Our Mission
ānuenue | Pediatric & General Dentistry provides whole person-centered and community-focused comprehensive oral health care. Our kuleana is to meet the diverse needs of our community through personalized, evidence-based care for all stages of life.
Where Smiles GROW Bright
Who We Are
We are a pediatric specialist and general dentist team striving to enhance oral health care for children, adults and families on Hawaiʻi Island. Every stage of life has a different oral health need; we want to support the individual through the years. We support whole person well-being and are committed to a healthier Hawaiʻi starting with healthy smiles.
DMD, MPH, CHES
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Vy Vy Vu
Infants, toddlers, children, teens, and individuals with special needs
My specialty includes comprehensive exams, preventive and minimal invasive dentistry, common treatments of tooth decay (fillings and crowns), tooth infections (extractions) and gum disease, behavior management, oral-facial growth and development to include orthodontics, management of dental emergencies and trauma (teeth knocked out by injury), primary and adult teeth root canal therapy, tongue/lip ties, and special care dentistry. I can offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and minimal sedation for patients who have mild to moderate anxiety, or general anesthesia in the operating room.
Dr. Melanie Whalen
DMD, MPH, MAGD
Diplomate, American Board of General Dentistry
Teens, adults, and individuals with special needs
My specialty includes comprehensive exams and medical clearance evaluations, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, cosmetic dentistry, root canal therapy, tooth extractions including wisdom teeth, treatment for dental infections and injuries, periodontal (gum) disease therapy including select gum surgeries, bone grafting, oral biopsies, minor oral surgical procedures, dental implants, sleep apnea appliances, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), moderate sedation, orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, and caring for medically complex individuals with special healthcare needs.
Our Approach
We understand that going to the dentist is not everyone’s favorite thing to do — but caring for our patients is one of the favorite parts of our day!
We believe positive dental experiences start early and help shape the way patients feel about dental care for years to come. That’s why we strive to meet each patient where they are, working together as a team to create a personalized experience.
We take the time to listen, discuss findings, review treatment options, explain procedures, and help patients feel informed and confident in their care. While we may only see you once or twice a year for preventive visits, our goal is to help you maintain healthy smiles the other 364 days through guidance and empowerment.
For young patients and individuals with anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or special healthcare needs, we offer desensitization and familiarity visits.
At the heart of ānuenue is the belief that every patient deserves to feel cared for, respected, and part of our ʻohana.
Accepted Insurances
We will be in-network with HDS – Delta Dental and med-QUEST; more insurances will be accepted in the future. We are happy to help file all other insurances as out-of-network. We also offer ānuenue | Membership Plans for patients without insurance plans.
Get in Touch
Feel free to contact us to become a patient, learn more about our office, or if you have any questions!