Des Moines Pediatric Dentists
Going to the dentist can be stressful, especially for children who aren’t used to the sounds, different staff members, and having to hold their mouths open. There are many wonderful family dentists in the Des Moines Metro that create a great experience for children, but in this post, we will highlight pediatric dentist offices that focus on the unique needs of children. A child’s first visit is important. It is crucial to create a positive experience, build positive relationships, and create healthy dental habits, and healthy smiles at a young age. These dentists are board-certified in pediatric dentistry providing them with lots of experience working with our little ones. They all focus on the different needs of young children.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that a child be seen by 6 months after his/her tooth erupts or by 1 years of age, whichever comes first. This is important to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles!
Ask these questions when looking for a pediatric dentist:
- Can a parent/caregiver go back with their child for routine cleanings and procedures?
- Is sedation dentistry offered? How do they help children with anxiety and/or special needs?
- What insurance do they take?
- What should be expected on the first visit?
Check out our list of pediatric dentists to determine the best option for your family.
Des Moines Children’s Dentistry
West Des Moines Office
5950 Village View Dr #200, West Des Moines
(515) 225-1677
Waukee Office
2335 SE LA Grant Parkway, Waukee
(515) 225-1677
Des Moines Children’s Dentistry strives to provide a fun, relaxed environment for children and their families. They provide pediatric dentistry including for children with special needs as well as sports dentistry and fitted mouthguards for sports. They provide mild to moderate sedation through nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral (liquid medication) for children who experience more anxiety when visiting the dentist. Check out their website to learn more information about tooth-brushing strategies.
Pediatric Dentistry of Greater Des Moines and Iowa Tongue Tie
Address: 7600 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA
(515) 650-4441
Dr. Molly Bremen DDS at Pediatric Dentistry of Greater Des Moines and Iowa Tongue Tie provides preventative care, restorative procedures, and emergency care and is known for her laser tongue/lip tie procedures. Check out their website to learn about newer technology used in the clinic including Solea Laser, the Wand (computer-assisted numbing system), Cari-Vu (cavity detection), and Dental X-rays. Learn what to do in case of a tooth emergency under the Services Tab on the website.
Des Moines Pediatric Dental Center
4949 Westown Pkwy Suite 150, West Des Moines
(515) 298-8264
The Des Moines Pediatric Dental Center provides multiple dentists who specialize in the care of infants, children, adolescents, and children with special needs. The center provides regular cleanings, emergency care, laser tongue and lip tie revision, and sports mouthguards.
Children’s Dental Center of Central Iowa
2401 128th Street, Urbandale
(515) 824-2984
The Children’s Dental Center of Central Iowa is a sister location for the Des Moines Pediatric Dental Center (see above).
The Nest Pediatric Dentistry
1250 SE University Avenue, Waukee
(515) 650-6378
This locally owned business strives to be a dental home for kids to help them feel comfortable. There are two board-certified pediatric dentists and they can use nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and IV sedation for patients who are too young or anxious for visits. They have experience with children of all ages including those with special healthcare needs.
Ankeny Children’s Dental
310 NW 18th Street, Ankeny
(515) 963-9600
Board-certified pediatric dentists Dr. Chris and Dr. Julie specialize in working with infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special needs. Their kid-friendly atmosphere starts with a children’s play area in reception. Check out their Resources tab to view their Tooth Eruption Chart and helpful videos of Dr. Chris working with his children to teach them how to brush and floss teeth.
Jordan Creek Pediatric Dentistry
1111 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines
(515) 222-1800
Jordan Creek Pediatric Dentistry has multiple pediatric dentists who provide routine oral health exams, preventative dental care, sealants, fillings, fluoride treatment, mouthguards, and more. They provide a positive environment for children with colorful décor and interactive play areas.
Grimes Pediatric Dentistry
1551 SE 3rd Street Suite 100, Grimes
(515) 325-1719
Dr. Nicholas Barnard is a board-certified pediatric dentist and their team of professionals seek to help your child feel as comfortable as possible with personalized, gentle care and a clean environment. They have a variety of helpful information on their website including diet and cavity prevention, advice to parents to help their children maintain good oral habits through adolescence, and kid-friendly toothbrushing ideas.
All Smiles Pediatric Dental
4090 Westown Pkwy, Suite B1, West Des Moines
(515) 267-0737
After Hours Emergency: (515) 619-6912
All Smiles Pediatric Dental has two dentists, and their team performs routine cleanings and exams, sealants, restorations, extractions, and space maintainers and have experience working with children with anxiety and/or special needs. They can provide minimal sedation with nitrous oxide or assist with dentistry in the operating room under general anesthesia. Parents can join their child to discuss treatment plans and dental needs but are asked to stay in the waiting room during treatment to help staff develop a relationship with the child.
Walnut Hills Pediatric Dentistry
64 E. Hickman Road, Waukee
(515) 987-1155
Walnut Hills Pediatric Dentistry is a fun office that caters to children from the moment they arrive in the waiting room with a barnyard play area, game room, and 3-dimensional farm animals on the walls. Parents can go back with their child or wait in the “Second-Wind Farm” (parents’ lounge) looking into the open treatment area. The staff places a strong emphasis on educating patients and parents on oral health to minimize later invasive treatment. Check out their “Frequently Asked Questions” to learn how to prepare your child for their visit
Pediatric Dentistry of Central Iowa
West Des Moines Office
1000 73rd Street, Suite 10, West Des Moines
(515) 223-1298
Ankeny Office
221 NW School Street, Ankeny
(515) 964-3833
Pediatric Dentistry of Central Iowa provides routine dental exams/cleaning, sealants, fluoride, mouthguards and if there is a dental emergency the family can call the office number to get in contact with the on-call dentist. They also provide interceptive orthodontics (assessment of the alignment of the jaw and teeth). Children under age 3 typically go back with their parent/caregiver and over age 3 they can attend the exam on their own for independence or attend with a parent. Check out their blog to learn about oral health and common issues affecting children.
