Pediatric Dentists in Mellette County, SD
7 pediatric dentists across Mellette County. Browse by city or filter by insurance and telehealth.
7
Pediatric Dentists
100%
Accepting patients
86%
Most common: DDS
Top-Rated Pediatric Dentists in Mellette County, SD
Ranked by Clarity Score, based on profile detail, verification, and patient activity.
Specialty: pediatric-dentistState: SDCounty: Mellette County
About pediatric dentists in Mellette County, SD
Mellette County has 7 pediatric dentists. The most common credential is DDS (86%). 100% are currently accepting new patients.
Nearby hospitals include Sanford USD Medical Center, Avera McKennan Hospital, and Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.
What to expect at your first pediatric dentist visit in Mellette County, SD
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.
When to see a pediatric dentist
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.
Typical costs
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
Common reasons to see a pediatric dentist in Mellette County, SD
First dental visit for children
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.
Childhood cavities
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.
Dental anxiety in children
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.
Thumb sucking and pacifier habits
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.
Preventive sealants and fluoride
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.
Frequently asked questions about pediatric dentists in Mellette County, SD
Mellette County, SD has 7 licensed pediatric dentists. 100% are currently accepting new patients, so finding an available provider should be straightforward.
Yes. 100% of pediatric dentists in Mellette County, SD are currently accepting new patients. You can filter your search on FindClarity to show only providers who are taking new patients.
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 Mellette County, SD 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.
Start by confirming a provider accepts your dental insurance. Look at credentials and patient reviews. Mellette County, SD has 7 pediatric dentists, so you have options to compare. FindClarity lets you filter by insurance, location, and whether the provider is accepting new patients.
Some pediatric dentists in Mellette County, SD accept South Dakota 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 South Dakota 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 7 pediatric dentists in Mellette County, SD, you can search on FindClarity to find a provider who fits your schedule.
Major hospitals in the area include Sanford USD Medical Center, Avera McKennan Hospital, and Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. Many pediatric dentists maintain hospital affiliations for procedures or consultations that require a hospital setting. Contact the hospital directly or check provider profiles on FindClarity for affiliation details.
Nearby Counties
Other specialties in Mellette County
Insurance & Pediatric Dentist coverage
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.