Academy Kids Dental, Vision and Orthodontics
S. Academy Blvd. & Astrozon Blvd.
Colorado Springs, CO 80916 719-391-2336
Kid's Dentist and Vision Care
Welcome South Colorado Springs Families!
Welcome to Academy Kids Dental, Vision & Orthodontics on South Academy Blvd. in Colorado Springs, where we are committed to providing exceptional care for children in our community. Our team of dentists, orthodontists, and optometrists are dedicated to ensuring that your child remains healthy and happy throughout their growth and development.
We pride ourselves on offering all the necessary services for your child's dental, orthodontic, and vision needs, under one roof. We understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for children, which is why we have created a warm and inviting atmosphere with bright colors, fun characters, and a friendly staff.
Our Dentists
Our dental care team, led by Dr. Mary Arrieta, is highly experienced and skilled at making children feel at ease during their appointments. Our range of services includes exams, X-rays, dental cleaning, fluoride treatments, cavity fillings, extractions, and crowns, all conveniently available at our South Academy office.
Pediatric Vision Care
Pediatric vision health is crucial to your child's overall development. Dr. Michael Pharris, our optometrist, has extensive experience working with children to ensure their vision is healthy and that they excel in school and other activities. Our comprehensive eye exams can determine if your child needs glasses or other vision treatments. We look forward to seeing you and your child for their annual eye exam.
Orthodontic Care
As your child enters their teenage years, orthodontic treatment may be necessary. Our orthodontist, Dr. Mark Musicaro, can perform an exam to determine if braces are needed. In some cases, Medicaid may cover the cost of braces if they are deemed medically necessary. In other cases, braces can be a great option to enhance your child's confidence and self-esteem with a beautiful smile. We invite you to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation, where our treatment coordinator will discuss all the options available to begin orthodontic services.
South Colorado Springs Location, Hours & Insurance
Our office is conveniently located in Colorado Springs at 2436 S Academy Blvd, S. Academy Blvd. & Astrozon Blvd., and we offer flexible office hours Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. We accept Children's Dental Medicaid, Children's Vision Medicaid, Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+), as well as most insurances.
Schedule your appointment today and be a hero to your kids.
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. Mark Musicaro
(Dr. Mark)
- Bachelor of Science in Biology - Univeristy of Nevada Reno
- Doctor of Dental Medicine - University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Master of Science in Dentistry - Jacksonville University
- Orthodontic Certificate - Jacksonville University
- Orthodontic Residency - Jacksonville University
- Four Years of Active Duty - US Army
Outside of work, I am married with two young children who keep me active. When I'm not chasing the kids around, I am an avid runner who also enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and exploring Colorado. When not enjoying the outdoors, I enjoy spending time with local friends and family.
Dr. Alexandria Starr-Pitts
(Dr. Starr)
- Bachelor of Science in Biology- Purdue University
- Doctor of Optometry - American University of Puerto Rico
I am a huge Michael Jordan fan and also have a slight obsession with shoes. Being an athlete, I talk to a lot of patients about sports, especially basketball and football. I have a massive glasses collection so I always notice stylish glasses on patients and/or their parents. I love going up to the front to help kiddos choose their frames - it is so fun for me! My husband recently got out of the army, so I also talk to our military patients about the different places I have lived. I just had my first child, a daughter, so I can finally relate to parents in that aspect as well.
Dr. Elizabeth Lyon
(Dr. Lyon)
- Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience - Trinity University
- Doctor of Optometry - Midwestern University College of Optometry
- Residency - Southern College of Optometry (vision therapy and neuro optometric rehabilitation)
I grew up in Colorado Springs and moved back after completing my residency. My husband is also an optometrist and we met in optometry school. We have a dog and two cats which we treat like children. We love to hike and have summited many of the peaks in the Colorado Springs skyline. This year we are starting our first garden! We are growing tomatoes, peppers, and a few other vegetables.


Dr. Yasufumi Yamazaki
(Dr. Yasu)
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Advanced Automotive Design
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
I have a french bulldog.
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. DeAnna Drake
(Dr. Drake)
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology - Union College
- Doctor of Dental Surgery - Loma Linda University
- General Practice Residency - University of Minnesota
I love all things Disney and even studied for the dental boards at the parks. I enjoy planning celebrations and I just recently picked up kayaking.
Dr. Sanda Win
(Dr. Win)
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - Bryn Mawr College
- Doctor of Optometry - Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University
I was born and raised in Myanmar and came to the United States when I was 13 years old. I lived in New Jersey/Pennsylvania until 3 years ago when my husband and I decided to move to Colorado. We enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling with our toddler. Most of the time we are busy just trying to keep them entertained.
MEDICAID ACCEPTED
Insurance, we've got you covered.
We welcome Children's Medicaid and most insurance plans. Our mission is to expand care access so that every child has a chance to thrive.
Dental Plans Accepted
- Colorado Medicaid
- Health First Colorado
- CHP+
- Tri-Care
- United Concordia
- Delta
- Aetna
- Metlife
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Connection Dental GEHA
- UHC
- Guardian
- Humana
- Principal
- Dentegra
- TDA
- Dentemax
- Sun Life Financial
Vision Plans Accepted
- Colorado Medicaid
- Denver Health
- CHP+
- EyeMed
- Spectera
- TriCare
- UHC (Medical)

The dentist and assistant were AMAZING! They made sure my daughter knew exactly what they were doing/using in her mouth and explained in a way she would understand for an 8 year old.
High Quality, Compassionate Care
It's What We Do Best!
It's our mission to ensure that every child and family has access to affordable high-quality, compassionate care. Our kid-friendly offices, high-quality staff, flexible scheduling, and a variety of insurance options make us the perfect fit for your family.

Click Below to Learn More
Dentist Services
Providing high-quality, affordable dental care for kids in Colorado Springs is what we do best! A kid's dentist visit should occur after their first tooth emerges or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Getting an early start on oral care habits puts your child on the healthiest path.
Dental Cleanings
Sometimes brushing just isn’t enough, and teeth need professional cleanings! During dental cleanings, we use special tools and skills to remove plaque from hard-to-reach spots. We also check for early signs of tooth decay so that we can treat any issues that arise before they become a more serious problem. For children who are more susceptible to tooth decay, fluoride treatments and sealants are necessary to protect and maintain the strength of their teeth.
Dental X-Rays
Dental x-rays are tools that allow dentists to monitor oral development and check for any potential diseases or decay that can impact your child’s dental health. Dental x-rays are special because they reveal areas of the teeth that are invisible during dental cleanings.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride gives your teeth the nutrients they need to stay healthy! Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects teeth from decay and maintains tooth strength. During regular dental visits, we paint a concentrated fluoride varnish directly onto tooth/teeth surfaces that need protection. Fluoride is beneficial throughout a child’s life, and it is an important part of healthy dental hygiene.
Cavities & Fillings
The most basic form of tooth decay is cavities, especially for toddlers and children. A cavity develops plaque builds up and eats at the tooth enamel. This creates a hole in the tooth called a cavity. Sometimes cavities are hard to prevent, but proper dental hygiene, a healthy diet, and biannual dental cleanings are the best defense. When a cavity is found, the dentist removes the decay and fills in the hole with a filling.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants protect teeth against harmful bacteria and tooth decay. Even with excellent oral hygiene, the grooves on the surfaces of molars are vulnerable to collections of food and bacteria that can potentially lead to decay. Dental sealants give teeth an extra layer of protection, and they are an important part of preventative oral care.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are placed on top of damaged teeth that need to be restored to their correct size and shape. Sometimes a filling is not enough to restore a tooth that is decayed or compromised. In this circumstance, dental crowns are necessary! A dental crown is applied in one appointment using some form of anesthetic.
Tooth Extraction
There are times when a tooth needs to be extracted. These cases include when a tooth is extensively damaged or decayed, when a baby tooth needs help coming out, and when additional room is needed in the mouth in preparation for orthodontic treatment.
Dental Sedation Options
In every dental procedure and at every visit, we want to minimize potential distress to keep kids calm and comfortable. Dental sedation makes dental procedures as easy as possible for kids. Select locations provide dental sedation options, and a referral is required.
Chipped Tooth Care
Teeth can accidentally chip or break during play. Thankfully, we have ways to fix chips and breaks! Contact your dentist immediately if your child has a broken tooth. During the emergency visit, the dentist will examine the child’s mouth. Sometimes, the tooth fragment can be reattached. If you are able to locate the chipped tooth fragment, put it in a bag with water or saline and bring it to the dentist's office. If the tooth fragment can’t be found, there are additional ways to repair the tooth.
Insurance
Good news families! Medicaid and most dental insurance plans cover two dental cleanings and checkups per year. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining oral health. Book an appointment with us for your child today!
Vision Services in Colorado Springs
Kid’s eye doctors can make your child’s future clear! We provide exams and glasses all in one place.
Regular eye exams are crucial for preparing babies, kids, and teens for educational, social, and developmental success. Vision issues can cause kids to struggle with school, sports, their peers, and daily activities. A vision check-up is a great way to make sure your child is healthy and prepared for success.
Nearsightedness
If your child has a hard time focusing on things in the distance, they may have Myopia. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive disorder that makes it difficult to see objects far away, while things up close are crystal clear. The symptoms can include:
Blurred vision when looking at objects at a distance
Squinting
Eyestrain
Eye fatigue when looking at objects far away
Nearsightedness can impact a child’s safety, education, and socialization. Thankfully eyeglasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery can correct nearsightedness. Take your child to routine eye exams to detect potential issues and help them stay healthy.
Farsightedness
If things are too close for comfort, your child may have Hyperopia. Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common condition that makes objects close up difficult to see, while objects far away are clearly focused. 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 a child’s self-esteem and educational abilities. Thankfully it is easy to correct with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Book an appointment for a vision exam to make sure your child is prepared for success!
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common condition that makes objects blurry, regardless of distance. With astigmatism, the eye isn’t able to focus because it is not completely round. Kids with astigmatism often perceive the blurriness as normal, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can include:
Blurred Vision
Distorted Vision
Eyestrain
Headaches
Like other common eye issues, astigmatism can impact safety, socialization, and school performance. Thankfully astigmatism can be treated with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Make an appointment for an eye exam to make sure your child is prepared for success!
Lazy Eye
A lazy eye is called Amblyopia. In amblyopia, one eye does not properly reflect light which causes it to underperform. When a child has a lazy eye, their body follows the direction of the normally performing eye which can impact depth perception. Symptoms can include:
Issues with depth perception
Frequently squinting or shutting one eye
Tilting head to focus
For the most effective and simple treatment, early detection is key. To set your child up for success, schedule a routine eye exam today!
Cross Eyes
Cross eyes, or strabismus, is a relatively common eye condition in which the eyes are sometimes misaligned. With strabismus, the eye's muscles are out of sync which causes the eyes to look in different directions. If left unaddressed, strabismus can result in a lazy eye or cause other types of vision problems. Thankfully there are a few different treatment options. If you are concerned your child has cross-eyes, book an appointment for an eye exam.
Fashionable Frames
Many parents struggle to get their children to wear eyeglasses. Thankfully 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 due to undetected vision problems. If your child is experiencing vision issues, we can help. We accept Medicaid and most insurance plans so that your child can have regular vision check-ups and glasses at little or no cost to parents.
Orthodontic Services
Orthodontic Braces
Orthodontic braces are beneficial because they correct jaw alignment and teeth spacing. The benefits of braces can increase your child or teen’s confidence and self-esteem, in addition to improving many aspects of dental health, including:
Improve ability to chew food
Alleviate speech impairment
Make brushing, cleaning, and flossing teeth easier
Reduce the risk of cavities and periodontal disease
Reduce the occurrence of grinding and chipping teeth
Reduce the risk of injury from protruding teeth
For many people, braces are an important part of oral health!
Finding the Right Braces
There are several different types of braces that are commonly used today. It is important to choose the right type of braces based on your treatment plan, cost, and desired appearance. We can help you decide!
Traditional Metal Braces are the most common type of braces. They are affordable and highly effective. Metal braces are easy to accurately adjust during monthly visits, and kids and teens get to choose fun elastic band colors!
Ceramic or Porcelain Braces are similar to metal braces, but the brackets and wires are designed to blend in with your kid or teen’s teeth. These braces are more expensive than metal braces, and they require dedicated, regular cleaning to prevent discoloration. If you want your braces to be less noticeable, ceramic or porcelain braces are a great option.
Removable Aligners have become increasingly popular. Removable aligners are transparent trays that rest on top of teeth and need to be removed for meal times and other activities. Removable aligners are more expensive than metal braces, and the treatment requires a level of personal responsibility. Not every kid is up to the task! Removable aligners are not designed to correct significant bite problems, but if you are looking for a less noticeable way to correct alignment issues, this solution may be the right treatment option for you.
Affordable Braces
Medicaid and many other insurance plans acknowledge the importance of braces for oral health and may cover the full cost of orthodontic treatment. If you have Medicaid, your child needs an orthodontic evaluation to determine whether or not the treatment is covered. If you have private insurance, you can learn about your orthodontic coverage options by contacting your insurance provider.
If you do not have insurance coverage, we offer multiple affordable payment plans. Our orthodontic care coordinators can review these options and assist you in determining a plan that works for your family.
Orthodontic Evaluations
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children are screened by age seven. By age seven, it will be clear if a child has any jaw alignment problems, overcrowding, overbite or underbite, crossbite, or other orthodontic issues that may impact their mouth. It is important to receive an orthodontic evaluation early so that we can quickly determine if braces are needed, and if so, choose the best treatment plan.

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You Have the Questions, We Have the Answers!
Finding answers to children's health can be hard, so we made it easy for you!
Checkout some of our parent's most frequently answered questions about their child's health.
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