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
Chris R.
3 days ago
Great experience and place to bring a baby for her first appointment! The fish tank is phenomenal too!
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Christina C.
4 days ago
If your child has had a traumatic experience previously or has anxiety, this is the place for them. My son had an extremely traumatic experience with his previous dentist to the point where he was too scared to even brush his teeth. We would have to do it for him and he cries every time because of them. I did some research for a new place and came across this office where there were many reviews with similar issues they were running from and had a positive experience with Dr. Nickel. Let me tell you, this office is the best decision I have ever made. From the moment you walk up it’s child friendly. There’s bubbles blowing outside and when you step inside you’re greeted by a front desk that looks just like the back of a boat with the kids’ names written on the windows welcoming them in. There’s a gorgeous fish tank, tablets and toys for the kids, and comfortable waiting chairs for the grownups. Brandi (Brandy?) was the hygienist for my son and was an absolute gem. She let my son sit in a chair instead of laying down because he felt vulnerable. She showed him everything before she started and let him feel the instruments before using them. My son struggled but he was handled with care and patience. She let him decide what he felt comfortable doing and she met him where he was. She is an angel and I am so thankful for her. She loves what she does and it shows. Dr. Nickel is astounding. He listened intently to my every concern. He pulled me aside for a private conversation so he could get the back story so he could treat my son appropriately. He was patient, kind, and gentle. My son was too scared to sit at that point so Dr. Nickel let him stand and he did his exam letting my son lead the way. We have a plan to come more often to break up the visits so they can gain his trust. I’m so excited to have find this place, my only regret is that I didn’t find it sooner. My daughter needs some extensive orthodontic care and to my surprise Dr. Nickel’s wife runs the orthodontic office right across the building! We didn’t have to call anywhere else or make extra trips, we just walked right down the hall past their adorable fluffy “manager” and made an appointment. Super easy as they use the same system so I don’t have to worry about communication between dentist and orthodontist. They are practically one! 10/10 visit.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Haylee S.
6 days ago
We have had the best experience with this office! Dr. Nickel is great at what he does and the staff is so kind. The office is clean and fun for kids. I have to give a shoutout to Jess for being the sweetest, she makes my little one feel so safe.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Nicky C.
2 weeks ago
Amazing service! My girls were comfortable and happy at the dentist, which has never happened before.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Ben B.
2 weeks ago
We absolutely love Nickel Pediatric Dental! They have cared for both of our children, ages 5 and 3, and every single visit has been a wonderful experience. From the moment we walk through the door, we're greeted with genuine kindness, compassion, and patience. The entire team goes above and beyond to make both of our kids feel comfortable and excited about their appointments. My children especially love the fun touches, like the No Sugar Bug Club wall, watching TV on the ceiling during their cleanings, and getting to pick out a treasure at the end of each visit. Those little details make going to the dentist something they actually look forward to! Dr. Nickel and staff take the time to explain everything in a way that's reassuring, never rush us, and always treat our children with such warmth and respect. It's clear they truly care about each child and their experience, not just their teeth. As parents, there's nothing more reassuring than knowing your children are in such capable and caring hands. We are so grateful to have found Nickel Pediatric Dental and couldn't recommend them more highly to any family looking for exceptional pediatric dental care!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Jess N.
2 weeks ago
Great clean office, staff is amazing and kind. 100% recommend this office!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you!!
Terry H.
2 weeks ago
Very good staff especially Falene
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Jacob F.
3 weeks ago
They are absolutely amazing!
Response from the owner:Thank you!!
Nicole T.
4 weeks ago
Love the environment and Dr Nickel and his staff are the most friendly practice I have ever met! This hands down will set our kids up for healthy dental habits as the transition to adults and continue to maintain this when they are on their own.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We love your family!
Falene A.
1 month ago
I LOVE THIS PLACE! They have an awesome fish tank! Staff is so welcoming and sweet! Dr. Nickel is so kind.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Lisa S.
1 month ago
What a great experience! My daughter was so nervous, Melissa was amazing dr nickel was amazing. Wow I would recommend to anyone!! Wish I could go!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Jessica M.
1 month ago
The best dentist I have ever taken my kids too. The office was so clean. All the staff members were sweet and helpful. My kids loved everyone that helped them! My youngest has never been this good at the dentist and it blew my mind how well he did. Everyone worked with him and helped him to understand and feel safe. The dentist was so kind and helpful. Told me things no other dentist has told me before! Definitely recommend and my kids can’t even wait to go back!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Jeff T.
1 month ago
Dr Nickel is the best! Awesome atmosphere for kids and very knowledgeable!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Julia C.
1 month ago
Amazing and thorough experience. Time was taken to explain everything, not a moment felt too rushed and the atmosphere was more than enjoyable and clean!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Stacy K.
1 month ago
The best pediatric dentist. They are so gentle, calm and work so well with each child.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Ashley S.
1 month ago
What a fantastic first visit to Nickel Pediatric! It's a bright and inviting space with an aquarium...my son was excited to meet "Nemo" before his appointment. Thank you to Brandy who was truly wonderful with my wiggly and apprehensive 3 year old. She was excellent at explaining things in a toddler-friendly way. It was awesome to meet Dr. Nickel and learn more about effective dental care in these early years. Pro Tips: - Let your little person know there are TVs on the ceiling to watch their favorite show during the visit!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Madigan K.
1 month ago
We had a wonderful experience at Nickel Pediatric Dentistry! The entire staff was kind, welcoming, and patient from the moment we walked in. Our daughter loved looking at the fish tank and watching Moana while they cleaned her teeth! We truly appreciate the care and attention we received and highly recommend this practice to any family looking for a caring pediatric dentist office!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Chris D.
1 month ago
Excellent service,. Came in with our son after a bike wreck that pushed his tooth back and Dr. Nickel and his team did wonderful job with my son. Quick response and kind service. Got him on the road to recovery. Thanks Dr. Nickel
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!
Elizabeth S.
2 months ago
Both of my daughters had a fantastic experience at the dentist. The team was gentle, encouraging, and great at helping them feel comfortable. They turned what could’ve been a stressful appointment into a positive experience for both of my girls ~ age 6 & 9. I’m looking forward to our next appointment.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Kendra B.
2 months ago
The tech was so great with my daughter first cleaning. So patient and sweet. And doc was full of knowledge and also very patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Transparently T.
2 months ago
The girls are always so patient and gentle with all 4 of my kids. They get us in and out with no tears every visit! My children absolutely love going to the dentist and I love to believe it’s because everyone is so kind! Dr. Nickel is so amazing! He’s super sweet, funny, and patient! We love nickel pediatrics.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!!
John B.
2 months ago
Wonderful children’s dentist!!! Absolutely fantastic!
Response from the owner:Thank you !!
Bri J.
2 months ago
We have had an excellent experience at this dental office. The entire staff is friendly, professional, and incredibly patient with my little girl. From the moment we walked in, they make my child feel comfortable and at ease, which has completely changed how they feel about going to the dentist. The dentists and assistants took their time to explain everything in a way that is easy for my daughter to understand. The office is clean, welcoming, full of fun things to keep the children entertained, and well-organized, I truly appreciate the care and attention they give to every visit. It's clear that they genuinely care about their patients and creating a positive experience. I highly recommend this office to any parent looking for a caring and trustworthy pediatric dentist.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!!
Cynthia R.
2 months ago
Very professional. The staff is personable and efficient. I went to another pediatric dentist in Vero, but Dr. Nickel is the absolute best. Give him a try, you won’t regret it.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!
Kristie W.
2 months ago
Best dentist around!! Book your appointment now !!! Staff are amazing 🤩 🎉
Response from the owner:Thank you so much!!

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.