Pediatric Dentist Springfield, IL
Pediatric dentistry is a specialized field of dentistry that provides comprehensive oral health care for infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and special needs children and adults. A pediatric dentist concentrates their practice on the unique dental needs of children.
A pediatric dentist is available at Modern Dental of Springfield in Springfield and the surrounding area. Pediatric dentists work closely with pediatricians to ensure that your child's teeth and gums are healthy at every stage of life. Pediatric dentists know how to make children comfortable during dental care, taking away some of the fear associated with visiting the dentist. Call us at (217) 321-4552 to find out how we can take care of your child's smile to give your child a good start in oral health.
The Education a Pediatric Dentist Receives
Pediatric dentists are often referred to as a pedodontist. These dental specialists have gone through four years of dental school before attending two to three additional years of residency training for infants, children, teens, and children with special needs. A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist has undergone the training and additional testing to demonstrate proficiency and excellence in their specialty field.
Pediatric dentists not only study dental treatments for children's smaller mouths, but they also learn about the emotional and intellectual development of children. This allows them to approach dental care through a holistic strategy that includes the child's mental and physical needs. For example, many pediatric dentist offices can offer sedation to children who may not be able to undergo treatment successfully without it.
“Pediatric dentists not only study dental treatments for children’s smaller mouths, but they also learn about the emotional and intellectual development of children.”
When To See a Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist can provide dental treatment to children from infancy through their teenage years. The American Dental Association recommends that children should see a pediatric dentist for their first appointment after their first tooth appears or before their first birthday. A child's first tooth typically appears around six months of age.
While the first appointment may seem early, it is important to be proactive about preventing cavities and maintaining a child's oral health. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports that almost 28% of young children have had cavities by the age of 5, and over 50% have had cavities by the age of 11. Children can receive the regular dental care they need to maintain healthy mouths from a pediatric dentist until age 18.
“A pediatric dentist can provide dental treatment to children from infancy through their teenage years.”
Benefits of Pediatric Dentistry
Children's mouths differ from adults' in a variety of ways. Primary, or baby, teeth are smaller and are at different development stages. Children often do not have the patience to be cooperative during a dental exam. A pediatric dentist's practice is focused on children. Here is what makes Modern Dental of Springfield special:
- Pediatric dentists have two to three years of additional dental training in children’s dental care
- We design our office for children, with tools and equipment to fit their smaller mouths and decorations that help kids feel welcome
- We account for emotional and physical developmental needs in children during treatment
“Children often do not have the patience to be cooperative during a dental exam. A pediatric dentist’s practice is focused on children.”
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Health Insurance, Open Enrollment, and Dental Coverage
Dental care is an essential health benefit for children. If a child is receiving health insurance coverage, dental coverage is generally covered or partially covered as part of their health plan. It could be offered as stand-alone insurance or as part of the health insurance plan. Insurers do not have to offer adult dental insurance.
If a patient is going through the Marketplace to buy insurance instead of an employer, you cannot purchase dental insurance without having health coverage. Remember that your healthcare and flexible spending accounts can be used at the pediatric dentist's office. We advise patients to monitor open enrollment periods and check availability in their surrounding network when looking for a pediatric dentist.
“If a child is receiving health insurance coverage, dental coverage is generally covered or partially covered as part of their health plan.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What ages does a pediatric dentist treat?
Q. How can parents choose the right pediatric dentist for their child?
Q. What additional education and training does a pediatric dentist have?
Q. What are the benefits of seeking a pediatric dentist?
Q. Is dental insurance covered for children?
People Also Ask
Q. What services are offered by a general dentist?
Q. What's the right age to get sealants?
Q. How is a child's chipped tooth different from an adult's?
Q. How frequent are dental visits for children?
Q. When to consider a pediatric dentist?
Q. How can dental sealants supplement a good oral hygiene routine?
Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist
When it comes to a child's oral health, it is important to choose the right pediatric dentist. When looking for a pediatric dentist, parents should research thoroughly and ensure that they have completed a two or three-year residency program. The right pediatric dentist will help children feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment and provide a warm and welcoming environment.
Pediatric dentists should also genuinely care about their patients' oral health and educate parents and children about healthy dental habits. Picking the right dental provider for a child can help them maintain a healthy smile and ensure positive dental office experiences. Our team provides personalized care to meet each child's specific needs. We are always welcoming new patients and love helping them get established at our practice.
“The right pediatric dentist will help children feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment and provide a warm and welcoming environment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why choose a pediatric dentist instead of a family dentist?
A. Family dentists have some training in pediatric dentistry. A pediatric dentist has additional training to care for a child's smaller mouth and development problems. This focused care can help children become more comfortable with the dentist. They also cater primarily to children and may have a kid-friendly office environment and various tools that assist in treating children.
Q. What age is too old to be seen by a pediatric dentist?
A. Many children continue to see their pediatric dentist through their college years. Special needs children may see a pediatric dentist well into adulthood because the dentist will know the dental history and special treatment needed. Of course, a child can choose to go somewhere else when they get older.
Q. Does my child need dental sealants?
A. Dental sealants are like raincoats for permanent teeth that keep the teeth cavity-free. Only you and your dentist can decide if your child needs sealants. Most dentists recommend them because they can protect teeth for years while your child is learning to take care of those pearly whites.
Q. Why do I need to worry about taking care of my child's baby teeth if they are just going to fall out?
A. Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are an important part of your child's development. The baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help children speak and eat properly. Taking care of the primary teeth gives kids a good start.
Q. How do I know if my child is getting enough fluoride?
A. Fluoride strengthens the teeth. Your pediatric dentist can evaluate whether your child is getting enough fluoride. Most children naturally get enough fluoride by drinking water that is fluoridated, but fluoride supplements are available if your child drinks bottled water without fluoride.
Q. Are dental X-rays safe for my child?
A. Modern safeguards make X-rays much safer than ever before. The risk is very minimal, but pediatric dentists do take precautions to minimize a child's exposure to radiation. Not treating dental problems carries a much higher risk of future problems than the small amount of exposure to radiation with a dental X-ray.
Q. When should my child begin using toothpaste?
A. When a child's first teeth erupt, clean them with water and a soft-bristled toothbrush. After age 3, children can start using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste while they brush. Parents should continue supervising the child while brushing and flossing. A pediatric dentist can help you teach your child to take care of their teeth.
Q. Is thumb and pacifier sucking harmful to a child's teeth?
A. Sucking a pacifier or thumb when a child is young is a natural soothing device for many little ones. If the habit continues for a long time, such as after the permanent teeth erupt, it can cause crowded or crooked teeth. Most children tend to outgrow these habits before it becomes a concern, but it is important to discuss this with your pediatric dentist to find out if something is amiss.
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Call Us Today
Do not hesitate to get your child the dental care they deserve. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist, our team at Modern Dental of Springfield can help. Call us today at 217-321-4552 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
About our business and website security
- Modern Dental of Springfield was established in 2001.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Sangamon County, Morgan County and Logan County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Springfield, Curran, Chatham, Southern View, Grandview, Rochester, Jacksonville and Lincoln
- National Provider Identifier Database (1083793939). View NPI Registry Information
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