Meet your child's dentist
Dr. Bill DahlkePediatric Dentist in Richmond, VA
You want a dentist your child doesn't dread, and one who tells you plainly what's going on with their teeth.
That's Dr. Dahlke. He has spent 20 years caring for kids, from first teeth to high school, and he sees families at our Short Pump office.
- Specialty-trained pediatric dentist, 20 years
- Three-term president, Virginia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Hospital affiliations, including Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU
- Virginia Medicaid accepted for kids
Sound familiar?
Most families find Dr. Dahlke at one of these moments.
Every one of those starts the same way: a calm first visit and a dentist who explains what's next.
Words of wisdom from Dr. Dahlke
Earlier than most parents think
The first visit should happen when the first tooth comes in, and no later than your child's first birthday.
That's what the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend, and it's what Dr. Dahlke tells families in this short clip.
Those early visits are mostly for you. He wants parents to leave knowing how to care for their child's teeth and what to expect as they grow.
What you can count on from Dr. Dahlke
Here's what that looks like, starting with the very first visit.
A dentist trained just for kids
Pediatric dentists train at least two more years after dental school, focused only on children. Dr. Dahlke completed his pediatric dentistry training at UNLV and has practiced for 20 years.
A visit your child doesn't dread
He likes taking the visit kids expect to be scary and making it one they don't mind at all, sometimes even fun. If your child is nervous, here's how we help anxious kids.
You leave knowing what's going on
He explains what he sees and what comes next, in plain words. One parent whose child needed a tooth removed said they felt well informed after every visit.
Braces later, same practice
RPDO is a pediatric dental practice and an orthodontic practice. If your child ever needs braces or early orthodontic care, our orthodontists already have their X-rays and history in the chart.
What parents say about Dr. Dahlke
In their own words, from Google reviews.
I took my 3-year-old daughter to Dr Dahlke for her first dental checkup. We were incredibly impressed. The staff was incredibly friendly and patient, making my daughter feel comfortable and at ease.
Bharath, Google review
Dr. Dahlke and the staff at RPDO are absolutely wonderful! We had to remove a tooth from my 9 yo. They made sure there was no pain or discomfort throughout the procedure. After each visit we felt well-informed. Highly recommend!
Kinzie, Google review
Trusted by the dentists who know his work
Richmond Magazine and Virginia Living build their Top Dentists lists from surveys of local dental professionals. In 2025, Dr. Dahlke's peers put him on both.
Richmond Magazine
Pediatric dentistry
- Top Dentist, 2025
Virginia Living
Pediatric dentistry
- Top Dentist, 2025
Leadership and hospital care
Beyond the office
- Three-term president, Virginia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Hospital affiliations with Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU and VCU Medical Center
Getting started is simple
No referral needed. We take most insurance, plus Virginia Medicaid for kids.
Request a visit
Book online or call (804) 741-2226, and ask for Dr. Dahlke at our Short Pump office.
Meet Dr. Dahlke
He takes a careful look at your child's teeth and mouth, at a pace that works for your child. Here's what a first visit looks like.
Leave knowing what's next
Tips for home, what to watch for as your child grows, and a clear plan if anything needs treatment.
Where this is headed
Watching them grow up
Ask Dr. Dahlke about being a pediatric dentist and he'll tell you it's the best of both worlds. He gets to have fun every day.
He sees the same kids year after year. He watches them grow, and gets to see them become members of their communities.
That continuity matters. It's most of what turns a nervous four-year-old into a relaxed fourteen-year-old who doesn't think twice about a checkup.
How Dr. Dahlke can help
Dental care for babies, kids, and teens, from the first tooth on.
Cleanings, exams, and tips for home, starting with that first tooth.Learn more
Fixing cavities in baby and adult teeth, with numbing and comfort options.Learn more
A patient, step-by-step approach for kids who are scared of the dentist.Learn more
Visits planned around your child, with the time and patience they need.Learn more
Toothache or a knocked-out tooth? See our emergency pediatric dentist page. Have Medicaid? We accept Virginia Medicaid for kids.
Where to see Dr. Dahlke
Our Short Pump office on West Broad Street, with early appointments so you can come in before school or work.
Short Pump
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics12270 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233, near Short Pump Town Center
Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Closer to another office?
Our pediatric dentists also see kids at three more Richmond-area offices.
- West End, Gaskins Road
- Mechanicsville
- Midlothian, Coalfield Commons
All four are part of the same practice.
Get to know him
Bread, cars, and a very full house
Dr. Dahlke grew up on the West Coast and studied biochemistry at the University of Nevada, Reno.
He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine, and completed his pediatric dentistry training there too.
Away from the office he cooks, bakes bread, and works on cars. He and his wife, Kristen, have two sons, Benjamin and Lincoln, plus two dogs, Mandy and Olive, and two cats, Kenya and Frankie.
Education
- Biochemistry, University of Nevada, Reno
- Doctor of Dental Medicine, UNLV School of Dental Medicine
- Pediatric dentistry training, UNLV School of Dental Medicine
Associations
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- Virginia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, three-term president
- Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry
- American Dental Association
- Virginia Dental Association
- Richmond Dental Society
You're in good hands
Ready to meet Dr. Dahlke?
Bring your baby, your nervous kindergartner, or your teen. You'll get a dentist who explains everything and does his best to make the visit easy on your child.
Helping Richmond Smile
Comprehensive Pediatric Dental and Orthodontic Care
At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we strive to deliver radiant, healthy smiles to families across Richmond, VA. Our kind and caring team is committed to providing professional, high quality service in an environment that is relaxing and fun.
Our goal is to make your dental and orthodontic journey with us an amazing experience. Get started today!
