Dr. Arlene Schmidt has always had a natural affinity with children. Born and raised in Calgary, Canada, she moved to Denver, Colorado, USA, where she completed her residency in pediatric dentistry in 2023.
It was in Denver that she truly found her life’s calling—helping children feel calm, confident, and even excited to see the dentist.
Dreaming of opening a warm and creative pediatric dental practice, Dr. Schmidt moved with her husband to Windsor, Ontario, his hometown and a diverse and welcoming community.
Inspired by Windsor’s vibrant spirit, she was determined to create a place where young patients and their families could receive dental care in a caring, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere.
In early 2024, she was finally ready to realize her vision. Despite the challenges of limited free parking and commercial real estate in downtown Windsor, she seized a rare opportunity: a prime corner location with expansive windows flooding the city with natural light, within the former Shoppers Drug Mart that had been divided into multiple commercial units.
Dr. Schmidt and his team meticulously designed the approximately 3,600-square-foot space to allow for future expansion and provide plumbing for future surgeries.
Despite delays in permitting and the temporary conversion of a window into a fire exit to meet regulatory requirements, the clinic’s overall design emphasizes both functionality and detail.
The clinic features eight multifunctional treatment areas, including four enclosed rooms and four open-plan pediatric bench areas.
Dr. Schmidt eschewed traditional dental chairs in favor of benches/beds similar to those in a pediatrician’s office to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment.
The spacious and bright reception area, designed specifically for families with children, features light-colored arches, custom curved seating, and soft lighting, creating a playful and calming atmosphere.
A rich collection of books and interactive games adorns the shelves, encouraging children to explore while waiting. Every corner of the facility is designed to make children feel safe and welcoming.
In March 2025, Sprout Kids Dentistry celebrated its grand opening in Windsor with a warm welcome event, attracting numerous local referring dentists and their teams.
The event not only exceeded Dr. Schmidt’s expectations but also served as a testament to the unique dental experience she has created—an innovative platform for pediatric patients and the entire dental community.
As a new member of the Windsor dental community, Dr. Schmidt is excited to forge strong connections with local families and colleagues. Looking back on the journey, she admits it has been challenging but rewarding, and she hopes to be able to take it more seriously.
Today, Sprout Kids Dentistry, with its welcoming and flexible design, is rapidly becoming a trusted pediatric dental center in the Windsor area, providing a relaxing and enjoyable dental experience for children and parents alike, embodying the perfect blend of care and expertise.
