Pediatric Dentist in Edmonton

THe Importance of Dental Care for Children

Your child’s health is undoubtedly your top concern. At Dr. Molly Rodgers and Associates Dental Clinic, we provide dental care for the whole family. Our professional equipment, educational experience, and empathetic approach allow children to relax and even enjoy their dental appointment. We do our part to take the stress out of taking your child to the dentist. Our pediatric dentists understand the value of a child's oral health in Edmonton and make sure to offer gateway pediatric dentistry that leaves a wonderful impression.

PROMOTING CHILDHOOD DENTAL HEALTH

Your child's dental health sets the foundation for healthy adult oral health. Catching cavities before they create a bigger issue, for example, is important for reducing dental pain and complications.

TEACHING HEALTHY HABITS

We will educate you and your child about the best dental practices to adopt. From flossing demonstrations to helping you choose the best toothpaste, we'll make sure your child knows the importance of keeping their teeth clean!

Our pediatric dentistry professionals have specialized training and treat all of our valued patients well. We think that a healthier mouth starts when one seeks to prevent cavities and account for special needs early on.

We make sure that patients of all ages can walk away with a positive experience. Our friendly team is there to help families get started on their dental journey and have a great experience with every procedure.

Forming a Positive Association with The Dentist

A child's first impression at the dentist can last a lifetime. We aim to make every experience informative, fun, and easy. We go out of our way to reduce anxiety and stress, making future appointments a breeze.

Facilitates Normal Speech Development

Any problems with your child's jaw alignment or teeth formation can be caught at regular visits. This can prevent speech development issues that are often a result of poorly developed teeth.

Your child may have less confidence because of these speech development issues, which can affect other areas of the child's life. This is why prevention is key!

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to our dental office today.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Is a Pediatric Dentist Different from a Family Dentist?

Pediatric dental specialists complete two to three additional years of training beyond dental school, focused specifically on child behavior guidance, growth and development, and treating kids with special needs.

Family dentists, like our team at Edmonton Smiles, are trained to treat patients of every age and build a comfortable, child-friendly practice around routine checkups, cleanings, and preventive care for children.

For most routine visits, a family dentist experienced with children is a comfortable, convenient choice, especially since your child can see the same dentist as the rest of the family. If your child needs a more complex procedure, extensive sedation, or has significant special needs, we're happy to refer you to a trusted pediatric specialist and coordinate your child's care.

Pediatric Dental Services We Offer

Our team provides a full range of preventive and restorative pediatric dental services, including:

Dental exams and checkups
Professional cleanings and teeth polishing
Fluoride treatments
Dental sealants to protect back teeth from cavities
Cavity fillings
Digital X-rays
Guidance on brushing, flossing, and pacifier or thumb-sucking habits
Space maintainers when a baby tooth is lost early

If your child needs a more specialized procedure, such as orthodontic treatment or oral surgery, we'll coordinate a referral and keep you informed every step of the way.

WHEN SHOULD I START TAKING MY CHILD TO THE DENTIST?

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and Edmonton Smiles recommends bringing your child to see us within 6 months of their first tooth. Our first-time visits are set up to make both you and your child as comfortable as possible. From rewarding your little one with stickers and toys for a job well done, to allowing you to hold them during the appointment, our goal is to reduce stress and anxiety for both of you.

How Often Should My Child See the Dentist?

The Canadian Dental Association recommends a checkup every six months for most children, though your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your child's cavity risk, habits, or any ongoing treatment. Regular checkups let us catch small issues, like early tooth decay, before they turn into a bigger problem.

What to Expect From Your First Visit

Check in at the front desk.
You will fill out a few forms to get started.
Your child's dental history is covered during the appointment.
We'll ask a few questions about your child's dental habits including pacifier use.
Our dental team will provide a brief overview of good oral health for your child.
You will be allowed to hold your infant or child during the exam.
We'll examine your child's gums and mouth.
At the end of the visit, your child will be given a special prize or treat for their courage!

Some of the reasons we LOVE working with kids at Dr. Molly Rodgers Dental & Associates:

When our dental team takes your child’s picture, we send them a hard copy so they get their own mail. Our young patients always tell us how exciting it was for them.
To make sure their visit with us is fun we do silly things, like blow bubbles, give out balloons, and also prizes. Everyone in our dental practice likes to take part, from our front desk to Dr. Molly Rodgers!
Your young patient gets to have cool age-appropriate toothbrushes and other helpful home care items.
To make it easy for parents, we preschedule each child for their next dental appointment.

Our youngest patients love the “free rides” in our dental chairs. These “rides” allow Dr. Molly Rodgers to look at your child’s teeth to make sure there are no concerns or identify them early. Many of the kids like to sit on their Mom’s or Dad’s lap and we think that’s a great way to help kids get comfortable in a caring dental practice.
We are so focused on helping your child have a great dental experience that we’ll keep giving free rides in the chair until he or she is ready to handle an actual cleaning. This can be anywhere from age 2 to 5, and that is okay since we always want to be sure a child does not feel forced or anxious.
Our goal is to create fun experiences at the dentist so the child grows up with positive expectations for their dental visits and enjoys a lifetime of excellent oral health!

How Much Does Pediatric Dental Care Cost in Edmonton?

The cost of pediatric dental care depends on what your child needs, from a routine checkup and cleaning to fillings or sealants. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan does not typically cover routine dental care for children, though some coverage may be available through the Alberta Child Health Benefit for eligible families. Many children are also covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Here's what you can count on when you bring your child to Edmonton Smiles:

We follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide for fair, transparent pricing.
We accept most major insurance plans and the CDCP.
We offer an in-house financing plan for families who need to spread out the cost of treatment.

Give us a call at 780-463-8803 and our team can help you understand your child's coverage before booking.