Indian River Shores doesn’t have a pediatric dentist of its own - and most beachside families don’t know a board-certified pediatric specialist is just a short drive across the Merrill Barber Bridge. Nickel Pediatric Dentistry in Vero Beach is approximately 8 minutes from most Indian River Shores addresses, with Dr. Andrew Nickel - a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) - providing comprehensive pediatric dental care for families across the 32963 ZIP code.
Who We See in Indian River Shores
We’re proud to serve children from across the beachside community, including families whose children attend:
- Saint Edward’s School - PK-12 independent school on Saint Edward’s Drive
- Beachland Elementary - public elementary serving the 32963 community
- The surrounding Windsor, John’s Island, The Moorings, Bay Cove, and Riomar neighborhoods
If your family lives east of the Indian River Lagoon, our office is the closest board-certified pediatric specialist option - and a faster drive than most beachside parents expect.
Why Indian River Shores Families Choose a Board-Certified Specialist
Indian River Shores parents often select clinicians the way they select schools - credentials, reputation, and the depth of training behind the credential matter. The pediatric dentistry equivalent of that decision is board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, the only certifying body for pediatric dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association.
What that credential means in practice:
- Multi-day exam process beyond standard residency
- Ongoing continuing education required to maintain the credential
- Peer review of clinical cases across the full pediatric scope (behavior management, sedation safety, special healthcare needs)
- A formal commitment to staying current with evolving pediatric dentistry standards
Read more about what board certification means for your child’s care, or verify Dr. Nickel’s ABPD Diplomate status directly at abpd.org.
Drive Directions From Indian River Shores
We’re at 2145 Indian River Blvd, Suite B, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
From Indian River Shores:
- Via the Merrill Barber Bridge (SR-60 / 17th Street Causeway): From most Indian River Shores addresses, head west on SR-60 across the bridge, then turn south on Indian River Blvd. Our office is on the right. Drive time: approximately 8-12 minutes.
- Via the Wabasso Causeway (CR-510, for northern Indian River Shores / John’s Island area): Wabasso Causeway west, then south on US-1 to Indian River Blvd. Approximately 15-18 minutes.
- From the southern barrier island / Riomar area: SR-60 west, then south on Indian River Blvd. Most direct route.
Parking is directly in front of the office. Street-level entrance, accessible.
Services We Provide
Everything pediatric - for infants through adolescents:
- First visits by age 1 (per AAPD recommendation)
- Cleanings, checkups, sealants, and fluoride
- Cavity treatment, fillings, and crowns - including stainless steel and tooth-colored zirconia options
- Pulpal therapy (baby root canal) when decay reaches the nerve
- Tooth extractions and space maintainers
- Pediatric sedation - nitrous oxide, oral, IV, and hospital-based when indicated
- Pediatric dental emergencies - 24/7 line at (772) 494-6010
- Frenectomy for tongue-tie and lip-tie - infants through adolescents
- Pediatric airway evaluation at every comprehensive exam
- Minimally invasive options - Silver Diamine Fluoride, Curodont, ICON, Hall Crowns, MI Paste Plus
- Custom sports mouthguards for Saint Edward’s, Beachland, and other school athletes
- Orthodontic referral to Dr. Zoey Orthodontics - our spousal practice next door
A Pediatric Dentist for the Long Run
The first dental visit at age 1 is the start of a relationship that ideally lasts through adolescence. The best pediatric dental homes are practices where:
- Your child sees the same dentist year after year - building familiarity, trust, and a complete clinical history
- Conservative philosophy guides treatment decisions - minimally invasive options when they fit, traditional treatment when they don’t
- Specialty referrals are coordinated, not arms-length - including Dr. Zoey Orthodontics next door for orthodontic care
- The credential matters - board-certified pediatric specialty training, not just general dentistry that happens to see children
For Indian River Shores families looking to establish that long-term relationship, we’d be glad to meet you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a pediatric dentist on the barrier island?
Currently, no pediatric-only practice has a physical office on the Indian River Shores side of the bridge. Nickel Pediatric Dentistry, just across the Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, is the closest board-certified pediatric specialist.
How long is the drive from Indian River Shores to your office?
8-12 minutes from most addresses via the Merrill Barber Bridge / SR-60. Northern Indian River Shores (John’s Island area) via the Wabasso Causeway is closer to 15-18 minutes.
Do you see children from Saint Edward’s School and Beachland Elementary?
Yes - these are two of the schools we see families from most regularly.
Are you accepting new patients from Indian River Shores?
Yes. We see new patients of all ages.
Do you coordinate with our pediatrician?
When appropriate, yes. We’re happy to communicate with your child’s pediatrician on referrals, post-procedure care, or any concern that benefits from coordinated medical-dental attention. ## Schedule a Visit Call (772) 494-6010 or request an appointment online. New patients welcome - we’ll verify insurance benefits before your appointment and walk you through what to bring for your child’s first visit. —
