Pediatric Dentistry in New York & New Jersey
Nothing makes a parent happier than seeing their child’s bright smile. Unfortunately, many kids experience harm from tooth decay. This infectious disease affects more than 40% of children—but with the right care, it is preventable.
Families across New York and New Jersey trust ProHEALTH Dental for reliable pediatric dental care. With convenient locations in Lake Success, Mt Kisco, Hoboken, and beyond, we support families locally by delivering personalized dental care when and where they need it most.
On This Page
- Dental Treatments for Children & Teenagers
- When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
- What to Expect at a Pediatric Dental Appointment
- How is Pediatric Dental Care Different from Adult Dentistry?
- How Often Will My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
- How to Prepare Your Child for Visiting the Dentist
- How to Teach Your Child to Care for Their Teeth
- Insurance & Payment Options
- Experience Comprehensive Dental Care for the Whole Family
- Pick ProHEALTH Dental for Pediatric Dentistry Today
- Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Treatments for Children & Teenagers
The first years of your child’s life build strong dental habits, prevent tooth pain, and set a solid foundation for oral health. Our pediatric dentists provide comprehensive care and partner with your child’s pediatrician to promote excellent oral health and overall wellness.
We stay current with pediatric dental advances so we can offer a full scope of preventive and restorative treatments. In many cases, our providers use minimally invasive technology to keep children comfortable and results consistent. For families in New York and New Jersey, our integration with healthcare networks allows us to coordinate care for kids with medical needs, ensuring their dental health supports overall well-being. Our team also provides treatment plans designed to grow with your child’s unique needs, from the toddler years through the teenage transition to adult care.
We offer the following services in pediatrics:
- Comprehensive Exams & Diagnosis
- Fillings & Crowns for Children
- Root Canals for Children & Teens
- Sealants
- Cosmetic Procedures
- Emergency & Trauma-Related Care
- Mouth Guards
- Space Maintainer
- Coordinating Care with Our Orthodontists for Braces & Clear Aligners, such as ClearCorrect or Invisalign
When to Schedule Your Child’s First Dental Appointment
Many parents don’t realize children should visit the dentist much earlier than they expect. We usually recommend scheduling a child’s first dental appointment around their first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears. Early dental care helps reduce the risk of serious oral health problems later.
Pediatric dental guidelines in New York and New Jersey emphasize the value of early visits as a foundation for lifelong oral health. Tooth decay begins early, and regional studies show preventive appointments before age one reduce the risk of future dental issues for local children. By introducing your child to the dentist early, families can ease anxiety, foster trust, and let children develop healthy hygiene routines that follow them year after year.
What to Expect at a Pediatric Dental Appointment
Most children don’t need extensive exams or treatment when their first baby tooth comes in. We use these early visits to create positive dental experiences that help your child feel comfortable about visiting the dentist.
During your child’s appointment, our staff creates a friendly, non-intimidating environment where families can ask questions and children can engage in gentle introductions to the dental chair, hygienists, and tools. We take time to explain every step to you and your child, so everyone feels relaxed. Our pediatric dental offices in New York and New Jersey feature the latest technology designed for both effectiveness and comfort. We encourage parents to join their children during the exam, fostering confidence in the process and helping us tailor care to each child’s age and personality.
How is Pediatric Dental Care Different from Adult Dentistry?
Many adult dental treatments address existing oral health concerns. In contrast, pediatric dental care focuses on prevention. We aim to help your child’s teeth remain healthy and reduce the risk of oral health issues.
Pediatric dental care also differs in how our friendly team makes each visit enjoyable for your child. We complete a wide range of pediatric dental treatments while making sure your child feels happy and comfortable. While we bring the same commitment to our adult patients, visits for young children look and feel different than those for adults.
Our pediatric teams in New York and New Jersey receive training in age-appropriate communication techniques, allowing us to connect with children even in unfamiliar settings. We explain procedures in a child-friendly way and celebrate each milestone, such as losing the first tooth or learning to brush solo. Regional regulations often require special safety and sterilization protocols for pediatric dental offices—we not only meet but strive to exceed those standards by updating procedures as guidelines evolve. The goal is always to provide care that fits the developing needs of every child while supporting overall family wellness.
How Often Will My Child Need to See a Pediatric Dentist?
Like adults, children can benefit from seeing the dentist once every six months. Pediatric dental appointments will become more frequent if your child has specific oral health needs or concerns like tooth decay or misaligned teeth.
How to Prepare Your Child for Visiting the Dentist
Children who haven’t visited the dentist before may feel apprehensive. Many TV shows and games portray the dentist as a scary place. You might need to help your child get ready for their dental appointment so they know they can look forward to it.
Parents often set the tone for their child’s first dental visit by previewing what will happen, walking their child through waiting room routines, and introducing the idea of dental checkups as part of staying strong and healthy. Some families find it helpful to drive by the office or peek inside beforehand, so children recognize the space during their appointment. Our offices encourage making the process a shared family experience, which helps set positive expectations for dental care for years to come.
To help prepare your child for the dentist, try these tips:
- Stay positive, as children often reflect your emotions
- Give positive reinforcement during the visit—praise them for having their teeth cleaned
- Let your child bring a favorite toy to the waiting room
Read books before the visit about how fun the dentist can be
How to Teach Your Child to Care for Their Teeth
Dental care matters to you, but young children often don’t understand its importance right away. Most parents need to take active steps to teach children how to care for their teeth.
We encourage parents to make brushing and flossing a fun, daily family activity. Setting routines in the morning and evening, letting kids track their progress on a calendar, and turning oral hygiene into a friendly competition can help children form life-long positive habits. Our teams also offer customized tools and learning materials suitable for every developmental stage, so parents can address topics such as healthy snacks, the purpose of mouthguards during sports, and how best to manage the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth. When families stay engaged together, kids become more confident in managing their own care.
Here are five tips for teaching children healthy oral habits:
- Show them how to brush early
- Brush your teeth together so they see that adults do it, too
- Let kids choose their own toothpaste and toothbrush as they get older
- Always encourage their brushing while giving gentle corrections as needed
- Work with a pediatric dentist skilled at making oral care fun
Insurance & Payment Options for Pediatric Dental Care
Choosing a pediatric dentist in Metro New York or New Jersey often starts with questions about insurance coverage and payment flexibility. At ProHEALTH Dental, we accept a range of leading PPO dental insurance plans, and our treatment coordinators can help you understand your benefits during your visit. We also offer the ProHEALTH Dental VIP Program for families without insurance, providing cost-effective preventative services and peace of mind for parents who want to keep their children on track with routine care. For additional procedures beyond preventive visits, our team outlines expected costs and assists you in navigating payment solutions so you can plan confidently for your child’s dental health needs.
Pediatric dental coverage requirements differ between New York and New Jersey and may vary based on the type of dental insurance plan. While pediatric dental services are classified as an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), not all states require medical plans to include pediatric dental benefits. In many cases, coverage may be provided through a separate, stand-alone dental plan rather than being embedded within a medical policy.
We are available to assist patients in understanding their coverage.
Experience Comprehensive Dental Care for the Whole Family
At ProHEALTH Dental, we know dental health is vital for everyone in your household—from toddlers to seniors. Our committed team provides personalized care to meet each age group’s unique needs. Whether your child is coming in for a first dental visit, orthodontic solutions for teens, or restorative work for adults, we support your family’s oral health.
Families throughout New York and New Jersey appreciate the ease of accessing dental care at our multiple, conveniently located offices. Our practices are designed for comfort and feature plenty of amenities to help families feel welcome, making routine dental care a pleasant part of your regular schedule. We serve all ages, coordinate with your other healthcare providers when needed, and adapt our services as your family grows. For parents with busy schedules or children in after-school programs, we offer flexible hours to ensure you never have to delay important care.
Why choose ProHEALTH Dental for your family’s dental care?
- Family-Friendly Environment: Our office welcomes families and creates a comfortable setting for patients of all ages.
- Preventive Focus: We prioritize prevention to help patients avoid complex dental procedures in the future. Our team shares education and resources so your family can maintain excellent oral health.
- Flexible Scheduling: We recognize that family routines can be busy. That’s why we offer some appointments in the evenings and on weekends to fit your schedule. Contact our office to find a time that meets your needs.
Pick ProHEALTH Dental for Pediatric Dentistry Today
ProHEALTH Dental operates dental offices in Metro New York and New Jersey, each one affiliated with a large medical group or healthcare system. If you’re looking for a caring and convenient pediatric dentist office for your child, we make dental visits welcoming and accessible. We gladly serve children with medical or special needs, and all offices have handicap access.
Our approach supports a wide spectrum of families across diverse neighborhoods, from city centers to the suburbs. We work to remove common barriers to dental care by offering our ProHEALTH Dental VIP Program, which helps families without dental insurance access routine and preventive visits at reduced costs. Parents seeking a pediatric dentist in Metro New York or New Jersey can count on our seamless, coordinated care and consistent communication. Local families trust our transparent approach and experienced teams, who deliver dental care that fits into your life—never the other way around.
Request an appointment to experience the difference of integrated pediatric dental care!
Pediatric Dentistry FAQ
When will my baby start getting teeth?
Babies usually get their first teeth around six months old. The bottom front incisors typically appear first, followed by others over the next six months.
Why care for baby teeth?
Some adults may wonder if caring for baby teeth is important since they eventually fall out. Healthy baby teeth help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and oral health issues.
How often will my child need to see a pediatric dentist?
Like adults, children benefit from seeing the dentist once every six months. If your child has specific oral health needs such as tooth decay or misaligned teeth, more frequent pediatric dental appointments may be recommended.
We recommend families in New York and New Jersey book routine checkups on a regular basis to ensure that your child’s development stays on track. If your child participates in activities such as youth sports or attends schools with snack programs, your dental team can recommend additional guidance or preventive options as needed. Proactive detection of issues like crowding, enamel weakness, or dietary impacts sets the stage for a lifetime of better health and fewer surprises as your child grows.
At what age do children stop going to a pediatric dentist?
Pediatric dentists usually provide care from a child's first tooth through age 18. Some families transition teens to a general dentist later in adolescence.
Should my child have an early orthodontic evaluation?
Schedule a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation for your child before age seven. Early evaluations help our pediatric dentists identify issues while they are still manageable.
When should my child begin using toothpaste and how much should we use?
Once your child has teeth, start using pediatric toothpaste. We typically recommend avoiding fluoride toothpaste until after age two. For each brushing, use only a thin smear of toothpaste.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
ProHEALTH Dental focuses on comfort and happiness for patients, so parents are welcome to remain with their child throughout appointments. Whether it’s a checkup or pediatric dental treatment, you can stay by your child’s side.
Are there any dietary changes I should implement to protect my child’s teeth?
Yes, limit sugary snacks and drinks, offer water instead of juice, and provide tooth-friendly foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Avoid sticky and starchy foods that may cling to teeth and promote cavities.
Reviews from Happy Patients
We’ve Received Countless 5-Star Reviews on Google
-
“Wonderful Experience. Johanna Barcia, the dental hygienist, was amazing. She takes the time to talk to her patients, explain how to best care for your team, and very gentle on cleaning. The doctor was lovely too as well as the front desk staff.” India L.
-
“My son was very comfortable and happy with the visit. At first, he was a nervous wreck but he can't wait to go back to his second visit and he liked his doctor and assistant and it was just an all-around great visit.” Nancy A.
-
“I totally recommend this place.” Pilis S.