Same smiles, same care, same doctor-owned and operated small business.
Lion’s Tooth Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics was founded in 2015 by Dr. Stacey Zaikoski with one simple goal: to make every child’s dental experience a positive one. What began as PedZ Dental has grown into a comprehensive pediatric dental and orthodontic practice built around that same founding intention, that every child who walks through our doors deserves to feel welcome, safe, and cared for.
Our team provides complete care for growing smiles, bringing together prevention, gentle treatment, early intervention, and in-house orthodontics all under one roof. Families do not have to navigate multiple offices or piece together referrals. We are here for all of it, from the first tooth to the last bracket.
We are proud to serve families throughout Centerville, Kettering, Dayton, and Beavercreek, and we are honored to have grown alongside the community we love.
Our mission is to create dental and orthodontic experiences that children actually look forward to. We do that by building real relationships, taking our time, and meeting every child with the patience and compassion they deserve.
We believe the care we provide today shapes how a child feels about their health for the rest of their life. That is not something we take lightly. Through thoughtful education, connection, and an environment where kids feel safe to be exactly where they are, we work to build the kind of confidence that follows them home and stays with them long after the appointment is over.
Every child who leaves our office should feel proud of their smile. That is the standard we hold ourselves to, every single day.
“I come from a large family and a small town, so I have been responsible for younger siblings and cousins since I was 8 years old! I have always enjoyed mentoring and teaching kiddos. As a dental student, I had minimal training and exposure to pediatric dentistry. Immediately after dental school, I did a one year Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. As an AEGD resident, I saw multiple children for after-hours trauma. My co-residents were a bit scared of kids, so I volunteered and before long, I was seeing ALL of the under 18 emergency and after-hours visits. I truly enjoyed the challenge of treating children and turning kiddos’ fears around (and thank goodness I was pretty good at it even as an amateur!). As my AEGD residency drew to a close, I knew without a shadow of doubt that my calling and my passion was pediatric dentistry. I enjoy making a potentially unpleasant experience actually FUN and enjoyable.“
– Dr. Stacey
“In elementary school, my most important chore was brushing my toy poodle’s teeth. I took this job very seriously. Surprisingly, I learned that the best way to brush my poodle’s teeth (while sitting on the floor with her in my lap) also happens to be one of the best ways to brush little babies and toddlers! I love pediatric dentistry because I get to care for, educate, and have fun with children every single day. I’m passionate about what I do because I have the opportunity to give my patients a positive dental experience while setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health. There’s nothing more precious than a child’s smile and I feel incredibly lucky to spend my days caring for them.”
– Dr. Cook
“Hello! I’m Dr. Erin Speier (spy-er)! As a first-generation college graduate, I did not have a definitive career goal or post-graduate plan upon graduation. I initially considered healthcare jobs or teaching opportunities so I could use my degree in Biology and work with people/kids. I knew a desk job was not for me, so I worked odd jobs. I was a nanny and pet sitter, I worked part-time in a pediatric/ortho practice to gain exposure to the dental field, and I took improv classes as a creative outlet while I tried to figure out my future. I’ve always had a soft spot for smiles, so when I discovered dentistry was not only a science and healthcare profession, but artistry too, I was sold! It was the perfect profession for me to be able to work with my hands while making people smile. I went to dental school and joined the United States Air Force (USAF) Dental Corps via the Health Professions Scholarship Program. I proudly served 21 years as a teacher, mentor, leader and orthodontist to active-duty Airmen and their dependent children.”
– Dr. Speier
“My interest in dentistry started as I spent MANY hours at the orthodontist having my braces adjusted. I also watched my dear mom suffer with dental problems for as long as I can remember. She was a child of the Depression who quit school to help support her family before enlisting in the Army during WWII. Dental care was not part of her upbringing and it motivated me to vow to always help my patients keep their teeth for a lifetime. I owned a general dental practice for 40 years with an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, becoming the second dentist in Ohio to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. I treated tongue-tied infants since the early 80s, mostly to help improve breastfeeding. This need continued to grow, and now it is my passion to help tongue-tied people of all ages.”
– Dr. Greg
“I was born in NYC and moved to Cleveland, Ohio at an early age. I received my undergraduate degree in Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University. I completed my Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City and I went on to pursue a two-year pediatric dental residency at the University of Minnesota. My favorite part of my job is being able to provide a fun and positive experience for children and their parents at the dental office. There is nothing more rewarding than helping a nervous child and turning every visit to the dentist into an enjoyable experience!”
– Dr. Betty
