7,315
Pediatric Dentists
100%
Accepting patients
46%
Most common: DDS
FindClarity lists 7,315 pediatric dentists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is DDS (46%).
Pediatric dentists (also called pedodontists) specialize in dental care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. After four years of dental school (DDS or DMD), they complete a two to three year residency focused on child development, behavior management, sedation, and dental conditions specific to primary (baby) teeth and developing permanent teeth.
Their offices are designed for children, from the waiting room to the treatment chairs. Pediatric dentists are trained in behavior guidance techniques that help anxious or uncooperative children receive care safely and comfortably. They offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and general anesthesia when needed.
Pediatric dentists handle everything from routine cleanings and fluoride treatments to complex cases: severe early childhood cavities, dental trauma from falls, interceptive orthodontics, and dental care for children with autism, cerebral palsy, or other special needs. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting.
Take your child to a pediatric dentist for their first visit by age one. After that, visits every six months for cleanings and exams are standard. See a pediatric dentist specifically (rather than a general dentist) if your child has significant anxiety about dental visits, special healthcare needs that affect cooperation, multiple cavities requiring treatment under sedation, dental trauma (knocked-out or chipped tooth), or unusual tooth development. Pediatric dentists also manage space maintainers when baby teeth are lost early and can identify early orthodontic issues.
A first visit for a toddler is short, about 20 to 30 minutes. The dentist may do a "knee-to-knee" exam with the parent holding the child. They will check for cavities, assess bite development, and clean the teeth if the child cooperates. For older children, visits include X-rays (typically starting around age four to five), professional cleaning, fluoride treatment, and an exam. The dentist will discuss brushing technique, diet (sugary drinks are the top cavity cause in children), and fluoride recommendations. If treatment is needed, the dentist will explain behavior management options based on the child's age and temperament.
Exam and cleaning: $0-50 copay · Fluoride treatment: $0-25 · Filling: $100-250 · Stainless steel crown: $200-400 · Sedation: $150-500 · Sealants: $30-60 per tooth
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. This early visit lets the dentist check for early signs of decay, assess development, and give parents guidance on cleaning, fluoride, and diet. Early visits also help children become comfortable with the dental office before they need any treatment.
Yes. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth, and losing them too early can cause crowding and alignment problems later. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath. Severe dental infections in children can spread and become dangerous. Additionally, teaching good dental habits and positive dental experiences early sets the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.
When administered by a trained pediatric dentist following established guidelines, dental sedation is safe for children. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the mildest option and wears off within minutes. Oral sedation is used for longer procedures in anxious children. General anesthesia in a hospital setting is reserved for very young children with extensive treatment needs or those with special healthcare needs. Pediatric dentists follow American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry sedation guidelines, which include monitoring requirements and emergency protocols.
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Most dental insurance plans cover pediatric preventive care (exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants) at 100% with no copay. Basic restorative work (fillings) is covered at 80%. Crowns and sedation have lower coverage, typically 50% to 80%. The ACA requires pediatric dental coverage in marketplace plans, making children's dental care one of the 10 essential health benefits. Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children in all states, often with $0 copay. Space maintainers and interceptive orthodontics may need pre-authorization. If your child needs treatment under general anesthesia, medical insurance may cover the hospital facility fee.