Meet your child's dentist
Dr. Rachel ThorntonPediatric Dentist in Richmond, VA
You want a dentist who helps your child get past their fear of the dentist.
That's Dr. Thornton. A board eligible pediatric dentist and former chief resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, she sees kids at our Mechanicsville and West End offices.
- Board eligible pediatric dentist
- Chief Resident, Yale New Haven Hospital
- Speaks basic Spanish
- Virginia Medicaid accepted for kids
Sound familiar?
Most families find Dr. Thornton 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.
What you can count on from Dr. Thornton
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. She completed her pediatric dental training at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident.
Fears, handled
Helping kids get over their fear of the dentist is one of her favorite parts of the job. Here's how we help anxious kids.
Teaching, not lecturing
She loves patient education and wants families to leave knowing how to care for their child's teeth.
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.
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. Thornton at our Mechanicsville or West End office.
Meet Dr. Thornton
She takes a careful look at your child's teeth 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.
How Dr. Thornton 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. Thornton
Two offices, so you can pick the one closest to home or school.
Mechanicsville
Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics7521 Right Flank Rd, Suite 110, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Pediatric hours: Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
West End, Gaskins Road
Pediatric dentistry2560 Gaskins Rd, Richmond, VA 23238
Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Both are part of the same practice, and records move between offices.
Get to know her
Karate, frisbee and a golden retriever named Louie
Dr. Thornton is from Madison, Wisconsin. Her family moved from Ireland when she was four, and she's the oldest of three.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Medical Humanities at Washington University in St. Louis and her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Marquette University School of Dentistry, then trained in pediatric dentistry at Yale New Haven Hospital.
She holds a second-degree black belt in karate. She also loves the beach, frisbee with her golden retriever, Louie, making playlists, trying new Trader Joe's snacks, travel, interior design and fashion.
Education
- Bachelor of Arts, Washington University in St. Louis
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, Marquette University School of Dentistry
- Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry, Yale New Haven Hospital
Recognition
- Chief Resident, Yale New Haven Hospital
You're in good hands
Ready to meet Dr. Thornton?
Bring your baby, your nervous kindergartner, or your teen to Mechanicsville or the West End.
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!
