and feel at ease whenever they visit."

When entering through the doors of Hersch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, visitors are treated to a "surf-and-skate-inspired" Newport Beach theme. Vibrant colors, a 300-gallon saltwater aquarium, a large reception area, ocean views, and a game room where kids can play 200 + games on high-tech wall-mounted touchscreen gaming systems. In addition, the office mascot, “Spinner,” helps create a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.

The office design vision came from Southern California native Dr. Geoffrey Hersch. In fact, he grew up in the Dover Shores neighborhood and has fond memories of his childhood in Newport Beach. Wanting to recreate those memories, he came up with the idea to highlight his love for surf and sand in a fun, engaging way.

"I've always wanted to create the most non-threatening dental office in Orange County as well as provide a team of extremely talented, high energy, fun-loving professionals who enjoy working with children," says Dr. Hersch.

Meet The Team

Dr. Geoffrey Hersch, Pediatric Dentist & Owner

Born and raised in Southern California, Dr. Hersch headed West to the Rockies after high school to attend the University of Colorado, Boulder. He then graduated from the pediatric dentistry program at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. In 1998, Dr. Hersch received his dental degree from Northwestern University Dental School. Upon graduation from dental school, he received honors from various dental societies for his contribution and interests in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry. He later settled back in Orange County and opened his private practice, Hersch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.

Dr. Hersch is married to his wife, Tiffany, and they have three beautiful children, Andrew (21), Ella (19), and Riley (17). In his free time, Dr. Hersch enjoys surfing, skiing, boating, fishing, and hanging out with his family at the beach.

Dr. Danielle Goodman, Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Danielle Goodman first discovered her passion for pediatric dentistry as a patient of Dr. Hersch. Since she was 14, she knew she wanted to practice dentistry in Orange County one day. Dr. Goodman was born and raised in Newport Beach, where she attended Harbor Day School and Sage Hill School. After high school, she headed east to attend Tufts University, where she graduated magna cum laude. Next, she obtained her Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Southern California, where she earned numerous awards for humanitarianism, ethics, and academic achievement. She then completed her advanced training as a pediatric dentist at the University of Southern California, where she was a pediatric dental resident at the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).

Dr. Goodman enjoys working with children of all ages and providing positive dental experiences. In addition, she values treating underserved communities both locally and abroad.

Her other passions include traveling, exploring local hiking trails, golfing, practicing yoga, and spending time with her niece and nephews. Dr. Goodman is married to her husband, Zach, and they have one child, a dog named Matcha!

Dr. William Waite, Orthodontist

Dr. William Waite is an Orange County native who graduated from the University Of Southern California School of Dentistry and graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Following dental school, he completed a General Practice Residency at the University Of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He received additional training in treating complex cases in pediatric dentistry, cosmetic and implant dentistry, and oral surgery. Dr. Waite then embarked upon the final phase of his education at Vanderbilt University. It was there that Dr. Waite received his advanced specialty certification in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Today, Dr. Waite is a highly respected orthodontist serving children in Newport Beach and Orange County. However, his involvement in his specialty extends beyond the practice's doors–he works locally and internationally, providing essential health and dental care to impoverished communities.

Dr. Waite is married with three children (Myles, Mia, and Ford). Outside of orthodontics, Dr. Waite enjoys spending time with his family, serving in his church, surfing, golfing, and running.

The Hersch "dream team" offers a wide variety of dental and orthodontic treatments, including dental exams, sealants, cleanings, sedation dentistry, crowns, metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. They have also implemented a fun rewards program for their patients where they earn points for each visit, playing games, and participating in contests. Earned points can be redeemed for a large selection of gift-card options. The program aims to motivate and incentivize patients about their dental visits. The more excited the children are, the more likely they will take an active role in their oral health into adulthood.

"We take a lot of emphasis off the medical atmosphere and focus on simple things, make a connection to something familiar, and guide the child into a comfortable, non-threatening environment," explains Dr. Hersch. "This is especially important for that first visit to the dentist when children are as young as 1-year-old. Over time, that young child comes to love their dental home and learns that nothing bad will happen here. We gain their trust. Then, when there's a cavity or trauma from sports or an accident, we can very comfortably take care of that child."

Undoubtedly, the Hersch Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics team is the makers of happy, healthy smiles in Newport Beach and across the O.C.!