Dr. Sena E. Hiradate, DDS
Some dentists choose their specialty because they are good at it. Dr. Sena Hiradate chose hers because she grew up in it. Her connection to pediatric dentistry is personal, deep, and entirely her own, which is exactly what makes her the kind of provider families in Torrance trust with their children year after year.
As the owner and lead dentist at HulaGrins Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Sena brings more than 15 years of clinical experience to every patient she sees. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist, and you can learn more about her background on our meet our dental team page, where she has helped make HulaGrins one of the South Bay’s most trusted practices for children’s dental care. Her approach is direct and attentive, rooted in genuine respect for each child and each family that walks through the door.
Dr. Sena
A Story That Started in This Very Office
Dr. Sena was born and raised in Torrance, and her relationship with HulaGrins predates her career in dentistry by more than a decade. HulaGrins was founded by Dr. Wayne Tofukuji, who was her pediatric dentist growing up. At age 15, she began working in the office as a dental assistant, and over time, that early exposure became the foundation for everything she pursued professionally.
She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and complete her specialty training in pediatric dentistry, returning to HulaGrins first as an associate under Dr. Wayne and ultimately purchasing our practice from him in March 2020. The continuity that defines HulaGrins today, watching the children of longtime patients grow up and bring their own kids in, is something Dr. Sena experienced firsthand before she ever held a dental instrument as a licensed clinician.
Credentials and Clinical Training
Dr. Sena holds a Pediatric Minimal Sedation Permit, which authorizes her to safely administer sedation for children who need additional support during treatment. She is a member of the College of Diplomates and has completed specialized training in tongue-tie release procedures, including Richard Baxter’s Tongue-Tie Academy and Chelsea Pinto’s Infant Frenectomy Protocol, as well as LightScalpel laser certification courses. She has also attended numerous continuing education lectures on the topic, including sessions led by Soroush Zaghi and Audrey Yoon. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines pediatric dentistry as an age-specific specialty encompassing behavior guidance, sedation, caries prevention, and care for children with special health care needs, all of which fall within the scope of what Dr. Sena delivers at HulaGrins every day.
Laser Dentistry and Frenectomy
Dr. Sena is the only provider at HulaGrins who performs soft tissue laser procedures. Using the LightScalpel CO2 laser, she carries out tongue-tie and lip-tie releases with the precision that the laser format allows, minimizing discomfort and recovery time compared to traditional scissor-based techniques. Her advanced training in this area has made frenectomy services an important and growing part of our practice.
Sedation Dentistry
For children who need a deeper level of support, Dr. Sena offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and general anesthesia. She works with a board-certified anesthesiologist for general anesthesia cases, ensuring an appropriate level of clinical oversight throughout. Her philosophy is that no child should avoid necessary dental treatment due to fear or anxiety, and her ability to offer the full spectrum of sedation options reflects that commitment.
How Dr. Sena Approaches Care
What sets Dr. Sena apart is not simply her credentials; it is how she uses them. She takes a conservative treatment approach, preferring the least invasive intervention that will reliably address the problem. She speaks Japanese fluently, which is particularly meaningful in the Torrance area, where a large portion of families speak Japanese at home. She is a mother herself, and that experience shapes how she communicates with parents who are nervous, uncertain, or hearing complicated clinical information for the first time.
The full range of pediatric dental services she oversees at HulaGrins includes preventive care, restorative treatment, airway evaluation, and sedation, all delivered with the same patient-centered focus. Families who are preparing for a first visit will find that Dr. Sena’s clinical confidence is balanced by a genuine commitment to making children feel at ease before treatment begins.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Sena Hiradate at HulaGrins Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Sena has dedicated her career to this community and this practice. She trained here, learned here, and built something here that reflects both her clinical values and her personal history in Torrance. The warm, thoughtfully designed office environment at HulaGrins is a direct reflection of the standard she holds herself to as a clinician and as a practice owner.
If you are looking for a pediatric dentist who will treat your child with skill, patience, and genuine care, we would love to welcome your family. Reach out through our contact form to request an appointment or ask any questions before your child’s first visit.