Catherine Fillmore, DDS
photo by Can Ertan
Dr. Catherine Fillmore’s interest in dentistry began early, influenced by a neighbor who genuinely loved his work as a dentist. “I knew I wanted to help people,” she says. “The idea of seeing patients for decades and watching their kids grow up really stayed with me.”
Dr. Fillmore earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, where her academic excellence and leadership earned numerous distinctions, including the International College of Dentists Outstanding Graduating Student Leadership Award. After dental school, she practiced as a general dentist for three years, an experience that helped refine her professional direction. “Pretty quickly, I realized my favorite interactions were with kids,” she says. “That’s when I knew I wanted to commit my career to pediatric dentistry.”
She went on to complete her pediatric dentistry residency at New York University, where she was selected to serve as chief resident. This role further shaped her clinical confidence and leadership style. Today, as a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and owner of Kidstown Dental right here in Katy, Dr. Fillmore brings more than a decade of experience to her patients and their families.
Central to her practice philosophy is a strong emphasis on minimally invasive dentistry, an approach particularly beneficial for young patients and those with differing developmental needs. “If we see a small cavity, we may not have to do a traditional filling,” Dr. Fillmore says. “In many cases, we can use remineralization techniques to stop the progression. It’s especially helpful for patients who may struggle to sit through longer procedures.”
Kidstown Dental also offers no-shot laser dentistry, reducing the need for numbing and easing anxiety for many children. “A lot of parents are amazed that we don’t have to numb patients in certain situations,” she says.
Equally important is Dr. Fillmore’s collaborative approach with parents. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model, her team works to respect family preferences. “We try to bring parents in as our ally,” she says. “For example, we have some parents who don’t want fluoride, and we don’t push that on them. We want parents to feel heard and involved in the decision-making process.”
Dr. Fillmore’s compassion has also been shaped by extensive mission work and volunteer service. From free clinics to overseas dental missions, those experiences reinforced her perspective on care and gratitude. “It is humbling to meet people who don’t have the access many of us take for granted,” she says. “You learn a lot from those experiences.”
Her approach to care is shaped not only by training and experience, but by motherhood. “As a mother and a dentist, I understand that every child is unique,” she says. “I get to know your child and help them relax in a way that builds trust in the dental visit experience.” Learn more about Dr. Fillmore and request an appointment at KidstownDentist.com.
