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Dental Patient Care - UT Health Science Center San AntonioDental Patient Care - UT Health Science Center San Antonio

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  • Pediatrics: Regular and Comprehensive Dental Checkups

Pediatrics: Regular and Comprehensive Dental Checkups

Also called: Children's dentistry


Learning how to take care of their teeth at a young age is a great practice that will help children get into healthy dental habits to continue throughout their teenage and adult life.

Frequency of dental visits

It is recommended that children, just like adults, visit their dentist every six months. Fewer or more frequent visits may be recommended by the dentist based on the child’s dental care needs. A child’s first visit to their pediatric dentist should happen as soon as their first tooth comes in or no later than their first birthday.

Why a pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. These dentists have additional specialty training in pediatrics following dental school. Pediatric dentists limit their practice to children, making the environment less intimidating for children. Pediatric dentists and dental hygienists teach at age-appropriate levels about tooth decay, cavities, gingivitis, gum disease and healthy eating habits. 

What to expect at the dental visit

At the child’s first dentist visit, the dentist will exam the child’s teeth and check for decay and other potential problems and check the child’s bite. The dentist will also inform the parent or guardian about oral health care basics for children and answer any questions or concerns they may have.

Suggested questions to ask a pediatric dentist

  • My child sucks his thumb/lip. Will this affect his teeth?
  • How much fluoride does my child need?
  • What developmental milestones should I look out for?
  • How soon should I schedule our next visit?
  • What oral hygiene habits should I implement to prevent cavities?
  • My child is diabetic. Will dental habits need to be altered?

 Pediatric dentist performing a checkup on a young dental patient

Available Practices

The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.

Resident Practice

We offer comprehensive dental care performed by dental residents who have already received professional dental degrees and are completing advanced training under the supervision of dental faculty.

Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice

Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice

Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training

Make an Appointment

Pediatric Dentistry: Faculty Practice

We offer comprehensive general dental services to children from birth through teens in San Antonio. Top services include dental exam and X-rays, fillings, cleft lip and palate treatment, sedation available with some procedures.

Average Cost: Equal to private practice

Appointment Time: Equal to private practice

Education: Pediatric specialists who also teach at the School of Dentistry

Make an Appointment

UT Health San Antonio<br />
Dentistry 8210 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX 78229

UT Health San Antonio
Dentistry

8210 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229

210-450-3700

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