Compare 22 pediatric dentists in Cleveland, OH. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
22
Pediatric Dentists
100%
Accepting patients
64%
Most common: DDS
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Cleveland is, in many ways, a healthcare city first. Cleveland Clinic is one of the most recognized hospital brands in the world, and University Hospitals provides the academic counterweight. Together, they employ more people than any other industry in northeast Ohio and attract patients from around the globe for cardiac surgery, transplant medicine, and cancer care.
Cleveland has 22 pediatric dentists. The most common credential is DDS (64%). 100% are currently accepting new patients. Practitioners see patients in neighborhoods including Ohio City, Tremont, University Circle, and Lakewood (nearby).
Most major medical facilities cluster along the Euclid Avenue corridor from downtown through University Circle. Cleveland Clinic's main campus sits in the Fairfax neighborhood, while University Hospitals is just up the road in University Circle. MetroHealth serves the west side and safety-net populations. RTA's HealthLine bus rapid transit runs directly between the two hospital systems, making it one of the few cities where you can reach top-tier care by public transit.
Nearby hospitals include Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, and MetroHealth Medical Center. Local training programs run through Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Cleveland State University. Cleveland Clinic is consistently ranked among the top 5 hospitals in the nation and is a global leader in cardiac care.
Medical Mutual of Ohio is the largest Ohio-based health insurer and has strong networks with both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the other major commercial carrier. Ohio Medicaid is managed through CareSource, Molina, and Buckeye Health Plan. Many Cleveland employers offer plan options specifically designed around Cleveland Clinic or UH networks.
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.
Case Western Reserve's School of Dental Medicine operates a teaching clinic in University Circle with reduced fees. For private practice, the west-side suburbs (Lakewood, Rocky River) and east-side suburbs (Beachwood, Solon) both have strong options.
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.
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
Cleveland's cold winters and heavy comfort-food diet contribute to higher rates of gum disease compared to national averages. Dentists here emphasize regular periodontal screenings.
A child should see a dentist by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Pediatric dentists make early visits positive experiences that set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Cavities in baby teeth still need treatment because they can cause pain, infection, and damage to developing permanent teeth. Pediatric dentists use child-friendly techniques and, when needed, sedation options.
Fear of the dentist is common in children and can carry into adulthood if not addressed. Pediatric dental offices are designed to be welcoming, and the staff is trained to help anxious children feel safe.
Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect tooth alignment and jaw development. A pediatric dentist monitors these habits and recommends intervention timing when needed.
Dental sealants coat the chewing surfaces of back teeth, reducing cavity risk by up to 80%. Combined with fluoride treatments, they are one of the most effective preventive tools for children.
Cleveland, OH has 22 licensed pediatric dentists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of pediatric dentists in Cleveland, OH are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
Medical Mutual of Ohio and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield are the dominant carriers. Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals each have preferred relationships with different insurers, so check your plan's network before booking. Ohio Medicaid through CareSource and Molina is accepted at MetroHealth and most Clinic and UH locations.
An exam and cleaning copay is $0 to $50. A filling costs $100 to $250. A stainless steel crown costs $200 to $400. Sealants cost $30 to $60 per tooth. Sedation costs $150 to $500. Actual costs in Cleveland, OH depend on the provider and your insurance plan. Preventive care (exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants) is covered at 100% by most dental plans and Medicaid. The ACA requires pediatric dental as an essential health benefit in marketplace plans. If your child needs sedation or general anesthesia, ask whether the facility fee may be covered by medical (not dental) insurance.
The Cleveland healthcare market is essentially a two-system town: Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. MetroHealth serves as the public safety-net hospital. Your insurance will likely steer you toward one system, so start there.
Some pediatric dentists in Cleveland, OH accept Ohio Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program. Medicaid and CHIP cover dental care for children in all states with little or no copay. Coverage includes exams, cleanings, fluoride, sealants, fillings, crowns, and sedation when medically necessary. The EPSDT benefit guarantees comprehensive dental coverage for children on Medicaid. Contact the provider's office directly to confirm Ohio Medicaid participation before scheduling.
Children should visit the dentist every six months starting by age one. More frequent visits (every three to four months) may be recommended for children with high cavity risk. Sealants are typically applied between ages six and twelve as permanent molars come in. With 22 pediatric dentists in Cleveland, OH, you can search on FindClarity to find a provider who fits your schedule.
For complex cardiac, transplant, and cancer cases, it genuinely is one of the best in the world. For routine primary care, you may find shorter wait times and more convenient locations through University Hospitals or independent practices.
For many specialties, yes. Cleveland Clinic allows self-referral for new patients, though your insurance may still require a referral from your primary care doctor for coverage purposes. Call their appointment line to verify.
Top accepted carriers in Cleveland, OH include humana, unitedhealthcare, qhp-87571, qhp-33602, and qhp-30751.
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.