The condition of your kid’s dental health impacts their overall well-being. Poor oral healthcare in children can easily lead to pain, infection, loss of teeth and bone structure, and potentially bite problems in the near future. Finding the best kid dental clinic is one of the crucial tasks for parents. In this guide, we help you by providing a list of questions to narrow down the best clinic for your kids.
General Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist
First and foremost, you should know that not all dentists are pediatric dentists. Based on this fact, when people ask us about the best feature of children’s dental clinics, our answer is always the same: looking for pediatric dentists in that clinic.
Many general dentists treat children in addition to adults; some refer to themselves as “family dentists” or “kids’ dentists” to indicate they’re willing to treat children. Let’s explore the difference between a general and pediatric dentist.
A pediatric dentist has completed additional years of training (after graduating from dental school) to learn how to treat child-specific dental issues. They also pass some courses related to child psychology, child-related pharmacology, conscious sedation, general anesthesia, and dentistry for children with special needs.
Read More: Orthodontist vs Dentist
Does It Make Sense to See a Pediatric Dentist Who Isn’t a “Preferred Provider”?
If you have private or employer-based dental insurance in Canada, don’t assume you will automatically pay more if you visit a pediatric dentist in Toronto who isn’t on your insurer’s preferred provider list. The difference in your out-of-pocket expenses depends on your specific plan, and you may be surprised to find little—or even no—cost difference compared to using a preferred provider. Always review the terms of your insurance policy carefully to decide whether seeing a pediatric dentist who doesn’t have a direct billing arrangement (or a contract) with your insurer is right for your family.
Keep in mind, in some cases, a provider who holds a preferred status might be limited by the insurance company’s coverage guidelines, which could affect the treatment options offered to your child. Dentists who aren’t bound by those contracts may have more flexibility. For example, if your child needs a dental crown and wants a tooth-colored option that blends seamlessly, check the details of your plan to see what’s covered. You may find that going to a non-preferred or out-of-network provider is the best choice for your child’s needs.
If you’re considering a visit with Dr. Mir and want to confirm your coverage status, feel free to contact his office. They will be happy to discuss how your plan’s terms apply and help you make the best decision for your child’s dental care.
Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)
8 Factors to Consider when Choosing a Children’s Dentist in Toronto
- Experience
A pediatric dentist focuses on treating kids from early childhood through their 18 years old. This exposure equips them with a wealth of experience working with kids at different developmental stages. A pediatric dentist will have completed additional training beyond dental school—typically 2-3 more years—to deepen their knowledge of child growth, behavior, and orthodontic need.
- Credentials
When evaluating a kid dental clinic, ask about the dentist’s background.
- Where did they complete their specialty training?
- Are they board-certified, or do they have an equivalent credential?
- How long have they been practicing?
- Do they have experience with special needs or unique conditions?
Seeing proper licenses and certifications displayed in the office helps assure you that your child is in qualified hands.
- Office and Proximity
Pay attention to the clinic’s environment—cleanliness, organization, and a kid-friendly setup can make a significant difference in your child’s overall experience. If the office is welcoming, neat, and accessible, it likely reflects a well-run practice. Proximity also matters; choosing a conveniently located clinic simplifies scheduling, especially if you have multiple children needing orthodontic care.
- Services Offered
Beyond routine check-ups and evaluations, find out if the kid orthodontic clinic you choose offers services that may be important for your child:
- Early interceptive treatment (e.g., expanders)
- Braces (metal, clear, or lingual)
- Clear aligners (like Invisalign Teen)
- Retainers and follow-up care
Since many children have evolving dental needs, a clinic that provides comprehensive orthodontic services will help streamline care as they grow.
- Read Reviews
Online reviews and testimonials offer insight into patient satisfaction. Look at the clinic’s website or other review platforms to gauge how families feel about their experiences. You can also ask friends, neighbors, or relatives for recommendations. Understanding how long they’ve been visiting the clinic and why they choose to stay can provide valuable perspective. - Insurance
If you have dental insurance, verify whether the clinic is within your coverage network or has a direct billing option. Even if they’re not listed as a preferred provider, contact your insurance or ask the clinic directly about reimbursement details, co-pays, and out-of-pocket costs. Knowing these specifics ahead of time helps you plan financially. - Comfortable Care
How your child feels about their orthodontic visits is crucial for long-term treatment success. Look for a team that knows how to work with children compassionately—using kid-friendly language and techniques to ease any anxiety. Scheduling an introductory visit or consultation before committing to a treatment plan can help you gauge your child’s comfort level with the orthodontist and staff. - Cost
Many insurance plans cover part of orthodontic treatment, but coverage varies. Some procedures, appliances, or specialized treatments might not be fully covered. Discuss payment options with the clinic—many offer monthly plans or other financing solutions to make braces or aligners more affordable for families.
By considering these eight factors, you’ll be better equipped to find a kid orthodontic clinic that meets your child’s needs—ensuring they have a positive experience and a healthy, confident smile.
Last Note
At York Orthodontics, we know the right kid dental clinic can make all the difference. Our specialized team ensures each child’s unique needs are met with expertise and compassion. For more information, please contact us at +1 289-588-8747.
FAQ
General dentist graduated from dental school, treating patients of all ages. The label of “family dentist” often shows the dentist is willing to treat children as well as adults. While a pediatric dentist completed an additional two-year residency after graduating from dental school, focusing on child-specific dental issues, child psychology, and behavior management. After residency, a pediatric dentist should successfully pass oral and written exams, and then they can get their certification, showcasing their higher level of specialized clinical and academic expertise in pediatric dentistry.
- Child-specific expertise: Pediatric dentists are trained to address the unique needs of children’s developing mouth and teeth.
- Extra training: They handle procedures specific to primary (baby) teeth and immature permanent teeth (e.g. pediatric pulp therapy).
- Behavior management: Skilled in child psychology to create a positive dental experience.
- Office environment: Pediatric dental clinics are designed to be kid-friendly, with décor, activities, and tools that cater to children.
A pediatric dentist completes a two-year pediatric residency post-dental school. Therefore, they, unlike general dentists, are specialized in treating children. They get their pediatric board certification from the Royal Collage Dentists of Canada (RCDC) after successfully passing the required specialty exams.
While some parents prefer enjoying some quiet in the waiting room, others might be willing to stay with their children throughout the entire treatment.
If you fall into the latter category, ask your pediatric dentist whether they allow you to accompany your kids during treatment. Due to many reasons, including space limitation and efficiency concerns, your pediatric dentist may not allow you as a parent to accompany your kid in the treating room.