Pediatric dentistry for children in Greater Philadelphia

Q: Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists receive specialized training that goes beyond general or family dentistry. They focus on the unique oral health needs of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special healthcare needs. Beyond caring for teeth and gums, our team understands how to help children feel comfortable, confident, and engaged throughout their dental experience. At Pediatric Dental Associates, our child-centered approach helps reduce anxiety and builds positive habits that last a lifetime. Our offices are designed with kids in mind. We explain everything in simple, friendly terms kids can understand. We work at your child's pace so every visit feels safe and positive, and parents are kept informed and involved every step of the way.

Pediatric Dental Associates has provided specialized dental care for infants, children, and teenagers across greater Philadelphia since 1975. Unlike a general or family dentist, our board-certified pediatric dentists completed an additional two to three years of specialty training after dental school dedicated entirely to children’s oral health, development, and behavior guidance. Our five offices across Greater Philadelphia are designed specifically for children and staffed by specialists who understand what makes a visit positive for every age and every child.

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Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists are specialists who chose to dedicate their careers entirely to pediatric oral health. The difference matters most for younger children, anxious children, and children with special healthcare needs, where experience with child development, behavior guidance, and age-appropriate technique directly affects outcomes and long-term attitudes toward dental care.

What we offer at all 5 locations

Preventive care: checkups every 6 months, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants on molars
Restorative dentistry: fillings, extractions, crowns or caps, and space maintainers
Infant oral health: first visits by age 1, knee-to-knee exams, tooth eruption monitoring, teething and feeding guidance
Early intervention: jaw and bite development monitoring, habit counseling for thumb sucking and pacifier use
Special needs dentistry: sensory-friendly, patient-paced appointments for children with autism, ADHD, and other conditions
Sedation options: nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation for children who need additional comfort for dental procedures
Emergency dentistry: same-day urgent care for knocked-out teeth, dental trauma, and toothaches
Orthodontic coordination: referrals for complimentary consultations with our partner practices, or within select PDA locations

Pediatric dental care at every stage

Children’s dental needs change quickly from the first tooth through the teen years. Our specialists tailor care to each stage.

Infants (0 to 2): first visit by age 1 or first tooth, knee-to-knee exams, eruption monitoring, nutrition and teething guidance, and early habit counseling for thumb sucking and pacifier use.
Toddlers and preschoolers (2 to 5): gentle cleanings, fluoride applications, sealants as molars erupt, guidance on healthy habits at home
School-age children (6 to 12): sealants on permanent molars, monitoring of permanent teeth, sports mouthguards, and early orthodontic screening.
Teenagers (13 and up): wisdom tooth monitoring and continued preventive care through the transition to adult dentistry.

What makes a pediatric dental visit different?

Our offices are built for children, from the waiting room to the exam chair. Our team uses age-appropriate language, tell-show-do behavior guidance, and a pace your child sets. The space is designed to feel welcoming, and our staff is trained to spot and ease anxiety before it builds. Children who need more support have sedation options and sensory accommodations at every location.

When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth coming in. Starting early builds familiarity with the dental environment, catches developing issues before they become significant, and establishes preventive habits that protect teeth for life.

Frequently asked questions

Are baby teeth really important if they fall out anyway?

Yes. Primary teeth hold space for permanent teeth, support proper speech development, and allow children to chew and eat normally. Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infection, and problems with permanent tooth positioning.

How often should my child see a pediatric dentist?

Every 6 months for most children, starting by their first birthday. Children at higher cavity risk may benefit from more frequent visits. Your child’s dentist will recommend the right schedule.

What is the show, tell, do approach?

A behavior guidance technique where we show your child what we are about to do, explain it in age-appropriate language, and then proceed. It reduces anxiety and builds trust, especially for first visits.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

A pediatric dentist completes two to three additional years of specialty training after dental school focused entirely on children, including infants, teenagers, and patients with special healthcare needs. A family dentist treats patients of all ages but does not hold this specialty certification.

Does my child need a dental cleaning every six months?

For most children, yes. Twice-yearly visits let us catch cavities early, apply preventive fluoride and sealants, and track your child’s development. Children at higher cavity risk may need more frequent visits.

My child is nervous about the dentist. How do you handle that?

We use behavior guidance techniques like tell-show-do, keep the pace comfortable, and never rush. For children who need more support, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are available. Our goal is a positive visit that builds lifelong comfort with dental care.

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When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in.

Starting early helps us:

Monitor your child’s development from the very beginning
Catch small concerns before they become bigger problems
Give parents guidance on brushing, nutrition, and cavity prevention
Help children get comfortable with the dentist from an early age

At Pediatric Dental Associates, we’re committed to being your child’s dental home from infancy through adolescence. We focus on education, prevention, and personalized care to help every patient achieve a healthy smile while creating positive experiences at each dental visit.

Whether your child is due for their first dental visit, a routine cleaning, or specialized treatment, our pediatric dentists are here to provide expert care in a friendly, supportive environment.