
Samantha Graffeo Gardner, MS, DDS
Dentist | Pediatric Dentistry
805 S Broadway St Suite 103 Boulder CO, 80305About
Dr. Samantha Graffeo Gardner is a pediatric dentist living and practicing in Boulder, CO. Dr. Sam specializes in the oral health of children. Pediatric dentists treat patients ranging in age from infancy to teenaged years. As a pediatric dentist, Dr. Sam takes care of a child's teeth, gums and mouth. Children can face dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease without proper care. Pediatric dentists can provide dental examinations, give cleanings and treatments, repair cavitities and dental injuries like fractured or knocked-out teeth, diagnose oral conditions and more. Dr. Sam has a particular passion for preventative and minimally invasive dentistry and focuses her practice on making her patients feel welcome and comfortable.
Education and Training
University of Colorado Dental Degree (DDS) 0
Board Certification
American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Provider Details

Samantha Graffeo Gardner, MS, DDS's Expert Contributions
Teeth still moving post having worn retainer for a year (not consistently)
Teeth are likely to move if you're not wearing a retainer because the forces placed on them by your lips, cheeks and tongue are on them the whole day. The reason it's recommended you wear a retainer long term usually nightly is to reverse and minimize the changes imposed on your teeth by the forces of your soft tissues. Teeth tend to want to go back to where they initially grew in, so to keep them where braces placed them, you'll want to consistently wear the retainer. Best of luck!. READ MORE
How can I prevent tooth decay?
There are many things we can do to try and prevent tooth decay. Mainly, we want to limit sugar-containing foods, increase water consumption and use a re-mineralizing toothpaste. Here's a description of what else you can do with more detail: https://www.southboulderpediatricdentistry.com/resources/blog/i-have-cavities-so-my-kid-will-too-its-just-destined-to-be-true-right READ MORE
How can I best care for my teeth after orthodontic treatment?
Taking care of braces is difficult, I would throw everything (including the kitchen sink (not really)) at it. Brush as normal, use a floss threader to floss between your teeth effectively, add interproximal brushes and end-tuft brushes to help you effectively clean around the brackets and always follow up with a good mouthwash to help rinse everything away. A prescription strength toothpaste can only help too. READ MORE
What are your views on dental sealants for adults?
Sealants for adults are great at preventing cavities, just as they are for preventing cavities in our pediatric patients. If you're an adult who has never had a cavity and is considered "low risk" a sealant may not be necessary, however if you're a patient who has a history of cavities, getting a sealant on your permanent teeth will help prevent the biting surfaces from trapping food and developing cavities (but they won't protect in between the teeth, so you'll still need to take good care of them!). Best of luck! READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Pediatric Dentist/Owner South Boulder Pediatric Dentistry - Present
Professional Memberships
- American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
Treatments
- Preventative Dentistry, Minimally Invasive Dentistry, Fillings, Crowns, Extractions, Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation, Dental Trauma Management
Professional Society Memberships
- AAPD, ABPD
What do you attribute your success to?
- The support of family & friends coupled with hard work.
Favorite Place to Vacation
- In the mountains.
Hobbies / Sports
- Hiking, Jiu Jitsu
Samantha Graffeo Gardner, MS, DDS's Practice location
South Boulder Pediatric Dentistry
805 S Broadway St Suite 103 -Boulder, CO 80305Get Direction
Samantha Graffeo Gardner, MS, DDS's reviews
Write ReviewMedia Releases
South Boulder Pediatric Dentistry Offers Personalized, Prevention-Focused Care for Children of All Backgrounds
Dr. Samantha “Dr. Sam” Graffeo Gardner, DDS, MS, a board-certified pediatric dentist, is transforming children’s dental care in Boulder with the launch of South Boulder Pediatric Dentistry. Located at 805 S Broadway, Suite 103, the practice emphasizes minimally invasive techniques, patient-centered care, and a welcoming environment tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Dr. Sam’s journey to dentistry began in academia, where she pursued a PhD in mathematics. A National Science Foundation grant introduced her to middle school classrooms, reigniting her passion for working with children. This led her to shift careers, earning her dental degree from the University of Colorado and completing a pediatric residency at the University of Florida. Now, with over a decade of living in Boulder, she is committed to serving the local community through her practice.
South Boulder Pediatric Dentistry is designed to make dental visits a positive experience. Dr. Sam and her team focus on prevention and education, employing minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. Techniques and technology such as silver diamine fluoride (SDF), papacarie, Icon resin infiltration, Hall crowns, and lesion sterilization and tissue repair (LSTR) are utilized to preserve natural tooth structure and reduce the need for sedation or drilling.
The practice is also known for its inclusive approach, accommodating children of all neurotypes and backgrounds. Dr. Sam believes in meeting each patient where they are, ensuring that every child feels seen, understood, and comfortable during their visit. This philosophy has resonated with families, earning the practice a 5-star rating from 81 reviews on Google.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Sam is an active member of the Boulder community. She enjoys hiking, climbing, and cooking with her husband and three children. Her commitment to community involvement and patient care reflects her dedication to making a lasting impact on children’s oral health in Boulder.
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Nearby Providers
- Jennifer Daniela Rubin DMD1200 Yarmouth Ave unit C-1C BOULDER CO 80304
- Dr. Toby Derloshon D.D.S.5730 Ward Rd Arvada CO 80002
- Belinda Campbell DDS325 W. South Boulder Rd Louisville CO 80027
- Dr. Michael D Jones D.D.S.3400 Penrose Pl Boulder CO 80301
- Dr. Kelsey Dorine Snavely D.D.S.4383 TENNYSON ST UNIT 1-F DENVER CO 80212
- Dr. Edward A. Christensen D.D.S1120 W South Boulder Rd Lafayette CO 80026
Nearest Hospitals
FOOTHILLS HOSPITALl
4747 ARAPAHOE AVENUE BOULDER CO 80304CENTURA HEALTH-AVISTA ADVENTIST HOSPITALl
100 HEALTH PARK DRIVE LOUISVILLE CO 80027GOOD SAMARITAN MEDICAL CENTERl
200 EXEMPLA CIRCLE LAFAYETTE CO 80026