Get to know the best children’s dental team!

Autumn Hurd, DDS

The founder of Dentistry for Children & Teens, Dr. Autumn is the visionary behind our practice’s culture.  She created a place where kids from all backgrounds can grow up feeling empowered to live life smiling, thanks to her steadfast belief that every child deserves to smile.

Dr. Autumn graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry with distinction and honors in pediatric dentistry. She was also elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society whose membership is selected based upon character and academic excellence.

She continued her educational pursuit at the Children’s Hospital of Colorado, one of the nation’s top five hospitals for children. Here, Dr. Autumn served as chief resident of pediatric dentistry, and was later appointed to the attending staff at Children’s Hospital of Colorado, where she currently maintains a practice of hospital dentistry for children who have special health-care needs and those with complex dental issues.

Board certification is the highest achievable endorsement in any medical or dental specialty. Dr. Autumn is not only a certified diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, but is also an appointed member of their examination committee. This means that she develops the examinations that are given to pediatric dentists seeking board certification. Yep, she really knows her stuff!

But, should you ask her, she will tell you that her greatest accomplishment in life is raising three dynamic, joyful, respectful kids!

Dr. Autumn and her high school sweetheart, JJ, came to Colorado with intentions of growing a family that engages fully in the delights of nature. Together they camp, ski, hike 14-ers, paddleboard, and binge on adventure films and popcorn.  

Sati Khalsa, DDS

From coast to coast and around the world, Dr. Sati Khalsa has seen, done and learned a lot in her life!

Dr. Sati began her education at UCLA where she earned a degree in Psychobiology. “A degree in what?” you say. Psychobiology is the branch of science that deals with the biological basis of behavior and mental phenomena, also known as behavioral neuroscience.

Next, she crossed the country to attend New York University. There she received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. And, after dental school, Dr. Sati completed two advanced dental residencies. The first was at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, where she practiced dentistry in the hospital setting, advancing her training and skills particularly in the care of patients with complex medical and dental issues. Then, Dr. Sati completed the Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry program at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, earning specialty certification in pediatric dentistry. To top it all off, Dr. Sati devoted the tremendous amount of time and effort required to complete board certification, and has been awarded diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

So, how did she get here to Colorado? Well, she didn’t take the short way! Dr. Sati has traveled by camel to see the ancient pyramids of Egypt and viewed the northern lights from the deck of a boat along the famed fjords in Norway. She has hiked to the top of Huayna Picchu in Peru, walked along the Great Wall of China, and marveled at the Taj Mahal. But, when it came time to decide where she would settle down and call home, it was as simple as answering the question, “Where can I find pristine weather, delicious food, diverse culture, and marvelous people?” Where else but beautiful Colorado!

Now, here she is living her lifelong dream of providing dental care to a fantastic collection of kids in an amazing community. Oh, and planning her next adventure.

Chelsie Gritzmacher, DMD

The most warm-hearted and compassionate United States Air Force Major that you will ever meet, Dr. Chelsie Gritzmacher served in the 9th Aerospace Medical Squadron and the 60th Dental Squadron. 

This story of greatness began with a girl who grew up on grunge bands in Washington state then set out on fire to explore the world.  Dr. Chelsie earned a degree in education while competing with the varsity volleyball team at Huron University.  Then, she dabbled in quite a few “odd” jobs…at Blockbuster Video (back when people rented VCR tapes), in an Alaskan fish canary, at a Jansport backpack warehouse, in a prosthetic eye lab, and as a high school science teacher.  

Upon discovering her passion for pediatric dentistry, Dr. Chelsie obtained a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University followed by a Pediatric Dental Specialty degree at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Additionally, she has completed the demanding board certification process with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. As a diplomate of the ABPD, Dr. Chelsie has earned the highest achievable certification in the specialty of pediatric dentistry.

After having practiced dentistry in California and Germany, Dr. Chelsie and her family enthusiastically chose Colorado as the place where roots would be planted, ski slopes will be conquered, camping will occur, soccer will be played, and a lucky collection of kids and families will receive abundantly kind pediatric dental care from Major Chelsie.

Rebecca Fountain, DDS

Raised in southern California by special education teachers, Dr. Rebecca Fountain always knew that she would spend her life helping kids.  Finding her way into pediatric dentistry has matched her compassion, artistry, and highly scientific mind with the ultimate career in health and advocacy for children.

Dr. Rebecca is a top level “brainiac”, having earned a degree in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley as well as graduating Cum Laude from UCLA School of Dentistry.  Additionally, Dr. Rebecca completed the rigorous, hospital based Pediatric Dentistry Specialty Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado, one of the top Children’s Hospitals in the nation. In her continued commitment to excellence, Dr. Rebecca has accomplished board certification, earning diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Our world is definitely a better place because of Dr. Rebecca Fountain, with contributions to organizations such as Miles of Smiles, MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity), Homeless not Toothless, Project Homeless Connect, The Boys and Girls Club, and Give Kids a Smile, just to name a few.  Wonderfully, the spirit behind this level of community engagement carries strongly into her thoughtful, generous approach to pediatric dentistry.

Her goodness is also currently being infused into the next generation of Fountains. Together with her husband, a charming Englishman, she recently welcomed a new baby girl.  Her family has settled down in a cozy Colorado bungalow with plans to foster a beautiful life full of community stewardship and Colorado adventures.