For Dr. Arsen Melkonyan, pediatric dentistry is about far more than caring for teeth. It is about creating positive early experiences, building trust with families, and helping children feel confident in the dental chair from a young age.
A pediatric dentist at Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates, Dr. Arsen Melkonyan brings warmth, advanced training, and a genuine passion for working with children to every patient visit. Known to many families simply as Dr. Arsen, he understands that a child’s first experiences at the dentist can shape how they feel about oral health for years to come.
“I became interested in pediatric dentistry because I enjoy working with children and helping them build positive experiences at the dentist from an early age,” Dr. Melkonyan says. “What makes pediatric dentistry so rewarding is the relationships we build with families over time. Many of my patients start seeing me as toddlers, and it’s a privilege to watch them grow through the years.”
That relationship-based approach is central to the care families receive at Golnick Pediatric Dental Associates, which serves patients in Taylor, West Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Hills. The practice is dedicated to providing specialized dental care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs in an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and designed with children in mind.
Dr. Melkonyan’s path to pediatric dentistry began with a strong foundation in science and patient care. Born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia, he is fluent in Armenian, English, and Russian. He went on to graduate with honors from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. He later earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Following dental school, Dr. Melkonyan completed a year-long General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University, where he gained valuable experience in hospital dentistry, treating medically compromised patients, and working extensively with pediatric dental patients.
His dedication to children’s oral health then led him to specialize in pediatric dentistry at the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital, where he earned his Master of Science in Dentistry degree. His research focused on training the rural oral health workforce, reflecting his broader commitment to improving access to quality dental care.
Today, Dr. Melkonyan uses that diverse training to help children feel safe, understood, and proud of their progress. Whether a child is visiting for a routine cleaning, experiencing dental anxiety, or learning how to care for their teeth, his goal is to make each appointment a positive step forward.
“I believe that creating a welcoming, fun, and supportive environment helps children develop healthy habits and positive memories that can last a lifetime,” he says. “Every day is unique, and there’s nothing more rewarding than helping a child overcome their fears and leave the office proud of themselves. Seeing that confidence grow over time is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about what I do.”
Outside the office, Dr. Melkonyan currently resides in Troy. A devoted Michigan Wolverine, he enjoys watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and his dog, Archie.
For families looking for compassionate, specialized pediatric dental care, Dr. Melkonyan is proud to be part of a practice that helps children build healthy habits, positive memories, and confident smiles that can last a lifetime.
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