Meet your orthodontist
Dr. Payton CookOrthodontist in Richmond, VA
You want an orthodontist who makes your kid feel at ease, explains everything in plain language, and gives you an honest answer about what they actually need.
That's Dr. Cook. She grew up in Short Pump, and today she sees kids, teens, and adults at our Short Pump, Mechanicsville, and Midlothian offices. The first consultation is free.
- Grew up in Short Pump and went to Deep Run High
- Orthodontic residency at UTHealth Houston
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society
- Free consultation, no referral needed
Sound familiar?
These are the questions Dr. Cook hears most.
Every one of those starts the same way: a free visit and a straight answer.
Meet Dr. Cook
Real answers, plus the occasional dance break
Dr. Cook answers the questions patients actually ask. Here are three of our favorites.
What you can count on from Dr. Cook
Here's what that looks like, starting with the very first visit.
A clear answer in one visit
Dr. Cook personally examines how the teeth, bite, and jaw fit together, then tells you exactly where things stand, for your child or for you. Knowing costs you nothing.
Plain language and the reasons why
She explains what she sees in plain language and walks through the rationale behind every recommendation. If aligners aren't the right call for your case, she'll tell you.
A gentle touch
Dr. Cook focuses on keeping patients at ease from the first appointment on. Nervous kids get her patience, and nervous parents get their questions answered.
Your child's dentist in the loop
RPDO is a pediatric dental practice and an orthodontic practice. If your child sees one of our pediatric dentists, their X-rays and history are already in her chart, so nothing falls through the cracks.
What parents say about Dr. Cook
In their own words.
Dr. Cook is who we see for orthodontics and she is outstanding. Her attention to detail, kindness, and patience is amazing.
Meredith C.R., Google review
Dr. Cook was amazing! Everything was thoroughly explained with rationale for decisions. She made my son feel very comfortable with her wonderful personality!!
Monica, RPDO parent
Mario, Raleigh, Kylie and Dr. Cook (the whole orthodontic team) were amazing at our first appointment! They related well to my daughter and explained everything. There was no pressure and a great welcoming environment.
Stacy V., Google review
Trained in Virginia and Texas, home in Richmond
Orthodontists finish dental school, then complete a separate specialty residency. Here's the path Dr. Cook took to get back home.
Dental school
VCU School of Dentistry
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the national dental honor society
- Psi Omega Dental Fraternity
Orthodontic residency
UTHealth Houston
- Certificate in Orthodontics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
- Texas Orthodontic Foundation
Before dentistry
University of South Florida
- B.S. in Biomedical Sciences, minors in Biomedical Physics and Biomedical Engineering
- Division 1 soccer player and captain of the women's team
Getting started is simple
No referral, no pressure, and no cost for the first visit.
Request a free consult
Book online or call (804) 740-7281. Pick Short Pump, Mechanicsville, or Midlothian.
Meet Dr. Cook
Plan on up to an hour. Photos, a quick 3D scan, X-rays if needed, and a careful look at the teeth, bite, and jaw.
Leave with a clear plan
Now, later, or not at all. If treatment makes sense, you get the options and your cost before you decide.
Where this is headed
Her favorite day of the job
There's no cooler experience than watching patients light up on the day their braces are removed! Smiles are meant to brighten rooms, and the confidence patients have when they're done with treatment have them shining from the inside out. I'm so blessed to play a role in those transformations.
Dr. Payton Cook
That's the moment she's working toward from the first visit. A kid who smiles big in school pictures. A teen who can't stop checking the mirror. An adult who finally stopped wondering "what if."
How Dr. Cook can help
Braces and aligners for kids, teens, and adults, plus early treatment when a growing jaw needs a hand.
Metal and ceramic braces in Richmond for kids, teens, and adults.Learn more
Clear aligners, with an honest word when braces are the better call.Learn more
Phase 1 care for kids around age seven, only when it's needed.Learn more
Clear, down-to-earth planning so you understand every option.Learn more
Worried about mouth breathing or a narrow palate? Read about our airway-focused orthodontic evaluations.
Where to see Dr. Cook
Three offices across Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield, with early orthodontic appointments so you can come in before school or work.
Short Pump
Orthodontics12270 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233, near Short Pump Town Center
Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mechanicsville
Orthodontics7521 Right Flank Rd #110, Mechanicsville, VA 23116, off I-295
Orthodontics Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Midlothian
Orthodontics13901 Coalfield Commons Pl, Suite 101, Midlothian, VA 23114
Orthodontics Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Get to know her
A Short Pump kid who came home
Dr. Cook was born in Dallas and moved to the Richmond area as a young child. She went to Shady Grove Elementary, Short Pump Middle, and Deep Run High School, just a few minutes from our Short Pump office.
At the University of South Florida she studied biomedical sciences and played Division 1 soccer, serving as captain of the women's team.
She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery at VCU School of Dentistry, then finished her orthodontic residency in Houston before coming home to Richmond.
Dr. Cook is married to her dental school sweetheart. Outside the office you'll find her at the gym, exploring the outdoors, or running Richmond's trails.
Education
- B.S. Biomedical Sciences, University of South Florida
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, VCU School of Dentistry
- Certificate in Orthodontics, UTHealth Houston
Associations
- American Association of Orthodontists
- AAO Foundation Vanguard Society
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society
- American Dental Association
- Virginia Dental Association
- Texas Orthodontic Foundation
You're in good hands
Ready to meet Dr. Cook?
Bring your child, your teen, or yourself. You'll leave with a clear answer and a plan you understand, and you'll never be rushed into anything.
Helping Richmond Smile
Comprehensive Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care
At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to deliver radiant, healthy smiles to families across Richmond, VA. Our kind and caring team is committed to providing professional, high quality service in an environment that is relaxing and fun.
Our goal is to make your dental and orthodontic journey with us an amazing experience. Get started today!
