

Academy Kids Dental and Vision
N. Academy Blvd. in the Citadel Crossing Shopping Center
Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719-442-0071
Pediatric Dental Care & Vision Care
Thank You for Stopping by Academy Kids
Welcome to Academy Kids pediatric dental care and vision care of Colorado Springs. We are a dedicated team of children’s dentists and optometrists whose goal is to provide high quality, compassionate care for kids in central Colorado Springs. Academy Kids Dental and Vision offices are specially designed with fun colors and playful characters to help your child feel excited about their dental or vision appointment. Our staff is friendly and helpful and will make you and your child feel welcomed at every visit.
Children's Dental Care
Our goal is to provide your child with the best dental care so that they have a lifetime of great oral health. Dr. Maryhen Arrietta, and all the dentists at Academy Kids, have dedicated themselves to ensuring that every child receives compassionate dental care and has a great experience when they visit Academy Kids Dental and Vision. Children’s dental services include, exams, cleanings, dental x-rays, fluoride treatments, cavity fillings, tooth extractions, dental sealants and crowns. These services are covered by Medicaid.
Children's Vision Care
Children’s vision care is one of the most important elements for your child’s wellbeing. Regular exams are a great way to ensure that your child’s eyes stay healthy. Dr. Michael Pharris, and the whole Academy Kids Vision Team, will provide a comprehensive exam of your child’s eyes to determine if there are any issues. They screen for nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. If your child needs glasses, we can help you choose the best frames right here at our office. We have one of the largest selection of stylish frames for children and teens! Vision services and glasses are covered by Medicaid.
Our Colorado Springs Location and Hours
We are located in Colorado Springs at North Academy Boulevard and Galley Road, in the Citadel Crossing Shopping Center. We are open Monday-Friday from 9am to 6pm. We accept Medicaid for both dental and vision services, as well as most insurance.
We look forward to compassionately providing your child’s pediaric dental care and vision care throughout their childhood and teen years!
Hours of Operation
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Monday - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Tuesday - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Wednesday - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Thursday - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Friday - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
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Saturday - Closed
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Sunday - Closed
OTHER NEARBY LOCATIONS
Our Featured Providers
Dr. Michael Pharris
(Dr. Michael)
- Bachelor of Science - Colorado State University
- Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med - Colorado State University
- Doctorate - Pacific University College of Optometry
I've been married for 25 years to Roxann, we have 4 children, 3 boys, one girl. We own a dog, Winston. I was born in Southern California and I have two younger sisters. We all live in Colorado Springs, along with my mom. I enjoy all things music and all sports. Tennis & Guitar are my favorite.
Dr. Maryhen Arrieta
(Dr. Mary)
- Graduated as a Dentist - Universidad Central de Venezuela
- Practiced dentistry in Venezuela for almost 4 years
- Doctor of Science - Colorado University
I was born in Florida, but raised in Venezuela. I have been married for almost 20 years and have seven children, six boys and one girl. We have very little quiet time, but we thoroughly enjoy our active family.
Dr. Carolina Chapellin
(Dr. Carolina)
- Dental Degree - Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas Venezuela
- Doctor of Dental Surgery - University of California Los Angeles
I am from Caracas, Venezuela. I am married to my husband, Gabriel, and have 2 boys, Daniel and Gabriel. We moved to Colorado Springs in 2018 and we love it here! We enjoy snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer!
Dr. Michaelee Turner
(Dr. Turner)
University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Optometry
- Doctorate of Optometry
University of Missouri Columbia
- Graduate Certificate of Public Health with an emphasis in Global Health
- Bachelor’s of Health Science
- Minor in Spanish
- Minor in Human Development and Family Studies
I grew up in Kansas City, MO and love the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals!
I did gymnastics in college and was a floor specialist! Although I did play seven other sports growing up.
Dr. Corina Martinez
(Dr. Martinez)
I went to the University of the Incarnate Word for a BS in Vision Science and then I went to the Rosenberg school of Optometry at the University of the Incarnate Word for my Doctor of Optometry degree.
I grew up in a really small border town named Zapata, Texas. Although, I use to play volleyball, run track and cross country growing up I currently do weightlifting as a hobby. I also enjoy hiking, watching Netflix or any other streaming service for hours on end and playing with my two dogs, Siggy and Isla.
Dr. Matt Stevens
(Dr. Matt)
I went to BYU for my undergraduate degree, Bachelors in Philosophy. Then I moved to chapel Hill where I completed a DDS degree at UNC.
I have been married to my best friend Lizzy for 20 years. We have four kids, 3 boys and 1 girl. We call several states home including Utah North Carolina, Oregon, and now Colorado. I also tried in Argentina for 2 years and love the Spanish language and anyone who speaks Spanish.
I consider ice cream and gelato to be my most important hobby.
Dr. Kacy Kurio
(Dr. Kacy)
I attended the University of Hawaii where I earned a Bachelor's degree in biology. From there, I completed my dental studies at the University of Michigan with a DDS.
I was born and raised in Hawaii and I have two cats.
Click Below to Learn More
Pediatric Dental Care
We are experts in providing high-quality, affordable pediatric dental care for kids in Colorado Springs. A child’s first dentist visit should happen after their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Starting healthy oral care habits early in life prepares your child for the best oral and overall health.
Dental Cleanings
Even with regular brushing at home, teeth still need professional cleanings! During dental cleanings, we use special tools and skills to clear plaque away from the spots that are difficult to reach. We check for early signs of tooth decay to identify and treat any issues that arise before they become a problem. If your child is at an elevated risk for tooth decay, they can benefit from fluoride treatments and sealants that will protect and maintain the strength of their teeth.
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are important tools that dentists use to monitor oral development and check for any potential diseases or decay that can impact your child’s dental health. With dental x-rays, dentists can see areas of the teeth that are invisible during dental cleanings.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride gives your teeth the protection they need to stay healthy! Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects teeth from decay and helps teeth stay strong. During regular dental visits, we use a tiny paintbrush to apply a concentrated fluoride varnish directly onto tooth/teeth surfaces that need protection. Fluoride treatments are an important part of healthy dental hygiene, and they are highly beneficial throughout a child’s life.
Cavities & Fillings
For toddlers and children, the most basic form of tooth decay is cavities. A cavity develops when a buildup of plaque eats at the tooth enamel and creates a hole in the tooth. Sometimes cavities are hard to prevent. Proper dental hygiene, a healthy diet, and biannual dental cleanings are the best defense against plaque buildup and cavities. When a cavity is detected, the dentist will remove the decay and fill in the hole with a filling.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants protect teeth against harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Even with excellent oral hygiene, the grooves on the tops of molars are vulnerable to collections of food and bacteria. Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection for the teeth, and they are an important part of oral care.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown tops a damaged tooth that needs to be restored to its correct size and shape. When a filling is not enough to restore a tooth that is decayed or compromised, dental crowns are needed. It only takes a single appointment to apply a dental crown, and the visit does involve some form of anesthetic.
Tooth Extraction
Sometimes teeth need to be extracted. If a tooth is extensively damaged or decayed it may need to be pulled out. Additionally, tooth extraction may be necessary if stubborn baby teeth need help coming out, or if room needs to be made in the mouth in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
Dental Sedation Options
With every dental visit and procedure, we want to minimize potential distress and keep kids calm and comfortable. To ease the process of specific dental procedures, we give kids dental sedation. Select locations provide dental sedation options, and a referral is required.
Chipped Tooth Care
Sometimes teeth accidentally get chipped or broken during play. Thankfully, we have skills to fix them! If your child has a broken tooth, it is important that you contact your dentist immediately. At the emergency visit, the dentist will examine the child’s mouth. In specific circumstances, the tooth fragment can be reattached. If you are able to locate the chipped tooth fragment, put it in a bag with saline or water and bring it with you to the dentist's office. If you can’t find the tooth fragment, there are additional ways to repair the tooth for a happy and healthy smile.
Insurance
Good news for kids and families! Medicaid and most dental insurance plans cover two dental cleanings and checkups per year. Regular visits are important for maintaining oral health. Book an appointment with us for your child today!
Vision Services
We want your child’s future to be clear!
Regular eye exams are an essential way to prepare babies, kids, and teens for educational, social, and developmental success. Vision issues can impact the way a child interacts with school, sports, their peers, and daily activities. A vision check-up is a great way to make sure your child is prepared for success.
Nearsightedness
If your child has a hard time focusing on things far far away, they may have Myopia. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive disorder that makes it difficult to see objects in the distance, but it is easy to see things up close. The symptoms can include:
Blurred vision when looking at objects at a distance
Squinting
Eyestrain
Eye fatigue when looking at objects far away
In addition to causing physical issues, nearsightedness can also impact a child’s safety and performance in school. Eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery can be used to fix nearsightedness. Take your child to routine eye exams to detect potential issues and help them stay healthy.
Farsightedness
Are things too close for comfort? If so, then your child may have Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness. Hyperopia is a common condition that makes objects far away easier to see than objects up close. With farsightedness, the light rays in the eyes focus behind the surface of the retina instead of directly on the retina, which makes close-up objects blurry. The symptoms may include:
Blurred vision
Trouble focusing on things close by
Eyestrain
Eye fatigue
Headaches when performing tasks close-up
Farsightedness can impact self-esteem and educational capabilities. Thankfully it is easy to correct with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Take your kid for a vision exam to make sure they are prepared for success!
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common condition that causes objects both near and far to appear blurry. With astigmatism, your eye isn’t able to focus because it is not completely round. In kids, astigmatism can be difficult to diagnose because they perceive the blurriness as normal. The symptoms include:
Blurred Vision
Distorted Vision
Eyestrain
Headaches
Like other common eye issues, astigmatism can impact safety and school performance. Thankfully it can be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Make an appointment for an eye exam to make sure your child’s eyes are healthy and their vision is clear!
Lazy Eye in Colorado Springs
A lazy or wandering eye is called Amblyopia. In amblyopia, one eye underperforms because it does not properly reflect light. When a child has a lazy eye, their body follows the direction of the normally performing eye which can impact their ability to perceive depth. Symptoms may include:
Issues with depth perception
Frequently squinting or shutting one eye
Tilting head to focus
Early detection is important for the most effective and simple treatment. To set your child up for success, schedule a routine eye exam today!
Cross Eyes
Cross eyes, or strabismus, is a common eye condition in which the eyes are not always aligned. With strabismus, the eyes look in different directions because the eye muscles are out of sync. If left unaddressed, strabismus can lead to a lazy eye or cause other types of vision problems. There are a few different treatment options, and your provider can find the best one for you.
Fashionable Frames
For many parents, it is a struggle to get their children to wear eyeglasses. We carry over 350 Medicaid-approved frames to ensure your child can find the perfect pair to suit their age, size, fashion, and lifestyle. We want every child to feel cool, confident, and comfortable when wearing eyeglasses!
Insurance Options
We don’t want any child to struggle with learning challenges that are caused by undetected vision problems. If your child is experiencing vision issues, we can help. We are a kid's Medicaid dentist and we accept most insurance plans so that your child can have regular vision check-ups and glasses at little or no cost to you.