Celebrating 50 years in pediatric dentistry!
We are excited to celebrate our 50th year in pediatric dentistry. Take a look at how it all began…
1976
The Beginning
The only board-certified pediatric dentist from Lincoln to Denver, Dr. Edward Lockwood, founded E.H. Lockwood D.D.S., M.S. It was the dental practice that started it all, with a focus and mission of treating all children.
His office was on the second floor of the Warner Whalen Building in Hastings, just a couple of blocks away from the current Pediatric Dental Specialists office in Hastings. He started with a card table and two Head Start nurses to greet patients. He remained there until 1984.
1980
In-Hospital Dentistry
Dr. Lockwood began in-hospital dentistry for young children to complete complex restorations. He was redefining the misconception that baby teeth didn’t need to be restored because they’re “just baby teeth.”
He also treated patients with complex health needs: cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, HIV, and many other conditions that most people were scared to treat at the time.
1983
Expansion!
Dr. Lockwood purchased land at 601 N St. Joseph Avenue, which is where the current Hastings location for Pediatric Dental Specialists still operates. Dr. Lockwood would record Saturday morning cartoons and bring those to the office to play all week on the TVs in the open bay.
1985
New Office
The new office was built with an open treatment bay style that was revolutionary because it was inviting and much less intimidating to young patients. He also stocked the open floor plan with toys and distractions for kids. Because if kids could see their neighbor having fun and playing with toys, then maybe going to the dentist wasn’t so bad after all.
1999
Dr. Meeske Joins Practice
Dr. Jessica Meeske joined the practice, and she was eager to bring innovation to the practice. She spurred on an initiative to move from analog to digital by introducing computers to the practice.
2001
Dr. Meeske Becomes a Partner
Dr. Meeske became a partner, and the practice name changed to Lockwood and Meeske. They also opened a small satellite pediatric dental practice in Grand Island!
2006
Team Members Added
Together, the doctors doubled the size of their Hastings office. Also joining the practice then were three team members who are still with the practice. Katie Vaughn, a dental hygienist, Heidi Hamilton, a dental assistant, and Whitney Summers, also a dental assistant, have been with Pediatric Dental Specialists through all of the big, modern-day changes.
2008
Dave Johnson Joins Practice
Dave Johnson joined the practice as office manager. Dave became a large part of the practice's growth. As the organization grew, he became the chief officer of operations and developed a leadership team that included Tenille Rader (regional manager), Stephanie Schulte (human resources), and Whitney Itzen (marketing manager). This group formed over time and is an integral part of all the PDS practices.
2010
Dr. Randone Joins Practice
Dr. Holly Portwood (now Dr. Randone) joined the practice. With new doctors joining the practice and a vision for continued growth, the practice name was changed to Pediatric Dental Specialists. This name was chosen to reflect the practice's mission and goals for growth in the future.
2011
Grand Island Practice Upgrade & Dr. Randone Becomes Partner
The doctors at Pediatric Dental Specialists decided it was time to upgrade their existing practice in Grand Island. They expanded to a new location in Grand Island, building an office along Hwy 281. This office was a large clinic with six treatment chairs, and they introduced bold colors, artwork, gaming systems in the reception area, and a beautiful, modern esthetic.
In October, Dr. Holly Randone became a partner of the PDS organization.
2012
Dr. Lehn Joins Practice
Dr. Gary Lehn joined the organization.
2013
New Services Added
Orthodontic services were introduced to the practice.
2014
Dr. Lehn Becomes Partner
Dr. Gary Lehn became a partner of the PDS organization
2017
Expanded Functions Dental Assistants Legalized
The doctors of PDS spent 10 years working to legalize expanded functions dental assistants (EFDA), and PDS was the first practice in Nebraska to implement that change with expanded functions dental assistants in the practice.
2018
Dr. Lockwood Retires
After more than 40 years of pediatric dentistry and treating so many children, Dr. Lockwood retires.
2018
Two New Locations & Dr. Simpson Becomes Partner
Pediatric Dental Specialists of Greater Nebraska merged with Dr. Jon Simpson in North Platte, forming Pediatric Dental Specialists–North Platte. Dr. Simpson also became a partner in the PDS organization.
Simultaneously, Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha was opened.
2019
Grand Island Expansion
The doctors expanded their office in Grand Island, doubling it in size.
2020
Dr. Reimer & Dr. Kluver Join PDS, New Office Opens in North Platte
Dr. Ben Reimer, Hastings native, joined Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha as a provider and partner in PDS–Omaha. Sara Kluver joined PDS–Hastings as a general dentist to offer care to older patients. We also built and opened the new office in North Platte this year.
2022
Dr. Rensch Joins PDS
Dr. Frannie Rensch joined Pediatric Dental Specialists–Omaha. The practices also began to offer in-office general anesthesia to patients who need extensive dental restoration. This saves parents time and hospital fees while allowing children to receive care in an environment they already know.
2023
Dentist of the Year, New Location & Dentist
In April, Pediatric Dental Specialists expanded to Kearney. In May, Dr. Meeske was named Pediatric Dentist of the Year by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In September, Dr. Natalie Bussard joined the newly opened practice.
2024
Dr. Weber Joins PDS & Dr. Reimer Becomes Partner
In January, Dr. Mary Weber joined the Omaha team. In June, Pediatric Dental Specialists opened a second location in Omaha on Dodge Street. This location has 10 treatment chairs and the same open floor plan, bold colors, and beautiful artwork that PDS is known for.
2025
New Treatment Options Introduced
The Hastings location launched a new treatment modality for kids who are struggling with airway and feeding issues. Dr. Randone introduced lip and tongue tie releases, along with myofunctional therapy. These treatment options were added after extensive training from The Breathe Institute, Tongue Tied Academy, and other airway-focused and laser dentistry organizations. The practice's first myofunctional therapist was established with Brooke Banzhaf, a hygienist.
2026
50 Years
Pediatric Dental Specialists celebrates 50 years of providing groundbreaking, personalized care to children across Nebraska. The network of practices is still setting the bar in pediatric dentistry, being one of the few networks of pediatric dental practices that provides children with comprehensive dental care, in-office general anesthesia, orthodontic treatment, lip and tongue tie releases, airway improvement, and next-level preventive care. They continue to carry on the philosophy of treating all children and meeting them where they are in development and health to provide the best, most comfortable care. The group is also influencing the future of dentistry, having mentored over 75 pre-dental students, and advocating for the passage of more than 20 oral health bills in the state legislature.
A Look Into The Future:
The first 50 years of Pediatric Dental Specialists tells a story of vision, growth, and commitment to caring for smiles. Guided by the vision set by Dr. Lockwood and carried forward by the current partners, Dr. Meeske, Dr. Randone, Dr. Lehn, Dr. Simpson, Dr. Ben Reimer, associate doctors, and the PDS team, PDS looks forward to a future of growth, innovation, and serving more generations to come!
