
Pediatric Dental Specialist in Gilbert, Arizona
Grow. Smile. Shine.
Helping Little Smiles Thrive in Gilbert
As pediatric dental specialist, Dr. Mark Van Duker and his team consistently provide compassionate, expert care for children's smiles. Our mission is to create a generation of kids that love going to the dentist! We love exceeding parents' expectations when they bring their children in. We understand coming to the dentist may be stressful, so we built a calm, inviting office to put the whole family at ease.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Meet Dr. Mark Van Duker
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Van Duker went through rigorous training at the University of Washington dental school, consistently ranked as a top 10 dental school in the world. While there he authored multiple publications and received research fellowships and awards. Following dental school, he completed a 2-year pediatric dental residency program at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he trained under the president-elect of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Only a small percentage of dentists are board-certified pediatric dentists, with the expertise to provide care for your child at all ages.
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Why the name Ascend?
As a kid Dr. Mark loved the color blue and the imagery of sky blue like when taking off in an airplane. The name also incorporates our values of continual learning and high-quality care.
Why a rainbow logo?
Simple, it was both of Dr. Mark's son and daughter's favorite color and shape as toddlers. Although they fight a lot, they both could agree on that. The design is based off of their drawings. On a deeper level it can represent patient care in a non-judgmental and inclusive way. But mostly it’s just fun.

Preventive Dentistry
Our preventive dentistry treatments help keep your child's teeth and gums healthy while reducing the risk of cavities and other dental issues.
Restorative Dentistry
Our goal is to inform parents of dental findings and help them make the best decision for their child. If treatment is indicated, we will do so with empathy and compassion. We offer a variety of options based off of individual needs.
Dental Sedation
We know that some children may feel anxious about dental visits. That's why we offer dental sedation options to help your child relax and feel more comfortable during their treatment.
Special Needs Care
Our team is experienced in providing compassionate, tailored care for children with special needs. We take the time to understand your child's unique needs and work closely with you to ensure a positive, empowering dental experience.
Our Difference
Why Choose Us?
At Ascend Pediatric Dentistry, we stand out by providing exceptional, comprehensive care tailored to your child's unique needs.

Board-Certified Provider
After completing dental school, Dr. Mark completed an additional two-year pediatric dentistry residency at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. This included rigorous training, written and oral board exams for pediatric dentistry, and annual CE requirements. All of this means better quality care to your child.
Compassionate Care
As parents ourselves, we want children to have a positive association with dentistry. We will treat your children the way we would want ours to be treated. We lead with compassion, empathy, and quality care. Our goal is to create adult dental patients who love going to the dentist.
In-House, Comprehensive Services
We offer a wide range of services in-house, so your child can receive all the care they need in one comfortable, familiar location. From routine check-ups and cleanings to dental emergencies, sedation dentistry, and infant frenectomies, our team is equipped to handle all your child's dental needs. This comprehensive approach saves you time and ensures continuity of care.
Relaxing, Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
Our office is designed with children in mind, featuring a warm, inviting atmosphere that helps put them at ease. Throughout their visit, we offer amenities like cozy blankets, pillows, and their choice of entertainment to help them feel relaxed and comfortable.
