ABPD Diplomate
A voluntary board-certification credential in pediatric dentistry.
Meet Dr. Malek
Board-certified pediatric dentistry, rooted in southeast Ohio.
Dr. Robert Malek, DDS, has served children and adolescents in Zanesville, southeast Ohio, and western West Virginia since 1999.
A lifetime serving young patients
Specialty training with a patient-first point of view.
Dr. Malek graduated from The Ohio State College of Dentistry in 1990, then completed a two-year pediatric dentistry residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. During his second year, he served as Chief Resident and received the Orthodontic Excellence Award.
After residency, Dr. Malek joined the United States Air Force and led pediatric dentistry at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas and Misawa Air Base in Japan. During his service, he became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
He completed Air Force service in 1997, practiced in Mansfield, and moved with his family to Zanesville in 1999 to begin his pediatric dental practice. His commitment remains the same: help children feel understood while protecting the developing smiles of the communities he serves.
Credentials and commitment
Experience that informs every recommendation.
AAPD Fellow
A Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Family-first care
Parents and caregivers bring insight that helps make a visit work for their child.
Beyond the office
Family remains at the center.
Dr. Malek has been married since 1990 and raised two children with his wife. Outside the office, he enjoys kayaking and camping. He also plays in a Columbus-area band that he and bandmates formed in 2013.
Helpful answers
Questions parents often ask
What does board-certified pediatric dentist mean?
Dr. Malek is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Board certification is a voluntary credential earned through specialty residency training and examination.
What ages does Dr. Malek treat?
Kids First provides pediatric dental care from infancy through adolescence, with treatment plans designed around the child’s age, development, comfort, and health needs.
Does Dr. Malek see children with special healthcare needs?
Yes. Kids First welcomes children and adolescents with special healthcare needs, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, communication differences, and medical complexity. Call ahead so the team can learn what will help your child.
Kids First Pediatric Dental Care
Ready when your family is.
Tell us what your child needs. We will listen, explain the next step clearly, and help you find an appointment time that works.