Pediatric dentistry
Dental care for kids in Cedar Park
We see children from age 1, the age the American Dental Association recommends for a first dental visit. Dr. James Whitfield, DMD, leads pediatric care at the practice and has treated children throughout his 9 years in dentistry.
Visits are built for short attention spans: a first appointment for a toddler runs about 30 minutes, and older kids get a cleaning, fluoride varnish, and sealants in a single sitting. Parents stay in the room at every age, and we show each instrument before it goes anywhere near a small mouth.
How it works
What to expect
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Welcome and chair time (10 minutes)
Your child meets the hygienist, sits in the chair (or on a parent's lap for children under 3), and gets a count-the-teeth introduction to the mirror and explorer.
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Cleaning and fluoride (15 to 20 minutes)
A scale and polish with child-sized instruments, finished with a fluoride varnish. Kids pick the varnish flavor.
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Exam with Dr. Whitfield (10 minutes)
He checks tooth eruption, bite development, and any early decay, then walks you through what he sees.
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Home care plan (5 minutes)
Brushing technique for the age, the right amount of fluoride toothpaste, and a sticker on the way out. Most children return every 6 months.
Before your child's visit
- First visits are recommended by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing.
- Book morning appointments for toddlers when possible; rested kids do better in the chair.
- Tell us it is a first visit when booking so we reserve extra time.
- Bring your insurance card; we file claims for 8 plans the same day.
- Skip the pep talk about pain; a plain 'the dentist counts your teeth' sets better expectations.
Cost
Pediatric visit pricing
From $110
A routine visit with cleaning, fluoride varnish, and exam starts at $110. We accept 8 insurance plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, and MetLife, and we file claims the same day.
Pediatric dentistry questions
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
By age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth appearing, whichever comes first. Early visits are short and focus on getting your child comfortable in the chair.
Do you see teenagers too?
Yes. We treat patients from age 1 through the teen years, and clear aligner consultations start around age 12 depending on tooth development.
What are dental sealants?
A protective coating for the chewing surfaces of molars that takes about 5 minutes per tooth to apply. Dr. Whitfield typically recommends them when the 6 year and 12 year molars come in.
My child is anxious about the dentist. How do you handle that?
Short visits, show-and-tell explanations for every instrument, and a parent in the room the whole time. If your child needs a break, we take one.
Book your child's visit
Saturday morning slots, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, are popular with school age kids, so book ahead.