Dr. Francine Paladino

Dr. Francine Paladino, or as her patients call her “Dr. Fran”, has been in the private practice of Pediatric Dentistry for over 25 years.

She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a General Practice Residency at Lutheran Medical Center in New York City. During her residency, she worked in a mobile dental van treating underprivileged children in rural upstate New York. Inspired and encouraged, Dr. Fran pursued her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at Beth Israel Medical Center in Manhattan, an affiliate of New York University (NYU). During her Pediatric Dental Residency she served on the multidisciplinary Cleft Palate Team, evaluating, treating and coordinating care of cleft palate patients. Upon completing her residency program, Dr. Fran returned to the Philadelphia area and has been in private practice for over 25 years. Dr. Fran is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also a member of the American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Southern Dental Society of New Jersey and New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In the past, she has served on the Children’s Dental Health Month Committee for the Southern Dental Society of New Jersey as well as published an article “Science and Superstition: Natal and Neonatal Teeth” in Outlook and Bulletin, the Southern Dental Society of New Jersey’s journal. In addition, Dr. Fran has presented lectures on Pediatric Dentistry at the Camden County College Dental Department for 25 years.

Dr. Fran met her husband, Dr. Francis Smithgall, in dental school, and has been happily married for many years. In her spare time she enjoys cooking and traveling with her family. She and her husband live in Cherry Hill, have one grown daughter and are active members of the community.

“The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is the recognized authority on children’s oral health. As advocates for children’s oral health, the AAPD promotes evidence-based policies and clinical guidelines; educates and informs policymakers, parents and guardians, and other health care professionals; fosters research; and provides continuing professional education for pediatric dentists. Founded in 1947, the AAPD is a not-for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Its 9,500 members provide primary care and comprehensive dental specialty treatments for infants, children, adolescents and individuals with special health care needs.”

–The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

“A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric dentist whose credentials have been verified, who has successfully completed voluntary examinations, and who demonstrates specialized knowledge and skill. A Diplomate is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care through a voluntary commitment to lifelong learning.”

–American Board of Pediatric Dentistry College of Diplomates