How to Find the Best Dentist for Kids in Richmond, VA

Finding the best dentist for kids in Richmond, VA is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. The experiences your child has in the dental chair during their earliest years shape how they feel about dental care for life.

A great experience builds confidence. A bad one can create anxiety that lasts well into adulthood. 

At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we have been helping kids across the Greater Richmond area build healthy smiles for over 100 years, and we know exactly what families in Henrico County, Chesterfield County, and Hanover County are looking for when they start this search.

This guide walks you through what to look for, what questions to ask, and why the right kids’ dentist makes all the difference.

In This Guide, You Will Learn

• Why a pediatric dentist is not the same as a general dentist and why that matters for your child
• The key things to look for when choosing a kids’ dentist in the Richmond area
• When your child should have their first dental visit and what to expect
• How a bi-specialty practice gives your family a built-in path to orthodontic care
• What sets RPDO apart from other pediatric dental offices in Greater Richmond
• Answers to the most common questions parents ask about kids’ dental care

Why a Pediatric Dentist Is Different from a General Dentist

Not every dentist is trained to work with children. A pediatric dentist completes two to three years of additional residency training after dental school, focused entirely on treating infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs. 

That extra training covers child psychology, behavior management, growth and development, and dental techniques designed specifically for younger patients.

General dentists treat patients of all ages, and many do a fine job with older kids and teens. But when it comes to toddlers having their first dental visit, anxious five-year-olds, or children with developmental challenges, a board-certified pediatric dentist brings a level of expertise that simply comes from doing this work every single day.

At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our pediatric dentists chose this specialty because they love working with kids. Dr. Bill Dahlke, DMD, who brings nearly 20 years of experience and has been named a Virginia Living Magazine Top Dentist, puts it simply: he gets to have fun every day while watching his patients grow up and become members of their communities. 

That philosophy runs through the entire practice. Every room, every tool, and every conversation is built around making children feel safe and comfortable.

What to Look for in a Kids’ Dentist in the Richmond Area

When you are narrowing down your choices, there are several things worth paying attention to beyond what shows up in a Google search.

Board Certification and Specialty Training

Look for a dentist who is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. This means they have completed the required specialty training and passed rigorous examinations. 

Our pediatric dental team includes doctors who maintain active board certification and pursue continuing education to stay current with the latest techniques.

A Kid-Friendly Office Environment

Walk into the office before your child’s first appointment if you can. Does it feel welcoming? Is the waiting area designed with kids in mind? Are the team members warm and engaging with children? 

The physical environment sends a strong signal about how the practice approaches pediatric care. Our offices across Short Pump, West End, Mechanicsville, and Midlothian were designed from the ground up with kids and families in mind.

Behavior Management Expertise

Young children and kids with dental anxiety need more than a friendly smile. They need a team trained in behavior management techniques like tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and age-appropriate communication. 

These approaches help children understand what is happening and feel in control during their visit. For patients who need extra support, sedation dentistry options like nitrous oxide and oral sedation can make treatment possible in a safe, comfortable way.

Comprehensive Services Under One Roof

A toddler who comes in for their first checkup may eventually need sealants, fillings, or even orthodontic care as they grow. 

Choosing a practice that offers a full range of pediatric dental services along with orthodontic treatment means your child does not have to start over with a new office and a new team. At RPDO, we are a bi-specialty practice, meaning your child can go from dental cleanings to braces or clear aligners without ever leaving the practice they already know and trust.

This is a bigger deal than most parents realize at the time they are choosing a kids’ dentist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. 

Because our pediatric dentists and orthodontists work in the same practice, they are already talking about your child’s development long before a formal orthodontic consultation happens. If your child needs early interceptive treatment, a palatal expander, or braces down the road, the transition is seamless. No referrals to chase down, no records to transfer, and no starting from scratch with a team that does not know your kid.

Our orthodontists, Dr. Kevin Bibona and Dr. Payton Cook, offer complimentary orthodontic consultations for kids, teens, and adults at our Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Richmond locations. Whether your child needs traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners, the treatment plan is built around their specific needs and coordinated with our pediatric dental team from day one. 

Not sure if your child is ready for a consultation? You can start with a free virtual smile assessment from home to get initial feedback before scheduling an in-person visit.

Convenient Locations

Richmond is a spread-out metro area. Families in Mechanicsville off I-295 have different commutes than families near Short Pump Town Center or down in Midlothian near Coalfield Commons. 

Having multiple office locations means less time in the car and fewer missed school hours. RPDO has five locations across the Richmond metro, so there is likely an office close to your home, your child’s school, or your workplace.

When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth coming in. That timeline surprises a lot of parents, but there is good reason for it. Early visits allow the dentist to check for signs of decay, assess development, and talk with you about things like bottle habits, pacifier use, teething, and proper brushing techniques for tiny teeth.

These early appointments are also short, simple, and low-pressure. The goal is to let your child get used to the dental office in a positive way, long before any treatment is needed.

What Happens at a Pediatric Dental Visit?

A typical checkup for kids at RPDO includes a gentle examination of the teeth, gums, and jaw, along with a professional cleaning. Depending on your child’s age and risk factors, the visit may include fluoride treatment or a conversation about dental sealants to protect their back teeth from cavities. 

Kids are welcome to bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal along for comfort, and good helpers go home with stickers and a balloon animal. It is a small thing, but for a nervous three-year-old, knowing there is a balloon at the end of the visit can make all the difference.

Just as importantly, our team takes time to talk with parents about at-home care. We will cover brushing and flossing techniques, diet tips that support healthy teeth, and what developmental milestones to watch for. We believe that the work you do at home between visits matters just as much as what happens in the chair, and we want you to feel confident and prepared.

For children who need restorative treatment like fillings, crowns, or space maintainers, our team explains everything clearly to both parent and child so there are no surprises.

Special Needs Dentistry in Richmond

Finding a dentist for a child with special needs can feel overwhelming. Many general dental offices are not equipped to provide the patience, training, or accommodations these patients require. 

Our team has specific expertise in dental care for children with special needs, including those with developmental, behavioral, or medical challenges. We work closely with parents to understand each child’s unique needs and create a plan that prioritizes comfort and safety. 

All of our offices are wheelchair accessible, and we offer sedation options for patients who need additional support.

Whether your child has special needs or simply gets nervous about dental procedures, our pediatric dentists know how to put kids at ease. Dr. Rachel Thornton, one of our newest pediatric dentists, is a great example of the kind of care families can expect here.

Why Richmond Families Choose RPDO

There are many good pediatric dentists in the Richmond area. So what sets RPDO apart? Here is a quick look at how we compare to what you will typically find at other practices:

What Matters to Families	RPDO	Most Other Pediatric Dental Offices
Specialty Training	✓ Board-certified pediatric dentists with dedicated residency training	Varies. Some are board-certified, some are not
Orthodontics On-Site	✓ Braces, clear aligners, and early orthodontic treatment all in the same practice	No. Most refer out to a separate orthodontist
Number of Locations	✓ Five offices across Short Pump, West End, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Richmond	Typically one or two locations
Practice Ownership	✓ Privately owned by the doctors who treat your child	Many are corporate-owned or backed by private equity
History in Richmond	✓ Over 100 years serving Richmond-area families	Most practices are less than 20 years old
Special Needs Care	✓ Trained team with sedation options and wheelchair-accessible offices	Limited availability at many offices
Free Ortho Consultations	✓ Complimentary for kids, teens, and adults	Rarely offered; often requires a referral
Community Recognition	✓ Awarded by Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly, Virginia Living, and Richmond Magazine	Varies
Google Reviews	✓ 4.8 stars from over 2,000 reviews	Varies
Medicaid Accepted	✓ Virginia Medicaid, Doral, and Dentaquest	Many private practices do not accept Medicaid

What Parents Say About Our Practice

Over a century of experience. We have been a part of the Richmond community for more than 100 years. That kind of history does not happen without earning the trust of the families you serve, generation after generation.

A privately owned practice. We are not a corporate chain. Our doctors know their patients by name, and decisions about care are made by the people in the room, not by a corporate office somewhere else. You can read more about what makes us different.

Recognized by the community. RPDO has been honored by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine, and Richmond Magazine for our commitment to exceptional care.

Real reviews from real families. With a 4.8-star rating and over 2,000 Google reviews, families across Short Pump, West End, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Richmond have shared their experiences. 

Parents frequently describe our team as “friendly, patient, and informative” and say their kids actually look forward to dental visits. You can read more on our patient testimonials page or browse our smile gallery to see real results.

Bi-specialty care that grows with your child. Because we offer both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, your child’s care is coordinated from their first tooth through their last set of retainers. Our orthodontists, Dr. Kevin Bibona and Dr. Payton Cook, work alongside our pediatric dentists so that treatment plans are connected and nothing falls through the cracks. 

And when it is time for an orthodontic evaluation, your child already feels comfortable in our offices and with our team. That matters more than most people expect.

Five Locations Serving the Greater Richmond Metro

We know that convenience matters when you are juggling school drop-offs, sports practices, and work schedules. That is why we have offices throughout the Richmond area:

Frequently Asked Questions About Kids’ Dentists in Richmond

What age should my child first see a dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. At RPDO, we make first visits gentle, fun, and easy for both kids and parents. Starting early helps build positive associations and allows us to spot any concerns before they become bigger issues.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

A pediatric dentist completes two to three extra years of training beyond dental school, focused entirely on children. That training includes child psychology, behavior management, and techniques specific to developing teeth and jaws. 

A family dentist treats all ages but does not have this specialized residency. For young children especially, a pediatric dentist can make a real difference in comfort and outcomes.

Does RPDO accept dental insurance?

Yes. We accept most major dental insurance plans and proudly participate with all Virginia Medicaid, Doral, and Dentaquest programs, so every child in Richmond has access to quality dental care. We also offer flexible payment options to help make care affordable. 

Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits before your visit, and we always walk you through costs before any treatment begins so there are never surprises on your bill. You can find more details on our insurance information page.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Most children should see the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Kids with higher cavity risk or ongoing treatment may need more frequent visits. Our team will recommend a schedule based on your child’s individual needs.

Does RPDO offer orthodontic care too?

Absolutely. As a bi-specialty practice, we provide both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. That means your child can start with dental checkups and seamlessly transition to braces, clear aligners, or early orthodontic treatment when the time is right, all with a team that already knows them well. 

Our orthodontists treat kids, teens, and adults, so parents who want to straighten their own smile can get treatment at the same practice their children visit.

Are orthodontic consultations free at RPDO?

Yes. We offer complimentary orthodontic consultations at our Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, and Richmond locations. During this visit, our orthodontist will evaluate your child’s bite, jaw alignment, and tooth positioning, then walk you through any recommended treatment options with no obligation. 

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids be evaluated by age seven, so even if treatment is not needed right away, an early consultation helps us plan ahead. You can also start with a virtual smile assessment from home if you prefer.

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?

We have an on-call dentist available 365 days a year. If your child chips a tooth, has a toothache, or experiences any kind of dental emergency, contact us right away and we will help you figure out the best next step.

Can RPDO treat children with special needs?

Yes. Our team is experienced in providing dental care for children with special needs, including patients with developmental, behavioral, or medical conditions. 

We offer accommodations like sedation dentistry, wheelchair-accessible offices, and individualized care plans built in partnership with parents.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can request an appointment online or call us directly. Our Short Pump, West End, and Mechanicsville offices can be reached at (804) 741-2226, and our Midlothian and Richmond offices at (804) 740-7281.

Your Child Deserves a Dentist Who Gets Kids

Picking the right dentist for your child is about more than checking a box on a to-do list. It is about finding a team that will make your child feel safe, help them build healthy habits, and be there for every stage of their smile. 

From that very first checkup to their first orthodontic consultation and beyond, Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is built to be your family’s dental home for the long haul. We have been doing this for over a century, and we would love to welcome your family to ours.