--- title: "Pediatric Dentist or Family Dentist for Your Child?" description: "Both a family dentist and a pediatric dentist can care for your child. Compare training, setting and when a referral makes sense, then choose what fits." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/pediatric-dentist-or-family-dentist-for-your-child publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Pediatric Dentist or Family Dentist for Your Child? Both can be a good choice. The American Dental Association says there is no wrong answer if your child sees the dentist regularly. A family dentist cares for all ages. A pediatric dentist has extra training in children's care. Some children see both. Your child's needs and your family's comfort should guide you. Kids and familyPublished October 26, 20265 min read ## Should my child see a pediatric dentist or a family dentist? Either can be a good choice. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that when choosing between a general (or family) dentist and a pediatric dentist, there is no “wrong” answer for your child if they see that dentist regularly. What matters most is that your child goes, starting early and keeping up. The ADA adds that the first visit should happen after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday, whichever kind of dentist you pick. Our post on [when a baby should see the dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/when-should-a-baby-see-the-dentist) covers that first visit. ## What is a family dentist? A family dentist is a general dentist who treats patients of all ages. The ADA says a general dentist can clean your child’s teeth, help prevent cavities, and diagnose and treat dental conditions. It says that if you already have a family dentist you trust, that dentist can provide your child with care. Town Center Dental is a family practice. Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland are [general dentists](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/general-dentist). The practice says on its Services page that it treats “every member of the family, from infants to grandparents.” That means parents and children can come to one office. The [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids) page has the practice’s own description of care for children. ## What is a pediatric dentist? A [pediatric dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/pediatric-dentist) is a dentist who has gone through extra training focused on children. The ADA says they go through the same dental school as general dentists, which includes training in children’s dental care, and then get additional training after dental school. Cleveland Clinic says pediatric dentists complete two to three more years of education after graduation. The ADA notes that pediatric dentists usually limit their practice to treating only children, though they may also treat adults with special needs. The ADA adds that they often decorate their offices with bright colors or fun themes to make it feel like a kids’ space. ## How do the two compare? Family dentist Pediatric dentist Patients All ages, often the whole family Mostly children and teens Training Dental school Dental school plus extra training after Setting A general office Often decorated for children One office for the family Yes No, parents see another dentist Referral May refer if your child needs more May treat children with special needs Neither column is better in every case. The right fit depends on your child’s health, how they feel about dental visits, and how your family likes to schedule care. ## What do both kinds of dentist do for children? Much of the care is the same. The ADA says a general dentist can clean your child’s teeth, help prevent cavities, and diagnose and treat dental conditions. Cleveland Clinic says pediatric dentists do a wide range of preventive and restorative procedures, and it lists exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants and fillings among them. Fluoride is a good example. Cleveland Clinic says fluoride strengthens your child’s enamel and lowers their risk for cavities. You can ask either kind of dentist about a fluoride plan for your child, and about sealants once adult molars come in. ## When might a child need to see both? The ADA says that in some cases a child will need to see both a general and a pediatric dentist. It also says a general dentist may refer your child to a pediatric dentist if they would benefit from more focused care. Cleveland Clinic says most pediatric dentists work in offices with warm, laid-back atmospheres, with bright colors or fun themes to help children feel more comfortable. Some children do better in that setting. If your family dentist thinks your child needs it, they will tell you. Good dentists refer when the match is better elsewhere. ## Does my dental plan change the choice? It can. The ADA says to know before a visit how your dental benefits apply. It says some plans require referrals from general dentists to see a pediatric dentist, while others let you make a pediatric dentist your child’s primary dentist. Call your plan before you book. Town Center Dental does not publish fees. The office gives each patient an estimate. See the [insurance and financing](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) page for how to start. ## Why does it matter to pick one regular dentist? A regular dentist knows your child’s history. The ADA says the first dental visit establishes a “home base” for your child’s dental health needs. People often call this a [dental home](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-home). Over time, one team can watch how your child’s [baby teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/primary-teeth-baby-teeth) fall out and adult teeth come in, spot changes early, and help your child feel at ease. You are not locked in. Families change dentists when they move, when plans change, or when a child’s needs change. The key is to avoid long gaps between visits. ## How do I choose? Use this short checklist: 1. Does your child have any medical or behavioral needs that call for extra support? 2. Do you want one office for the whole family? 3. How does your child react to new places? Can a calm, patient team help? 4. What does your plan require? 5. What does the dentist suggest after meeting your child? For more questions to ask, read our post on [choosing a dentist for your child near Wildwood](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/choosing-a-dentist-for-your-child-near-wildwood-questions-to-ask). Meeting the dentist first is a fair step. You can ask how they handle nervous children and what they do if a child needs a referral. ## Can I start with one and switch later? Yes. Many families begin with the dentist they already know and change if their child’s needs change. The ADA’s point that there is no wrong answer applies here too. What counts is that your child keeps coming back at regular intervals. If you do switch, ask for your child’s records and x-rays to be sent to the new office. Share what you have learned about your child’s habits, fears and past care. That history saves time and helps the new team. ## Next step If a family office suits your household, ask us about a first visit for your child. Read about [dentistry for kids](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dentistry-for-kids) at Town Center Dental, then call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). ## Frequently asked questions ### Can a family dentist treat my child? Yes. The American Dental Association says a general dentist can clean your child's teeth, help prevent cavities, and diagnose and treat dental conditions. If you already have a family dentist you trust, that dentist can provide your child with care. ### When might my child need a pediatric dentist? The American Dental Association says a general dentist may refer your child if they would benefit from more focused care. Some children also feel more comfortable in an office decorated for kids. Your dentist can tell you if a referral makes sense. ### Is Town Center Dental a pediatric dental office? No. Town Center Dental is a family practice. Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland are general dentists. The practice says it treats every member of the family, from infants to grandparents. If your child needs a different kind of care, your dentist will say so. ### Does my dental plan affect the choice? It can. The American Dental Association says some plans require a referral from a general dentist to see a pediatric dentist, while others let you pick one as your child's primary dentist. Check your plan before you book. ## Terms on this page - [Pediatric dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/pediatric-dentist) - [General dentist](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/general-dentist) - [Dental home](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-home) - [Enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel) ## Sources 1. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 2. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 3. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 4. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 5. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 6. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 7. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 8. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 9. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 10. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) 11. [Cleveland Clinic: Pediatric Dentist](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pediatric-dentist) 12. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Pediatric Dentistry](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/pediatric-dentistry-odontopediatria) 13. [Cleveland Clinic: Pediatric Dentist](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pediatric-dentist) 14. [Cleveland Clinic: Pediatric Dentist](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pediatric-dentist) 15. [Cleveland Clinic: Pediatric Dentist](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pediatric-dentist) 16. [Cleveland Clinic: Pediatric Dentist](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pediatric-dentist) 17. [American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Your baby's first dental visit](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids/first-dental-visit-for-baby) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Choosing a Dentist for Your Child Near Wildwood: QuestionsLook for a dentist you and your child feel comfortable with, and plan the first visit by age 1. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says a dental home should be set up by 12 months. Ask about ages seen, nervous children, emergencies, hours and written estimates. Check the license on the state's site.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/choosing-a-dentist-for-your-child-near-wildwood-questions-to-ask) - [Your Child's First Dental Visit: When To Start, What To Expect, and When Teeth Come and GoThe ADA and the AAP say to schedule your child's first dental visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Most visits are short. The dentist checks the teeth and gums, talks about cleaning and habits, and plans future check-ups. Baby teeth start to come in around 6 months.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/childs-first-dental-visit) - [When Should a Baby See the Dentist? The First Visit GuideA baby's first dental visit should happen after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. The American Dental Association says babies can get cavities as soon as they have teeth. The visit is short. The dentist checks teeth, gums and bite, and shows you how to care for them at home.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/when-should-a-baby-see-the-dentist) - [Kids' Cavities, Fluoride and Sealants: How Do I Protect Baby and Adult Teeth?Cavities start when germs in the mouth feed on sugar and make acid that harms enamel. Fluoride makes enamel stronger. Sealants cover the grooves of back teeth. Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, sensible drinks and snacks, and regular dental visits help protect baby and adult teeth. Your dentist will advise on your child.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/kids-cavities-and-fluoride) - [Dental Anxiety: 12 Ways to Make the Visit EasierDental anxiety is a common fear of dental visits. Cleveland Clinic says about 36% of people in the U.S. fear dental treatment. You can ease it by telling the team, agreeing on a stop signal, using relaxation, and asking about options such as nitrous oxide. Your dentist will talk with you about what fits.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-anxiety-guide) - [Dental Emergencies: What Counts, What To Do First, and Who To CallA dental emergency is a mouth problem that needs care right away, such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that medicine does not ease, or a knocked-out tooth. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call your dentist. Town Center Dental is closed Friday to Sunday.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)