Now Accepting New Patients
Pediatric dentistry tailored to your child’s needs
At Mariposa Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing individualized, quality care in a friendly and fun environment. We know that children and families are all unique, and tailor our approach to best fit each child.
We prioritize preventive dentistry and oral health education to help set your child up for optimal oral health now and into the future.
Our Mission
Personalized, high-quality care
Every child deserves dental care designed for them. We’ll listen to your concerns and provide honest recommendations for proven treatments that are right for your child.
All Families Welcome
We love working with families from all backgrounds and with a variety of unique needs, including children with special needs.
Modern minimally invasive treatments
We offer a full range of pediatric dentistry services in-office. One of our strengths is minimally invasive treatments, including the ability to treat cavities topically and without injections.
We Speak Spanish
Dr. Pedersen and most of our team speak Spanish fluently. We love working with Spanish-speaking families! Learn More.
Hear from our patients
A really amazing experience! Dr. Pederson was so nice and welcoming. I am definitely excited to bring my kids back here in 6 months! Thank you Mariposa Pediatric Dentistry!
– Jasmine V.
Meet Your Pediatric Dentist
Anne Pedersen, DDS
Dr. Annie Pedersen grew up in Southern California and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics at UCLA. She continued her studies at the University of Washington, where she earned a Masters Degree in Biostatistics, before returning to UCLA to become a dentist.
Following dental school, Dr. Pedersen completed 2 years of additional training at the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic to earn her Pediatric Dentistry specialty certificate. During her second year of residency, she earned the Pugh award and the James Roche Award of Excellence from the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
Dr. Pedersen lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband and 2 young children. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and gardening.
- Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
- Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the UCLA School of Dentistry
- Earned Pediatric Dentistry Specialty Certificate from NYU Langone at the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic site
Meet Your Pediatric Dentist
Alison Riley, DDS, MS
Dr. Alison grew up in Pennsylvania and graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering from Penn State University. She then made the move to California and worked as a medical device engineer for three years.
During this time, she began volunteering with the UCSD Pre-Dental Society, helping to provide free dental care to those without insurance, and fell in love with dentistry. She completed dental school at UCSF, then Pediatric Dentistry specialty training at The Ohio State University and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, a level one trauma center. There, she had the privilege of caring for clinically complex patients while learning from top experts in the field.
Dr. Alison is excited to be back on the West Coast, working with a team that is similarly passionate about providing high-quality, individualized care to all children.
Outside of the office, Dr. Alison and her husband Elliott enjoy hiking, surfing, and playing with their two cats.
“I love meeting each child where they are at each visit, so that we can work together to celebrate each accomplishment, build positive dental experiences, and improve their oral health.”
- Board Eligible Pediatric Dentist
- The Ohio State University Master of Science in Dentistry
- University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry
Meet Your Pediatric Dentist
Emily Renk Hawthorne
Emily Renk Hawthorne graduated from USC Dental School in 2011 and completed a hospital dentistry residency at UCLA in 2012. She worked with Indian Health Services for five years and community health for underserved populations for six years after that.
She is originally from Huntington Beach, CA and now lives in San Luis Obispo with her husband and daughter.
- Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
- University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
Meet Our Team
Elizabeth
Insurance Coordinator
Jazzmyn
Receptionist
Rosie
Receptionist
Britney
Dental Assistant
Denti-Cal & most insurance accepted
We are in network with most PPO dental insurances, and are the only local pediatric dental specialist accepting Denti-Cal. Not sure if your specific plan is accepted? Contact us today for a complimentary benefits check.
No insurance? We’ve got you covered.
We offer an in-house discount plan and payment plans to help you afford care.
Our in-house discount plan includes:
- 2 comprehensive exams and cleanings per year, including any needed x-rays
- Discounts on any needed treatment
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 12pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed