2145 Indian River Blvd, Ste B. Vero Beach, FL 32960
(772) 494-6010

  2145 Indian River Blvd, Ste B. Vero Beach, FL 32960 (772) 494-6010

Logo Nickel Pediatric Dentistry in Vero Beach, FL

Pediatric Dentist Serving Fort Pierce, FL - Board-Certified Treasure Coast Care

Fort Pierce families have several pediatric dental options nearby - and one significantly underrepresented one: a board-certified pediatric dentist with ABPD Diplomate credentials. For families who want the highest specialty credential, Nickel Pediatric Dentistry in Vero Beach is the closest option - about 25-30 minutes north via I-95 or US-1. Dr. Andrew Nickel sees children from Fort Pierce, White City, Garden Grove, and the surrounding St. Lucie County and Treasure Coast communities for the full range of pediatric dental care.

Convenient Access for Fort Pierce Families via US-1

 

Why Fort Pierce Families Make the Drive

The Treasure Coast has talented pediatric dental practices - including Ardalan Pediatric Dentistry in Port St. Lucie (about 15 miles south of Fort Pierce) and Dermody Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Both are well-regarded. What no Fort Pierce-based pediatric practice currently has is a physically present ABPD Diplomate-credentialed specialist. For families who specifically want that credential - board certification through the only certifying body for pediatric dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association - Nickel Pediatric Dentistry is the closest option.

That credential matters most when:

  • Your child has a medically complex condition or special healthcare needs
  • A procedure requires sedation
  • You want a long-term dental home with the highest available specialty credential
  • You’re seeking continuity from infancy through adolescence with one trusted practice

Read more about board certification and what it means.

Drive Directions From Fort Pierce to Our Office

We’re at 2145 Indian River Blvd, Suite B, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

From Fort Pierce:

  • Via I-95 North: Take I-95 to Exit 147 (SR-60 / 20th Street), then head east approximately 7 miles to Indian River Blvd. Turn south. Our office is 2 minutes south on the right. Total drive time from central Fort Pierce: ~30 minutes.
  • Via US-1 North: Scenic coastal route, slightly longer (~35 minutes from central Fort Pierce). Continue straight on US-1; our office is on Indian River Blvd in central Vero Beach.
  • From northern Fort Pierce (White City, Garden Grove, the Hutchinson Island area): I-95 or US-1 - northern Fort Pierce neighborhoods are noticeably closer to our office than to Port St. Lucie pediatric practices.

Parking is directly in front of the office. Street-level entrance, accessible.

Schools We See Families From in Fort Pierce

We see children from across St. Lucie County’s schools - Fort Pierce Westwood High, Fort Pierce Central High, Dan McCarty Middle, Sunrise School (K-8 magnet), The Pine School, Father Gabriel Richard School, Lawnwood Elementary, and many others. We also coordinate care with families served by Treasure Coast Community Health and other community-health pediatric providers in the area.

Services We Provide

Everything pediatric - for infants through adolescents:

How We Coordinate With Fort Pierce Families

A 30-minute drive twice a year for routine care is reasonable for many families - and we work to make it worthwhile.

  • Coordinated sibling appointments to consolidate the trip when possible
  • Clear after-hours emergency guidance for current patients of record
  • Insurance verification before appointment so there are no surprises
  • Communication with your pediatrician or community-health provider when coordinated care matters
  • Treasure Coast continuity - care that follows your child from infancy through adolescence, even if your family moves between Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and Vero Beach over the years

A Note on Insurance and Access

We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans and verify your specific benefits before each appointment. For families considering Medicaid or Florida Healthy Kids, please call our office to ask about our current participation status - these policies shift, and we’d rather give you a current answer over the phone than commit to something on a webpage that may have changed. We’re committed to supporting families across St. Lucie County and the Treasure Coast in accessing pediatric specialty care. For more, see our financial information page.

Meet Our Board-Certified Doctor

Dr. Andrew Nickel, pediatric dentist in Vero Beach, FL

Dr. Andrew Nickel

Dr. Andrew Nickel, DDS, is a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, where he received the Charles Sweet Pediatric Dentistry Award and was inducted into the Tau Kappa Omega Honor Society.

Dr. Nickel completed his pediatric dentistry residency at the University of Southern California, including clinical rotations at Miller Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and Children’s Hospital of Orange County. His advanced training included caring for children with special healthcare needs, complex medical conditions, dental anxiety, and cases requiring sedation. He is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Read more on the doctor bio page or about board certification.

Professional Affiliations & Certifications

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Member Logo
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Member
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Diplomate Logo
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Logo
Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified, Nickel Pediatric Dentistry
Trained and Certified in Pediatric Emergency Care

What Financial and Insurance Options Are Available?

At Nickel Pediatric Dentistry, we work with families to make pediatric dental care simple and accessible. Our team helps review insurance benefits, provide clear cost estimates, and discuss payment options so parents can plan treatment with confidence.

Financial and insurance options include:

  • Acceptance of most PPO dental insurance plans
  • Personalized insurance benefit reviews and coverage breakdowns
  • Assistance with insurance claims and benefit coordination
  • Clear cost estimates before treatment begins
  • CareCredit® financing for qualified families
  • Major credit cards accepted for in-office payments

If you have questions about your insurance coverage, CareCredit financing, or expected treatment costs, our team is always happy to assist before your child’s appointment.

Dental financing options for families in Fort Pierce, FL

What Pediatric Dental Services Are Available?

Nickel Pediatric Dentistry offers comprehensive pediatric dental care focused on protecting developing teeth, preventing decay, and helping children maintain healthy smiles.

Child receiving a preventative dental cleaning at Nickel Pediatric Dentistry

Preventative Dentistry

Routine exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants help protect children’s teeth and prevent cavities as their smiles grow bright, strong, and healthy.

Pediatric sedation dentistry for children in Fort Pierce, FL

Sedation Dentistry

Safe sedation options help children relax during treatment and allow dentists to complete necessary procedures comfortably and efficiently.

Dental filling treatment for a child in Fort Pierce, FL

Cavities, Fillings & Crowns

Tooth-colored fillings and pediatric crowns restore damaged teeth, protect their structure, and help maintain healthy function for growing smiles.

Pulpal therapy (baby root canal) for children at Nickel Pediatric Dentistry

Airway Dentistry

Airway-focused pediatric dentistry helps identify breathing-related concerns and supports healthy sleep, growth, development, and overall wellness.

Pediatric tooth extraction at Nickel Pediatric Dentistry

Tooth Extractions

Gentle tooth extractions remove severely damaged or infected teeth while protecting surrounding tissues and supporting proper development.

Custom sports mouthguard for children in Fort Pierce, FL

Sports Dentistry

Custom mouthguards help protect children’s teeth during sports activities and reduce the risk of dental injuries from impacts.

What People Are Saying About Nickel Pediatric Dentistry

Rated 5 out of 5
Gloria H.
3 days ago
This place is exceptional! I took my almost 2 year old and they are so accommodating. They make sure you have all the information you need to care for your kids! My son loved the facility and felt so comfortable. Very caring facility. They book pretty fast, just keep that in mind. Will 100% recommend to anyone!
kristina B.
4 days ago
All four of my kids ages 16, 9, 8, and 2 go to Dr. Nickel’s. He is so good with each age and we love it here! Highly recommend 🙂
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Julia B.
5 days ago
I loved the experience because of how kind everyone was and the office is clean and wounderful everyone welcomed me wounderfuly
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
chloe M.
2 weeks ago
Staff was amazing. It was my sons first dentist appointment and he loved it and they played Elmo and were so supportive.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Shane
2 weeks ago
Great pediatric dentist, the staff does an amazing job with both of my children.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Ivey B.
2 weeks ago
A huge thank you to Brandy and the entire team for making Evelynn feel so comfortable, happy, and safe! You made her visit so much fun, and seeing her smile and feel at ease meant everything to me. 🥹💕 It’s so special when people are patient, loving, and make even a new experience exciting for your little one. I’m so grateful for the kindness and care you showed my baby girl! 🩷
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Paula I.
2 weeks ago
This is the most friendly dentist office I’ve ever been to ! Absolutely love the fish tank! We look forward for our next appointment.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
michelle I.
2 weeks ago
Totally love Dr. Nickel and his entire team! Everyone is sooo helpful and goes above and beyond to make every appointment a positive experience—even for the grandparents! 😊 Thank you all for being there and helping my sweet little grandbaby when he was in need. You do such wonderful work, and we are so grateful for each of you! Highly recommend this office!
Response from the owner:Thank you!!!
Daniswims4
3 weeks ago
Had such a great experience with Nickel Pediatric Dentistry, the staff was super friendly and Dr. Nickel was great with my daughter. This was her first visit and they made it so fun for her!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
amber B.
3 weeks ago
My first visit with my 1 yr old. It went smooth and everyone was so kind and gentle with her and definitely worked at her pace as a first timer. Then I got the cutest card in the mail from her assistant Ms.Meli. Such a great Office! Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you!!
Lindsey M.
3 weeks ago
Dr Nickel’s and staff are so kind and patient. My daughter was nervous/scared about the dentist and they made sure to talk her through everything and help her have a positive experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Sara A.
4 weeks ago
Thank you so much for always being so patient and kind with my son! He gets very scared and nervous at the dentist, and I truly appreciate how you take your time with him and make him feel safe and comfortable. It means so much to us to have such a caring and understanding dental team.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Jessica G.
4 weeks ago
Awesome facility, great dentist and staff. Highly recommend bringing your kids here.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Haylee R.
4 weeks ago
The front desk workers are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met! The service is great! Dr. Nickel takes time to listen to all your questions and concerns.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Gisela E.
1 month ago
We had such a wonderful experience! From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm, welcoming, and incredible with my daughter. Dental hygienist Hannah and Dr. Nickel were so patient, gentle, and reassuring, making sure my daughter felt completely comfortable throughout the whole visit. They took the time to explain everything in a fun way and turned what can be a stressful milestone into a positive, smiling adventure. Highly recommend to any parents looking for a caring, kid-friendly dental team!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Elyssa S. J.
1 month ago
I have nothing but great things to say about Nickel Pediatric Dentistry! Dr. Nickel and his staff are so kind, patient, and knowledgeable! My daughter had a great first experience at the dentist.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Michelle S.
2 months ago
Bring your kids here! We came to Dr. Nickel after dealing with traumatic experience after traumatic experience at another pediatric dentistry. Dr. Nickel and his team truly know and care about the importance of atraumatic care on our kids. If there was any bit of resistance from my littles they immediately pulled back to ask, comfort and teach/explain, whereas our previous experience was to hold down tighter and go faster. I truly wish I came here from the beginning.100% worth the drive from Sebastian.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We love our patients!
Dani B.
2 months ago
Absolutely the best group ever ! I have 3 little one and
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Suzy C.
2 months ago
We love this dentist. We actually went against our insurance coverage to come here because of how well they are with kids both personally and how they designed their office. My kids were excited this morning to go there which I couldn’t say about any other medical related offices we visit. I really appreciate their thoughtfulness towards everything and how they see us as real people when we walk in, talk about treatments, cover finances, etc. it’s been exciting to find such a wholesome place in Vero that I can trust will keep our best interest in mind. Thank you Dr Nickel and your sweet staff!
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Catherine H.
2 months ago
I feel so comfortable taking my kids to see Brandy and am always grateful for the feedback from Dr. Nickel. I always leave impressed with the level of kindness and professionalism shown from all the office staff.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Joni D.
2 months ago
First impressions are the best… Friendly smiling faces when you walk in and also when you get taken back … they took their time and didn’t make you feel rushed and answered all of our questions … all around great experience
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Elizabeth O.
2 months ago
This was the absolute best dentist experience that my nine year-old daughter has ever had. Her previous experiences have been extremely traumatic, which Nickels Pediatrics handled with such care. It was also my four-year-old son’s first dentist visit, and although he has to unfortunately have some work done, Dr.Nickel handled him with care and made him extremely excited to return. He has been asking everyday when he will be getting his “Pokémon” teeth. To the Nickel Staff, my family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Brittney O.
2 months ago
We have had such a wonderful experience with this pediatric dentist! He has been amazing with both of our children and always makes them feel comfortable and at ease. The entire staff is friendly, patient, and professional. An added bonus is having the orthodontist right next door, which makes coordinating cleanings and orthodontic appointments incredibly convenient. We highly recommend this office!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Shelbi N.
2 months ago
Truly the best of the best!! I am so beyond grateful I found Nickel Pediatric Dentistry for my family! To be honest, I wish I could get my teeth cleaned there as well!! From the moment you walk into the office, you are greeted with not only an immaculate lobby, you are greeted with the friendliest faces and happiest smiles. The hygienists are patient, caring, thorough, and have the patience of saints while dealing with your littles, and Dr Nickel is so kind, understanding, and great at what he does. He doesn't make you feel rushed and is sure to spend time with each one of his patients and their families answering any questions you may have. We were introduced to Nickel Pediatric Dentistry through "stuffy day"... I thought that would be an amazing way to get my almost 2 year old associated with the dentist and scheduled his first dental appointment before we left! When we came in for his first real appointment they remembered who he was and they remembered his emotional support fan from Stuffy Day. That says so much about who they are as an office!! We have found our home dental home for our little guy!! Thank you all!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!! We love our patients!
Emily W.
2 months ago
Dr. Nickel and Staff, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional care you provide. Dr. Nickel's compassion, patience, and attentiveness, combined with the dedication of the office staff, ensure a consistently positive experience. Additionally, our dental hygienist, Hannah, makes every visit outstanding. As a parent, I am especially grateful for the wonderful care you provide to my toddler daughter during her appointments, which always makes us feel valued and welcome. Even when it’s silly and random- you make us feel not crazy and not judged. I highly recommend your practice and will gladly share my positive experience by leaving at minimum a five-star rating. Thank you for your continued dedication and excellent service.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!! We love our patients!

Frequently Asked Questions

Parents often have questions when choosing the right dental care for their children. Here are helpful answers families frequently ask.

Currently, no Fort Pierce-based pediatric practice has an ABPD-certified specialist physically located in the city. The closest ABPD-credentialed pediatric specialist is Dr. Andrew Nickel at Nickel Pediatric Dentistry in Vero Beach, approximately 25-30 minutes north.

About 30 minutes via I-95 North to SR-60 (Exit 147), then east to Indian River Blvd. From northern Fort Pierce neighborhoods (White City, Garden Grove), it’s noticeably shorter - and closer than the Port St. Lucie alternatives for many families.

Please call (772) 494-6010 to ask about our current participation status. We’d rather give you an accurate answer over the phone.

We work with pediatricians and community-health providers throughout St. Lucie County when coordinated care is appropriate. If your child has been referred from a community-health provider, mention that when scheduling so we can streamline records.

Yes. We see new patients of all ages from Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Sebastian, and across the Treasure Coast.