LIHU‘E — Even the logo of ToothBuds Kaua‘i, LLC has a meaning.
The name ToothBuds Kaua‘i was selected to represent the start of oral care for keiki, states a release announcing the new, full service pediatric dental facility on Kaua‘i that offers examinations, cleanings, and x-rays.
“Do you see the tooth?” said Yvette Sahut, the media liaison for ToothBuds Kaua‘i. “It is the beginning of growth and the start of a new dental journey. ToothBuds Kaua‘i aims to be a part of a child’s dental journey by providing extraordinary care and creating happy smiles in a family-friendly environment, giving keiki and families a positive dental foundation.”
With the opening of ToothBuds Kaua‘i by a blessing from Kahu Aokai Ai, Kaua‘i’s keiki have another option for pediatric dental care. Goto’s philosophy is to create a positive experience for keiki of all ages from infancy through their teen years, leading them into a lifetime of excellent oral health and a positive outlook on visiting the dentist.
“I just want keiki to have a happy experience in oral care,” said Dr. Radford Goto. “Too many times, dental care can be traumatic. This leads to individuals not seeking further help along their dental journey. I try to make this care experience as pleasant as possible.”
Goto owns ToothBuds Kaua‘i, LLC and works with another pediatric dentist, Dr. Erica Leone, and five support staff in the office located at 3-3359 Kuhio Highway in Lihu‘e, a few doors down from The Fish Express, and across the highway from the Walmart store.
ToothBuds Kaua‘i is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and appointments are being accepted for new patients from age one, and older. Most major insurance plans are accepted as well as affordable payment plan options.
In addition to ToothBuds Kaua‘i, Goto also owns and practices at Diamond Head Children’s Dentistry in Honolulu. He is a board certified pediatric dentist with 24 years of experience, a member of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Hawai‘i Dental Association. He has been named one of Hawai‘i’s best pediatric dentists by the Honolulu Magazine for more than 10 years.
Goto is no stranger to Kaua‘i, having relatives on the Westside and spending his summers as a youngster on Kaua‘i with his grandparents in Kalaheo.
“My employers used to fly me to Kaua‘i to work with Hawai‘i Family Dental in Lihu‘e,” Goto said. “Eventually, I wanted to set up something over here where there is a need, and I can do something good for this place that I spent my childhood growing up, happy.”
For more information, call 808-378-4869, or drop in Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
