Pediatric, Child, Special Needs Dentist in Fair Lawn, NJ - Bergen Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Purnima Hernandez - Photos and information about our dental team

Our Team

Dr. Purnima Hernandez

Dr Hernandez is a board certified pediatric dentist who has been serving the communities of New York and New Jersey for over 20 years. Dr Hernandez received her education in Pediatric Dentistry at Columbia University College of Dental medicine. After serving as an Assistant Professor for many years in the department of Pediatric dentistry she decided to pursue a career in the clinical practice of pediatric dentistry. She joined a well-known pediatric dentistry group in New Jersey where she served as a partner for a number of years. In 2005 she established her own office in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. She is attending in the Department of Dentistry at St Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in New Jersey, and a pediatric dentist on their craniofacial team. While she delivers care to all children, her special interests are treating children with special healthcare needs.

Dr. Hernandez has a passion for treating children, and every child is her child when it comes to providing care. Dr Hernandez is also a parent of a child with disabilities. She is an advocate not just for her child but other children in the community. She has spoken to audiences on various topics related to disability such as health, advocacy, therapy, and special needs dentistry, and has authored and co-authored articles related to disability issues. She currently serves as Council Member on the Council of Developmental Disabilities in New Jersey and a board member Disability Rights New Jersey.

In an effort to help children tolerate their visits to the dentist, Dr. Hernandez uses behavioral techniques to help children accept dental care. Dr. Hernandez focuses on teaching her patients the skills that will allow them to sit appropriately in an office chair and receive treatment. She believes children can learn to receive routine treatment in a conventional manner through proper supports in the dental office just as they do in the daily living skills. She is currently studying to become a Applied Behavior Analyst to pursue her research interests in the behavior modification of children with disabilities.

Dr Hernandez was awarded the Dr Solomon Rosenstein Visiting Professorship and Fellowship by the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine for her contribution to the field of special needs dentistry. She was also awarded the Francis Black Humanitarian award in health care by Friends Health Connection, an award that recognizes individuals from New Jersey’s health care facilities who are an extraordinary inspiration to others.

Dr Hernandez and her practice were featured in two television news stories (CBS and NJN), as well as the subject of an in-depth article in the New Jersey Star Ledger.

Current Appointment
2006 – Present	Proprietor Bergen Pediatric Dentistry, LLC
2002 – Present	Clinical Attending St. Joseph's Medical Center, NJ
2002 – Present	Pediatric Dentist, Craniofacial Team St. Joseph's Medical Center, NJ
2010 – Present	Attending Holy Name Medical Center
Honors and Awards
2008	Frances Black Humanitarian Award in Healthcare
2006	Dr. Solomon Rosenstein Visiting Professorship and Fellow
1989 - 1990	United Cerebral Palsy Fellowship
1988	Clarks Fellowship, Columbia University, NY
1986	Best student award, Nair Hospital, Mumbai
1986	Dr. Menino De Souza Award, Nair Hospital, Mumbai

Media Appearances
2008	Featured on Primus Notes cover story, Columbia University College of Medicine Publication
2007	Featured on Dental Reports article called "Raising Expectations"
2007	Featured on Star Ledger newspaper article called "Filling a Need"
2007	Featured on NJN TV news story on Special Needs Dentistry
2007	Featured on CBS TV news story on Special Needs Dentistry
2007	Featured on People and Families magazine article called "A Dentist on a Mission"

Publications – Articles and Newsletters

Hernandez, P. & Ikkanda, Z. Applied Behavior Analysis: Dental Management of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pending approval by JADA - 2010

Hernandez, P. Perspective of a Parent and a Provider for Children with Special Health Care Needs. Pediatric Dentistry 2007; 29: 105-107.

Catalano, C., Hernandez, P., Wolters, P. A child's self-statement – Who am I? Exceptional Parent. April 2002.

Hernandez, P. Early Childhood Dental Care for Children With and Without Special Healthcare Needs. Supertwins Magazine. 2007

Hernandez, P. Common Dental Problem. Supertwins Magazine. 2007

Other Interests:

Advocate for children with disabilities
Interest in complimentary medicine
Cranio facial patients / Naso Alveolar Molding (NAM) trained

Preya – Patient Coordinator and Dental Assistant

Geraldine – Dental Assistant

Victoria - Patient Coordinator and Dental Assistant

Mariella – Patient Coordinator

Maggie and Julia - Community Interns

Athena - Hygienist

Bergen Pediatric Dentistry : 201-796-4111 : 23-00 Route 208 South Suite 2-5 : Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
NJ Specialty #3808