Along with proper at-home oral hygiene and a healthy diet, regular dental exams are an important step in maintaining or improving your child’s oral health and overall wellness. 

At Children’s Dentistry of Charlottesville we believe that when it comes to a healthy smile, prevention is key. We work with children of all ages and backgrounds to keep their oral health on track from childhood to their young adult years. We recommend that your child’s first dental exam occur within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by 1 year of age, whichever comes first. Our goal is always to help your child not only have healthy teeth, but develop a positive relationship with their oral health and the dentist.

Dental exams are great for…

• Keeping your child healthy 
• Ensuring your child’s teeth are developing properly 
• Catching dental problems before they get worse
• Developing a positive relationship with the dentist
• Learning how oral health at home and nutrition lead to healthy smiles

“We always have a great experience at childrens dentistry! My daughter is nervous coming to the dentist, but Arianna always makes it such a great experience for her and talks her through everything!”

– Megan V.

Combine your child’s exam and dental cleaning into 1 visit!

Dental cleanings go hand-in-hand with dental examinations. For most kids, fewer trips to the dentist means less stress.

What to expect during your child’s dental exam

Each dental exam will begin with us reviewing your child’s overall health. Next we will ask if you have questions or concerns you have about your child’s oral health, or if they are experiencing any trouble, such as a toothache or a loose tooth. 

We’ll then get started on a thorough dental exam, which includes:

1. Screenings for oral pathology or other abnormalities
2. Evaluation of the growth and development of teeth, gums, and other oral structures
3. Assessment of your child’s orthodontic needs
4. Evaluation of gum disease risk
5. Visual examination of tooth structures for signs of decay and infection
6. Diagnostic x-rays may be indicated to examine bone structure and identify early-stage decay that is not visible to the naked eye

Once completed, we’ll discuss the state of your child’s oral health, taking special care to explain everything fully in easy-to-understand language. We’ll also suggest oral health at-home and nutritional tips for keeping cavities and other problems under control. 

Exams always end by discussing any recommended treatments we have for your child or necessary changes to their existing treatment plan. 

We Accept Most Insurance & Medicaid

We believe every child should have access to the best dental care possible. We proudly accept Medicaid and many other insurance plans, including those from:

• Anthem
• Metlife
• Guardian
• United Concordia
• Delta Dental
• Cigna

Meet Our Doctors & Staff

Our dentists are compassionate, caring, gentle, empathetic, and sensitive to the needs of every child.

Dental Exam FAQ

Are dental exams covered by insurance?

Exact insurance coverage depends on your plan, but preventive care such as oral exams and dental cleanings are commonly covered.

How often does a child need a dental exam?

For most children, we recommend 2 dental exams every year, about 6 months apart. Of course, if your child needs extensive treatment, more frequent exams might be needed.

My child has special needs and has trouble at the dentist. Can you still perform a dental exam?

Our dentists have lots of experience with and enjoy working with children who have special needs, including kids with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, children on the autism spectrum, and those who suffer from dental anxiety.