About the Doctors

Jill M. Donaldson, D.D.S. – Pediatric Dentist

On being a pediatric dental specialist:"Why did I become a pediatric dentist? It's simple: I like to have fun. And growing up, I saw how very much my dad enjoyed going to work when other dads and moms didn't. I find kids intriguing to work with and enjoy teaching them good oral hygiene so that their teeth will last a lifetime."

Board Certified: American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentistry Residency: Children's Hospital Dental Clinic, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, 2001

DDS: Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, 1999

Memberships: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, New Orleans Dental Association, Northlake Dental Association and the Louisiana Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Advanced Training: Tooth-colored crowns for baby teeth, treatment for bottle and sippy cup decay and emergency treatment for trauma

Hobbies and Interests: fitness, travel, watching movies and spending time with her family.

 

   

Edward L. Donaldson, D.D.S. – Pediatric Dentist

On being a pediatric dental specialist:"I love working with children, especially the fidgety ones who are seeing a dentist for the first time. By making dentistry fun for kids, I feel that I'm starting them on the road to good dental health and a lifetime of beautiful smiles. I enjoy being able to calm a child's fears and make him or her feel good about going to the dentist."

Pediatric Internship and Residency: Children's Hospital, University of Alabama Dental School, 1970

DDS: Loyola Dental School, 1968

Memberships: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Society of Dentistry for Children, American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, Louisiana Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the New Orleans Dental Association.

Chairperson: LDA Medicaid Task Force.

Advanced Training: Pediatric dentistry, treatment for pacifier and nursing bottle mouth and orthodontic guidance.

Author and creator: Bippo Visits the Dentist, written by Edward L. Donaldson, Jr. D.D.S., illustrated by Harriet N. Hastings. Copyright ©1981 by Edward L. Donaldson, Jr., D.D.S.

About the Book:“Bippo was written to provide an interesting and enjoyable story of a child's first visit to the dentist. It covers all aspects of the dental encounter as written from a dentist's point of view. It is my sincere desire that this book serve as a useful aid in providing the preparation necessary to ensure a positive dental experience for children.”

Hobbies and Interests: Hunting, fishing and organized dentistry.

 

  

Tessa M. Smith, D.D.S. - Pediatric Dentist

 On being a pediatric dental specialist: "I became a pediatric dentist rather than an 'adult' dentist because I like working with kids. Unlike adults, kids don't have any established negative notions about going to the dentist. Every day, I have the opportunity to help kids develop a positive attitude toward dentistry and dentists that will last them for the rest of their life."

Pediatric Dentistry Residency: Children's Hospital Dental Clinic, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, 2003

Externship: Provided dental treatment on Navajo Indian Reservation, Ganado, AZ, 1997

DDS: Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, 1998

Memberships: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, New Orleans Dental Association, Northlake Dental Association and the Louisiana Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Advanced Training: Composite materials, tooth-colored crowns for baby teeth and orthodontic guidance.

Hobbies and Interests: Gardening, antiques and reading.

 

 

Kellie Axelrad, D.D.S. – Pediatric Dentist

On Being a Pediatric Dental Specialist: "Working with children energizes me, and I can't imagine anything more rewarding.  This motivates me to provide top-notch dental care and to give children a 'dental home,' a place where they are comfortable and can depend on focused, excellent care.  Ultimately, I try to make going to the dentist a positive experience for every child."

Pediatric Dentistry Residency: Children's Hospital Dental Clinic, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, 2009

Externship: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 2008 

DDS: Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, New Orleans, LA, 2004

Advanced Training: Acid erosion due to reflux, dental trauma

Hobbies and Interests: Reading, fitness, volleyball, softball, traveling and family time

Memberships: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, New Orleans Dental Association, and the Louisiana Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.