Consultant Pediatric Dentist · Dubai, UAE

The dentist
your child will love

Board-certified. World-travelled. She speaks your language.

Dual American & Canadian board-certified pediatric dentist bringing 15+ years of international expertise, from Philadelphia to Vancouver to Dubai, to your family.

Helping parents navigate their child's oral health with confidence. “I really don't believe in fear-mongering or making parents feel guilty. Parenting is hard enough as it is.” Evidence-based advice from a pediatric dentist, and a parent.

🇺🇸 ABPD🇨🇦 FRCDC🇦🇪 DHA
Dr. Nidhi Kotak, Pediatric Dentist Dubai
15+
Years Experience
Licensed across
5countries
Dr. Nidhi with her dinosaur puppet and a giant toothbrush
Brushing made fun
Dr. Nidhi holding a baby patient at the clinic
First visits
Dr. Nidhi chatting with a toddler in the dental chair
Making it fun
Dr. Nidhi with a children's book about visiting the dentist
Story time
Brushing tips
Brushing demo
Philosophy

The first dental visit
matters ❤️

A child's first dental experience shapes their relationship with oral health for life. Every visit is about making your child feel seen, heard and safe. She builds a relationship with you as a parent, but most importantly, she cares about the rapport she builds with your child. Her love for what she does comes through in every interaction, and you'll leave knowing your child is in good hands.

Having practiced across the UAE, USA, Canada, India, and Kenya, she brings a rare depth of cultural understanding to every appointment.

"One scary appointment at age 5 can turn into 'I hate the dentist' at 35. Let's nip that in the bud."
🎓
Dual Board Certified
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry & Royal College of Dentists of Canada
🍼
Lactation Counselor
Certified CLC, expert in tongue & lip tie releases for newborns
🔬
Published Researcher
AAPD Journal 2024, randomized controlled trial
🎭
Improv Trained
Second City Chicago. Because sometimes a little humor makes dentistry easier.
What She Offers

Caring for every little smile

01
First Dental Visit

Welcoming babies for their first visit, 6 months after the first tooth, or their first birthday, whichever comes first.

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02
Dental Check-Ups & Cleanings

Prevention starts early. Regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants work together to keep tiny teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free.

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03
Sedation Dentistry

She knows dental visits can feel overwhelming for some children. Whether it's mild anxiety or a more complex case, she offers laughing gas and Netflix, or sleep dentistry (general anaesthesia), so care always feels safe and judgment-free. Helping children feel safe, relaxed, and even excited for their dental visits.

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04
Tongue & Lip Ties

Tongue and lip tie treatment with minimal bleeding, minimal scarring, and faster healing, supporting breastfeeding, speech, and oral function.

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05
Special Needs

Every child is special, some just need a little extra magic. She adapts every visit with patience, sensory-friendly techniques, and extra time, so children with additional needs feel safe, understood, and genuinely cared for.

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06
Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be stressful. Whether it's a chipped or knocked-out tooth, an injured lip or gum, or sudden tooth pain, she's here to guide you through every step.

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07
Minimally Invasive Dentistry

Not every tooth needs treating. She helps you understand which teeth need work, which can be safely watched, and why, then chooses the least aggressive option that will do the job.

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08
Second Opinion

Not sure about your child's treatment plan? Bring in your x-rays, she'll sit down with you and go through everything, so you feel confident in the next step.

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09
Interceptive Orthodontics

Evaluating and treating bite and alignment issues early, while your child's jaw is still growing.

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Dr. Nidhi nose to nose with her newborn
Dr. Nidhi laughing with her daughter
Meet Dr. Nidhi

Globe-trotting mom.
World-class dentist.

Dr. Nidhi Kotak is a dual American & Canadian board-certified Consultant Pediatric Dentist, the only one in Dubai with both credentials. With over 15 years of experience across the UAE, USA, Canada, India, and Kenya, she brings a truly global perspective to your child's care, because excellent dentistry looks a little different in every corner of the world, and she's learned from all of them.

She's also a Certified Lactation Counselor, published researcher, and educator who has taught several courses across Canada. She believes being a doctor doesn't mean you have to be intimidating or overly serious. Sometimes a little laughter, a little silliness (yes, she makes the best animal sounds), and meeting children where they are is the best way to earn their trust.

She's a mom to two happy, sweet kids herself, so she knows what it's like to sit in the waiting room with a nervous little one and just want someone you can trust caring for your child.

2024
Published in AAPD Journal, Randomized Controlled Trial
2023
Lucy Hobbs "Woman to Watch" Award, Incisal Edge Magazine
2022
Most Outstanding Contribution to Residency, Temple University Hospital
2011
Young Outstanding Dentist Award, Indian Dentist Research & Review
Kind Words

Loved by little smiles
& their parents

★★★★★5.0 across Google reviews
B
Behin Hajipour Pattani
Google review
G
★★★★★

My son's first dental experience needed quite a bit of work. She turned what could have been very stressful into something really positive, and followed up for days afterwards to check on him.

G
Garima Trisha Kapoor
Google review
G
★★★★★

She was really patient with him and took her time. She made the whole appointment feel very easy and not stressful, and he even got a set of Uno cards at the end for being brave.

J
James Burgess
Google review
G
★★★★★

She was really good with our son and didn't try to sell us any unneeded services. She waited patiently while we requested his x-rays from his old dentist. We will definitely be coming back.

A
Aditi Gouri
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi treated both of my sons, 3 and 5, and explained everything without suggesting anything unnecessary. They felt comfortable, relaxed and happy throughout.

N
Nikesh Pattni
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi is an exceptional pediatric dentist. She was incredibly patient, kind, and gentle with my son, making him feel comfortable and at ease. Her ability to connect with children is truly outstanding.

K
Kiran Shira
Google review
G
★★★★★

My daughter saw Dr. Nidhi for her tooth extraction. She did an awesome job and made my daughter feel very comfortable throughout. Incredibly knowledgeable, professional and friendly.

Y
Yogeeta Manglani
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Kotak made the entire appointment so engaging, kid-centric and dare I say even fun, so much so that my kids want to go back next week. Highly recommend.

P
Poonam Sandhu
Google review
G
★★★★★

My son met with Nidhi and was so comfortable with her. She treated him with so much kindness and patience. Definitely recommend her!! She is so incredible with kids.

A
Angelo Marcantonio
Google review
G
★★★★★

I just wanted to express my appreciation for the courtesy and kindness shown to me by you and your staff. You have been very precise in your diagnosis and I was relieved from the pain quickly. For the first time ever, a dentist brought to my attention that my two incisors required some adjustments and told me up front about it. I want to show my deep gratitude and appreciation.

A
Ayaan Sharif
Google review
G
★★★★★

Since my son was referred to Dr. Nidhi Kotak, he's been so much more confident and content with her service. I can't thank her enough for the great care.

B
Behin Hajipour Pattani
Google review
G
★★★★★

My son's first dental experience needed quite a bit of work. She turned what could have been very stressful into something really positive, and followed up for days afterwards to check on him.

G
Garima Trisha Kapoor
Google review
G
★★★★★

She was really patient with him and took her time. She made the whole appointment feel very easy and not stressful, and he even got a set of Uno cards at the end for being brave.

J
James Burgess
Google review
G
★★★★★

She was really good with our son and didn't try to sell us any unneeded services. She waited patiently while we requested his x-rays from his old dentist. We will definitely be coming back.

A
Aditi Gouri
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi treated both of my sons, 3 and 5, and explained everything without suggesting anything unnecessary. They felt comfortable, relaxed and happy throughout.

N
Nikesh Pattni
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi is an exceptional pediatric dentist. She was incredibly patient, kind, and gentle with my son, making him feel comfortable and at ease. Her ability to connect with children is truly outstanding.

K
Kiran Shira
Google review
G
★★★★★

My daughter saw Dr. Nidhi for her tooth extraction. She did an awesome job and made my daughter feel very comfortable throughout. Incredibly knowledgeable, professional and friendly.

Y
Yogeeta Manglani
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Kotak made the entire appointment so engaging, kid-centric and dare I say even fun, so much so that my kids want to go back next week. Highly recommend.

P
Poonam Sandhu
Google review
G
★★★★★

My son met with Nidhi and was so comfortable with her. She treated him with so much kindness and patience. Definitely recommend her!! She is so incredible with kids.

A
Angelo Marcantonio
Google review
G
★★★★★

I just wanted to express my appreciation for the courtesy and kindness shown to me by you and your staff. You have been very precise in your diagnosis and I was relieved from the pain quickly. For the first time ever, a dentist brought to my attention that my two incisors required some adjustments and told me up front about it. I want to show my deep gratitude and appreciation.

A
Ayaan Sharif
Google review
G
★★★★★

Since my son was referred to Dr. Nidhi Kotak, he's been so much more confident and content with her service. I can't thank her enough for the great care.

N
Nessma Alghoussein
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi has been phenomenal with my child, he actually had loads of fun visiting her clinic and asked to go back. She has fun ways of explaining dental care to young minds.

K
Krista Bilton
Google review
G
★★★★★

My kids (15 and 13) had a great experience. Dr. Nidhi is so easy to talk to and very 'cool' with my teenagers. Extremely kind and gentle, approachable and knowledgeable.

S
Sandhya Chhabria
Google review
G
★★★★★

She made the visit super fun for both ages (5 and 1), while giving me practical advice on how to take care of their teeth. Super knowledgeable, gentle and patient.

C
Claire Duckworth
Google review
G
★★★★★

She was phenomenal with my 6 year old daughter and we will be coming back to see her regularly. She is extremely knowledgeable whilst also being kind, empathetic and caring towards children.

A
Anu Kathuria
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi is Amazing.

S
Sanjana Choitram
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi was wonderful with my two young boys (2 & 5) during their very first dentist visit. Warm, confident, and engaging, not once did they feel scared or nervous.

R
Rupinder Chhina
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi is very thorough and explains everything in detail. At the same time, she's very gentle and playful with my girls, they look forward to their appointments!

S
Shaan Playz
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi was my son's dentist, she's very nice and takes her time, not rushing like other dentists. They explained everything. So glad we found this place.

V
Veena Mony
Google review
G
★★★★★

I visited McGill Dental Clinic at Barsha Heights. Dr Nidhi Kotak was extremely patient, professional, and caring, taking time to explain every step. Highly recommend her.

N
Nessma Alghoussein
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi has been phenomenal with my child, he actually had loads of fun visiting her clinic and asked to go back. She has fun ways of explaining dental care to young minds.

K
Krista Bilton
Google review
G
★★★★★

My kids (15 and 13) had a great experience. Dr. Nidhi is so easy to talk to and very 'cool' with my teenagers. Extremely kind and gentle, approachable and knowledgeable.

S
Sandhya Chhabria
Google review
G
★★★★★

She made the visit super fun for both ages (5 and 1), while giving me practical advice on how to take care of their teeth. Super knowledgeable, gentle and patient.

C
Claire Duckworth
Google review
G
★★★★★

She was phenomenal with my 6 year old daughter and we will be coming back to see her regularly. She is extremely knowledgeable whilst also being kind, empathetic and caring towards children.

A
Anu Kathuria
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi is Amazing.

S
Sanjana Choitram
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi was wonderful with my two young boys (2 & 5) during their very first dentist visit. Warm, confident, and engaging, not once did they feel scared or nervous.

R
Rupinder Chhina
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi is very thorough and explains everything in detail. At the same time, she's very gentle and playful with my girls, they look forward to their appointments!

S
Shaan Playz
Google review
G
★★★★★

Dr. Nidhi was my son's dentist, she's very nice and takes her time, not rushing like other dentists. They explained everything. So glad we found this place.

V
Veena Mony
Google review
G
★★★★★

I visited McGill Dental Clinic at Barsha Heights. Dr Nidhi Kotak was extremely patient, professional, and caring, taking time to explain every step. Highly recommend her.

Global Mission

Dentistry without borders

Dr. Nidhi has volunteered with the World Health Dental Organization in Maasai Mara, Kenya, where days were spent providing dental care inside the clinic and watching giraffes roam just outside. During an outreach trip to Ladakh, India, Dr. Nidhi was fortunate to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama, an experience that added another layer to her appreciation for different cultures and communities.

5
Countries practiced
5+
Languages spoken
15+
Years experience

Book Your Child's Visit
Dr. Nidhi on a global dental mission: Oral-health education, Ladakh, India
Oral-health education, Ladakh, India
Care in Your Language

Dubai is the world.
She speaks its languages.

With over 88% of Dubai's population being expats, finding a doctor who truly speaks your language, culturally and literally, matters. Dr. Nidhi does.

🇬🇧
English
Fluent
🇮🇳
Hindi
हिंदी
🇮🇳
Gujarati
ગુજરાતી
🇮🇳
Punjabi
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
🇮🇳
Marathi
मराठी
🇦🇪
Arabic
Basic
Dr. Nidhi Kotak's 'Woman to Watch' feature in Incisal Edge, Winter 2023
Dr. Nidhi Kotak's feature 'All the Right Moves' in Incisal Edge, Winter 2022
Portrait of Dr. Nidhi Kotak accompanying her 'Woman to Watch' feature
Incisal EdgeThe Lifestyle Magazine for Dentists
“Woman to Watch”Incisal Edge · Winter 2023
Scroll or tap to turn the page
As Seen In

Making headlines & smiles

Dr. Nidhi's blend of clinical excellence, improv-trained communication, and genuine love for pediatric dentistry has earned her features in leading dental publications, including Incisal Edge's prestigious "Woman to Watch."

"Improv taught me how to let go of inhibitions, be more comfortable being myself, and put others at ease."

Dr. Nidhi Kotak · Incisal Edge

Follow Along

Tips, reels & real talk for parents

Evidence-based advice, behind-the-scenes moments, and kid-friendly oral health tips, straight from the chair.

@babytoothdentist
Questions & Answers

Questions parents often ask

A few of the things families ask her most. Have another question? She is always happy to help.

She recommends welcoming your baby for their first visit 6 months after their first tooth appears, or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Starting early keeps those little teeth healthy and helps your child feel at home in the dental chair from the very beginning.

Some children do, and that is completely normal. Her approach is built around making visits feel calm, playful, and safe. You can help too, by reading books about the dentist, gently role-playing at home, and keeping any of your own worries out of the conversation.

Books to read together

Shows to watch

No. You are welcome to reach out and book with her directly.

The first visit is all about getting to know your child and helping them feel comfortable in the dental setting. She'll gently introduce them to the dental chair, take a look at their teeth and gums, and assess their oral health, growth, development, and any concerns you may have.

She'll talk through everything from brushing and fluoride to diet, habits, airway, and preventing future dental problems, giving you practical tips you can use at home.

Most importantly, she wants your child's first dental experience to be a positive one, so they leave feeling proud, confident, and excited to come back. 🦷

Because those tiny teeth are doing a big job. 🦷

A professional cleaning helps remove buildup that brushing alone may miss, but the visit is about so much more than a cleaning. It's a chance to catch small concerns early, check how your child's teeth and jaws are developing, and make sure you have the right tools to protect their smile at home.

The goal? A child who grows up feeling comfortable, not scared, at the dentist.

Not always, and not at every visit. X-rays are taken only when they will change something: usually to see between teeth that are touching, where decay hides and no examination can reach, or to check on a tooth that has been injured, or to see how the adult teeth are developing underneath. If your child's teeth are still spaced apart and nothing is worrying, she will often say they are not needed yet. When they are needed, the dose is very small, a protective apron is used, and Dr. Nidhi will explain what she is looking for and why before anything is taken.

Absolutely. 💛 Every child is welcome here.

Dr. Nidhi has experience caring for children with a wide range of medical, developmental, and sensory needs, including children with complex medical backgrounds. She understands that every child communicates, learns, and experiences the dental environment differently.

She takes the time to listen, adapt, and create a dental plan that works for your child and your family. Whether your child needs extra time, a different approach, or additional support, she is here to help make their dental experience as positive and comfortable as possible.

Get in Touch

Ready to book your little one's visit?

She'd love to welcome your family. No question is too small when it comes to your child's smile.

Book an Appointment
Child's Date of Birth
Come visit us
McGill Dental Center
Tameem House, Suite 202, Barsha Heights, Dubai
Thursdays and Fridays, 10am to 5pm
Get Directions →
The Dental Studio
Dubai Science Park, Dubai
Wednesdays and Sundays, 9am to 5pm
Get Directions →
Need Help? Chat with Dr. Nidhi
Book an appointment