Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold

About Us

Meet Our Pediatric Dentist, Dr. Matt.

Dr. Matt Waite

Hi! I’m Dr. Matt Waite. I was born and raised in St. Louis, and after 10 years of living and adventuring outside the state, I’m thrilled to be back in the community I grew up in.

I earned my Master’s in Public Health from Saint Louis University and my Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry. After dental school, I served in the Army.

While I loved my time in the Army, I was struck by how many brave men and women carried a fear of the dentist that began in childhood. That experience inspired me to pursue specialty training in pediatric dentistry, where I could help children build confidence and develop positive dental habits from an early age.

I completed my pediatric dental residency at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. My goal is to help every child—and their parent—feel safe, comfortable, and proud as we work together to create and maintain healthy smiles.

I am also passionate about improving access to dental care for all children. I recently published work with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, as well as a children’s book called Tooth Tales.

I’m proud to be part of the team at Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold, where we are committed to providing excellent care with a focus on prevention, education, and, of course, smiles.
When I’m not counting teeth, you can find my wife, Ellen, and our son Bodie and me cheering on our favorite sports teams, playing outside, and exploring all the great aspects of St. Louis!

I can’t wait to meet you in person!

Professional Credentials and Experience

Advanced Education

Master's in Public Health, Saint Louis University. Specialized training in community health and preventive care principles, with a focus on serving underserved populations.

Military Service

Army Dental Officer, United States Army. Served at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. One tour supporting Operation Inherent Resolve at combat support hospital in the Middle East. This experience taught me resilience, precision, and the importance of staying calm under pressure, skills that translate directly to excellent pediatric care.

Dental Degree

Dr. Matt earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. After practicing as a general dentist, he completed a pediatric dental residency at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Comprehensive training in all aspects of pediatric and family dental care with emphasis on patient-centered practice.

St. Louis Roots

Born and raised in St. Louis with deep commitment to our community. I attended school here, built my childhood memories here, and now I'm raising the next generation of smiles right here in Arnold. That's not just a business decision, it's a personal commitment to the neighborhood that made me who I am.

Children Don't Fear the Dentist, They Fear the Unknown

This insight drives everything we do. We understand that a child’s first dental experience sets the tone for their lifelong relationship with oral health. That’s why we’re committed to making every visit positive, comfortable, and even fun, a philosophy that resonates with Arnold and South County families who value quality, compassionate care.

We use simple, non-frightening language to describe treatments. We’ve created an “under the sea” themed environment that delights kids and helps them relax. And we know that Disney+ entertainment and prizes at the end of each visit keep children smiling, literally and figuratively.

What Makes Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold Special

Warm, welcoming environment designed specifically for children
Simple, easy-to-understand explanations of all procedures
Fun “under the sea” themed treatment rooms
Tablets with Disney+ for entertainment and distraction
Prizes and positive reinforcement after every visit
Compassionate, patient-centered approach rooted in community values
Dr. Matt’s personal commitment to families in Arnold and the greater South County area
Long-term relationships built on trust and reliability

Serving Arnold and Families from Across the Region

We’re proud to call Arnold home, and we’re honored to care for families from all surrounding communities and beyond. Located at 22 Arnold Mall, our office is easily accessible and always welcoming to children and families—no matter where you’re coming from.

Arnold

Our home base. A family-friendly community just 18 miles south of downtown St. Louis with excellent schools, parks, and a strong sense of community pride. We know Arnold families and their values.

Oakville

Just minutes away, this thriving South County community is part of the excellent Mehlville School District. Many Oakville families have trusted us for their children's dental care.

Mehlville

A vibrant unincorporated community with strong schools and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. We're proud to be the local dental home for Mehlville families.

Affton

South County's established residential community, close to shopping, dining, and quality schools. Affton parents appreciate our convenient location and personalized approach.

Festus

Just south of Arnold along scenic waterways, Festus families value our combination of professional expertise and small-town care.

South County region

We welcome families from across the greater South County region. Whether you're in Jefferson County or St. Louis County, we're here to serve you.

Why Families Choose Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold

Board Certified Professional
Graduate of accredited dental school with specialized training in pediatric patient care. Dr. Matt completed his advanced education at respected institutions and brings current, evidence-based practices to our Arnold office.

St. Louis University- Masters in Public Health
UMKC- Doctor of Dental Surgery
University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Hospital) Pediatric Dental Residency

Local Expert with Real Experience
Military background and advanced dental training provide exceptional clinical expertise. More importantly, Dr. Matt is a neighbor, someone who understands South County family life and values.

Deep Community Commitment
Lifelong St. Louis resident with genuine roots in Arnold and South County. This isn’t a chain practice, it’s Dr. Matt’s practice, built on relationships with families we care about.

Child-Focused Care
Every aspect of Pediatric Dentistry of Arnold is designed around making children comfortable and confident. We listen to your concerns and treat your child like our own.

What Families Are Saying

“I came with my 3 year old daughter to have her teeth cleaned for the first time. They were pretty heavily stained (iron staining) and they did a fabulous job!! Her teeth look beautiful! They were so gentle and so kind and friendly!! They did a fantastic job interacting with my daughter and making her feel at ease. I will recommend them to all my friends with young children!”

“We recently switched to this office and are EXTREMELY HAPPY that we did! Everyone is very kind, from the front desk, hygienist, dentist, to checkout! I’d give more than 5 stars if it allowed!”

“Every single staff member was wonderful. From the front desk to the doctor and everyone in between. Very professional, very sweet, my kids very much enjoyed the experience. And as someone who hates going to the dentist I'm so glad to have found a place my kids don't hate going!”

Request an Appointment

Have a question for our team? Send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Monday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Select Saturdays: Appointments only from 8:00am to 12:00pm

Schedule Your Child's Visit

We look forward to welcoming your family to our Arnold office.