James C. West, D.D.S, M.S.
PEDIATRIC DENTIST & ORTHODONTIST
Dr. West is a talented and experienced doctor who holds his patient’s health and happiness as his highest priorities. But more than that, he truly loves what he does; he feels the greatest reward is building lasting relationships with his patients. He loves to see you and your child smile!
Dr. West is a native Houstonian, he attended high school at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and attended college at the University of Texas at Austin, where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston ranking in the top ten of his class. Dr. West continued on to a two year postgraduate Pediatric Dental Specialty program where he was Chief Resident. The program allowed him training opportunities at Texas Children’s Hospital, MD Anderson Hospital, Shriners’ Burn Institute, Hermann Hospital for Pediatric Medicine and Anesthesiology and Richmond State School for Citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as, the dental service at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Upon completion of the Program at the University of Texas Dental Branch, he was awarded a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry. One of Dr. West’s proudest accomplishments is being the first Pediatric Dentist in Houston to achieve American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certification and becoming a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He successfully completed the more rigorous FOUR PART examination process which included a written examination, an oral examination, presentation of treated cases and a ”site visit” during which 2 board examiners were present in his office to question and critique his work and the work of his staff. With his successful completion of the certification process he is allowed to say he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Just when his family thought his formal education was complete, Dr. West announced he was applying for another post graduate position in the specialty training program for Orthodontics. Within a week after the application process closed the Chairmen of the Orthodontic Department called him personally to let him know he was the Chairman’s first choice to be offered a postgraduate position. He was only the second Pediatric Dentist to be admitted into the Orthodontic Program at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Dr. West completed the Orthodontic Residency program and was awarded a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science in Orthodontics.
Dr. West truly loves to learn and he does so by attending meetings of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Association of Orthodontics and various other study clubs. These professional meetings and seminars offer continuing education specific to pediatric dentistry and orthodontics and help Dr. West keep abreast of the latest methods and techniques.
Dr. West has a passion for what he does and loves getting to know the families in his practice. Being a Pediatric Dentist and an Orthodontist means he has a chance to serve the community through one-on-one interaction, improving the lives of his patients and helping them maintain their beautiful smiles.
Dr. West is also proud to say he has been an Assistant Scout Master with Boy Scout Troop 642 at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church since May of 2000. He has served as an Adult Leader on Scout High Adventures to Philmont Scout Ranch, Alaska, Canada, Colorado, Hawaii, Switzerland and the British Virgin Islands. Working with, educating, and mentoring youth and watching them grow into young adults in both his dental practice and Boy Scout Leadership has provided Dr. West some of his most enjoyable memories. Along with scouting he also enjoys cycling, sailing, cooking and walking his dog Greta, but most of all spending time with his family.
Dr. West’ son, Christopher, attended high school at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and went to college at Trinity University in San Antonio. He continued on to complete Law School at South Texas College of Law. He is currently a lawyer in Houston. His daughter, Jamie, attended high school at St. Agnes Academy and went to college at The University of Texas in Austin. She completed a Master’s Degree at the University of Texas in Dallas. She is currently a Speech and Language Pathology therapist in Houston.
Why Should I Choose Dr. West for My Child’s Dental Care?
During dental school, Dr. West enjoyed learning about the growth and development of the cranial facial structures. Although he mastered the reparative process of restoring teeth with fillings and crowns as well as and fabricating dentures, and all the other dental procedures performed in dentistry, he was much more excited about creating beautiful smiles. As he progressed through dental training he was mentored by several members of the Pediatric Dental faculty who recognized his abilities to put children at ease during the delivery of their dental care. These faculty mentors encouraged him to pursue post graduate training in Pediatric Dentistry. During this training he was able to treat multiple patients with cranial facial anomalies. Upon completion of two years of Pediatric Dental residency Dr. West entered his private practice in West Houston area. A good friend and orthodontist mentioned to him that the hardest thing about the orthodontic cases Dr. West referred to him was that they wondered why Dr. West did not do their orthodontic treatment himself. The orthodontist encouraged Dr. West to pursue further studies in orthodontics; as his passion was evident. In an effort to pursue further certifiable education in oral facial care, he applied and was accepted to post graduate training in the specialty of orthodontics and dento-facial orthopedics becoming one of the first dentists in the United States to have a dual specialty in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics.
These two specialties, Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, are such an integral part of a child’s growth; being able to provide both types of care in one office by one provider is very unique. Dr. West can work in early phased treatment to correct problems related to facial growth and development and proceed directly into the correction of tooth position when it is appropriate. Your child no longer has to start early treatment in a Pediatric Dental office and then later be referred to the Orthodontic office; this may reduce your overall cost of treatment, not to mention the development of trust and positive rapport in your child’s oral care.
What Sets Us Apart? Why Are We the Best Office For Your Child or Yourself?
Dr West is a specialist in both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, Dr. West has the unique training to provide comprehensive dentistry for infants, children and adolescents, and special needs patients, as well as, orthodontics for all ages (children – adults) in a warm, caring and friendly environment.
Many parents have remarked that it is so much easier to have one office that can take care of all their children’s dental needs, while other parents have enjoyed the convenience of receiving their adult orthodontic treatment in the same office as their children.
We focus on preventive care, restorative care and orthodontic treatment to help each child grow a healthy smile that will last a lifetime. During Dr. West’s training he treated patients at Texas Children’s Hospitals, Shriner’s Burn Hospital, John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, M.D Anderson Cancer Center, Hermann Hospital, Richmond State School, and The University of Texas Dental Branch Houston. He was the only resident in his Pediatric Program and then his Orthodontic Program to participate in the University of Texas Dental Branch and Hermann Hospital Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial deformity team.
Dr. West served as a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston where he was involved in the training and education of new Pediatric Dentists.
Dr. West has built a reputation as a friendly, detail oriented, and professional doctor who always puts the health and happiness of his patients first.
To schedule an appointment in his office or reach Dr. West in case of a dental emergency
call his office at (713)464-1651.
All dental specialist begin by completing dental school, (earning a D.D.S., or DM.D. degree) then continue their education with several years of additional specialized training. In dentistry there are nine recognized dental specialties, a specialty certification is awarded to those doctors who complete their training in an American Dental Association accredited program. Dr. West completed an additional four (4) years of specialized dental training. His first postgraduate program consisted of two (2) years of supervised, specialized Pediatric Dental training dedicated to more intense classroom and clinical experience caring for the oral health specifically of children from infancy through the teenage years. Pediatric Dental programs teach a dentist how to provide safe and effective management of the sometimes unpredictable behavior of children and special needs patients. Dr. West’s additional years of extensive training allows him to create a comfortable environment for children so they have a positive experience; hopefully helping them to realize the importance of dental care for the rest of their life. Because children have primary (baby) teeth, then a time of both primary and permanent (adult) teeth, and finally all permanent teeth, they have varying needs which require different approaches in dealing with their dental growth and development.
The certified Pediatric Dentist is best qualified to meet these needs.
An Orthodontist is a dental specialist trained to properly diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial abnormalities. With this additional training they are taught to properly align teeth and jaws to improve facial structure, your smile, as well as, overall oral health. Dr. West has completed an additional two (2) additional years in an American Dental Associated Accredited program studying to learn the science of Orthodontics. During the additional years of training he studied the growth and development of the dento-facial complex, the mechanics of tooth movement and the properties of the materials used to accomplish the changes necessary to establish proper dento-facial alignment. Through diligent clinical practice and supervision by experienced orthodontists the orthodontic student is trained to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaws, and improve your smile.
You should always have dento-facial and orthodontic treatment performed by a certified Orthodontist.
Welcome to the Office
It is our desire to make your and your child’s dental experiences a positive and enjoyable one. We specialize in Pediatric Dentistry - dentistry for infants, children, and adolescents, special needs patients, as well as, Orthodontics for children, adolescents and adults. Our focus is to provide a positive dental experience for each and every patient. Our attention is directed to the quality care and comfort each patient experiences while in our office.
Both specialties, Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, require a minimum of two (2) additional years of school after attaining a D.D.S or D.M.D. degree. Dr. West has completed eight (8) years of dental education. Because Dr. West has completed post graduate training in both Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics he can keep you informed of your child’s orthodontic needs and intercept orthodontic problems at an early age without having to send you to another office for additional consultations. We are located in Houston and serve Memorial, City Centre, Spring Branch, West Houston, Katy, Cypress, Missouri City, Sugarland and all areas of Houston.
We are accepting new patients!