Finding a pediatric dentist in Midlothian, VA that your child actually looks forward to visiting is easier than you think. At Richmond Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, our board-certified pediatric dentists bring over 100 years of experience and a genuinely kid-friendly approach to every appointment.
Families throughout Chesterfield County — from Brandermill and Woodlake to Bon Air and Moseley — trust our Midlothian team to care for their children’s smiles from the very first tooth all the way through the teen years. And when the time comes for braces or clear aligners, our orthodontists are right here in the same office.
Our Midlothian pediatric dental office serves families throughout Chesterfield County, including Brandermill, Woodlake, Moseley, Hallsley, and Bon Air.
Whether you are searching for a kids dentist in Midlothian, a children’s dentist near Route 288, or a Chesterfield pediatric dentist who also offers orthodontics, RPDO brings board-certified specialty care and a genuinely welcoming environment to every appointment.
What You Will Find on This Page
Thinking about bringing your child to RPDO in Midlothian? Here is a quick look at what we cover:
- Why board-certified pediatric dentists make a difference for your child
- What dental care looks like at every stage from infancy through the teens
- How RPDO handles anxious kids, special needs, and everything in between
- What sets RPDO apart from other kids’ dental offices in Chesterfield County
- What to expect at your child’s very first visit
- Honest answers to the questions Midlothian parents ask most
Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Child
Not all dentists are the same, and when it comes to your child’s oral health, that difference matters. Pediatric dentists like the doctors at RPDO complete two to three additional years of specialized training beyond dental school, focused entirely on the dental and developmental needs of infants, children, teens, and patients with special needs.
That extra training shapes everything — from how our team communicates with a nervous four-year-old to how we recognize early signs of developmental concerns before they become bigger problems. Our offices are designed with kids in mind: colorful, comfortable spaces with TVs, games, and a team that genuinely loves working with children every single day.
At RPDO, every pediatric dentist on our team is board-certified, meaning they have passed rigorous examinations beyond their specialty training. It is one more way we hold ourselves to the highest standard of care for your child.
Pediatric Dentist vs. General Dentist
| Pediatric Dentist | General Dentist | |
|---|---|---|
| Specialized training | ✓ 2–3 additional years focused on children | General dental training only |
| Age focus | ✓ Infants through teens and special needs patients | All ages |
| Behavioral techniques | ✓ Trained in child-specific communication and comfort strategies | Varies by provider |
| Office environment | ✓ Designed specifically for children | Typically adult-focused |
| Developmental monitoring | ✓ Tracks jaw growth, bite development, and eruption patterns | May refer out |
| Orthodontic transition | ✓ Seamless at RPDO — peds and ortho under one roof | Typically requires a separate referral |
Pediatric Dental Services for Midlothian and Chesterfield County Families
Our Midlothian office offers a full range of children’s dental care designed to meet your child wherever they are in their dental journey. From a baby’s first visit to a teenager’s last cleaning before heading off to college, pediatric dental care in Midlothian looks different at every stage — and our team is trained for all of it.
Preventive Dental Care
Prevention is at the heart of everything we do. Routine cleanings and exams every six months are the foundation of a healthy smile, allowing our team to monitor your child’s development, catch small issues early, and build the kind of positive dental experience that carries through a lifetime.
We also provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help protect growing teeth from cavities, especially the back molars that are most vulnerable.
Restorative Dentistry for Kids
Cavities happen, even with excellent at-home care. When they do, our team handles fillings, crowns, and other restorative treatments with a gentle, child-centered approach designed to keep your child comfortable and confident throughout the process. Our goal is always to restore your child’s tooth and their trust at the same time.
Helping Anxious Kids Feel Comfortable
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons parents search for a pediatric specialist rather than a general dentist — and it is one of the things our team is trained specifically to address. If your child is nervous about the dentist, they are not alone.
Up to 20% of children experience some level of dental anxiety, and the way a practice handles it in the early years shapes how your child feels about dental care for the rest of their life.
Our pediatric dentists use a technique called tell-show-do: we explain what we are going to do in kid-friendly language, show your child each tool or step before it happens, and then proceed at a pace that feels comfortable.
This approach, combined with a warm, unhurried team and an office designed to feel welcoming rather than clinical, makes a genuine difference for children who have been scared at other practices. Our behavior management approach is built around building trust, not rushing through appointments.
Sedation Dentistry
Some children need more than reassurance — whether because of significant anxiety, a more complex procedure, or a developmental or sensory consideration.
Our pediatric dentists are trained in multiple sedation options, including nitrous oxide and other approaches, to make sure your child receives the care they need as comfortably as possible. Every sedation decision is made in conversation with you, and our team will walk you through all options clearly before any procedure begins.
Learn more about sedation dentistry at RPDO
Dental Care for Children with Special Needs
RPDO has deep experience caring for children with developmental, behavioral, and medical considerations. Our doctors are trained to adapt their approach to each child’s unique needs, creating a calm, predictable environment that helps kids feel safe.
Whether your child has autism, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or a complex medical history, our team will take the time to understand what works for your family. We consider it a privilege to be your child’s dental home.
Learn about our special needs dental care
Tongue Ties and Lip Ties
Tongue ties and lip ties can affect breastfeeding in infants, speech development in toddlers, and oral hygiene in older children. Our pediatric dentists are experienced in evaluating and treating these conditions, and can help you understand whether a frenectomy is the right next step for your child.
Learn more about tongue ties and lip ties
Pediatric Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen, especially with active kids. A knocked-out tooth, a painful chip, or a sudden toothache can be stressful for both parent and child. If your child has a dental emergency, contact our office right away. Our team will help you assess the situation, guide you through the immediate steps, and get your child seen as quickly as possible.
Pediatric dental emergency information
Your Child’s First Dental Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits are not just about teeth — they are about helping your child feel comfortable in a dental environment from the very beginning, building positive associations that will last a lifetime.
At RPDO, first visits are designed to be gentle, educational, and fun. We take time to introduce your child to each step in a way that feels familiar and safe, and we spend time with parents covering everything from brushing technique to diet and habits that support healthy development.
Learn what to expect at your child’s first visit
Meet Your Pediatric Dentists in Midlothian
Raymonia Eddleton, DDS — Pediatric Dentist
A native of Richmond, Dr. Eddleton brings hometown roots and a warm, joyful energy to every appointment. She loves hearing the funny, unbelievably cute stories her young patients share — they remind her why she chose pediatric dentistry in the first place. Dr. Eddleton is passionate about making every child feel safe and celebrated at the dentist.
Rachel Thornton, DDS — Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Thornton is a board-certified pediatric dentist who brings a calm, confidence-building approach to every visit. She is especially passionate about working with children who feel nervous about dental care, creating an environment where even the most anxious patient can relax and feel at ease. Dr. Thornton believes every positive dental experience plants a seed for a lifetime of healthy habits.
Dental Care at Every Age — A Quick Guide for Parents
Children’s dental needs change significantly as they grow. Here is what RPDO watches for and prioritizes at each stage:
| Age | What We Focus On |
|---|---|
| 0–12 months | First visit by age 1, teething guidance, bottle and nursing habits, early hygiene coaching for parents |
| 1–3 years | First exam and cleaning, fluoride, eruption monitoring, cavity prevention habits |
| 3–6 years | Sealants on primary molars, cavity detection, early bite screening, introduction to brushing independence |
| 6–10 years | Permanent tooth eruption monitoring, space maintainers if needed, cavity prevention, first orthodontic screening |
| 10–14 years | Orthodontic evaluation, teen hygiene coaching, care for braces if applicable, wisdom tooth monitoring begins |
| 14+ years | Adult hygiene habits, ongoing orthodontic care, bite and jaw monitoring, transition planning |
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What Makes RPDO Different in Midlothian
Chesterfield County families have several options for kids’ dental care. Here is what sets our Midlothian office apart.
Over 100 years serving Richmond families. RPDO has been caring for Richmond-area families for over a century. That history reflects deep community roots, trusted systems, and a team culture built on long-term relationships rather than quick appointments.
Privately owned, not corporate. RPDO is not a chain. Your child will see the same dedicated doctors and team members over time, building the kind of trust that makes dental visits something kids actually remember fondly.
Board-certified pediatric specialists. Every dentist on our team has earned their board certification, a standard that goes beyond specialty training and reflects a commitment to ongoing clinical excellence.
Bi-specialty care when the time comes. When your child is ready for an orthodontic evaluation, there is no referral, no transfer of records, and no starting over with a new practice. Our orthodontists are in the same building, and your child already knows and trusts the team.
Award-winning practice. RPDO has been recognized by Richmond Times-Dispatch, Style Weekly Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine, and Richmond Magazine, a reflection of the experience families consistently describe.
Looking for a Top-Rated Kids’ Dentist Near Midlothian?
Families searching for a kids dentist near Midlothian, a pediatric dentist near me along the Route 288 corridor, or children’s dental care in Chesterfield County will find our Coalfield Commons office easy to reach from across the area. We are conveniently located for families in zip codes 23112, 23113, 23114, and 23120, as well as those in the broader Chesterfield area including 23832 and 23838.
Our Midlothian office is located at Coalfield Commons, directly across from the Midlothian Family YMCA off N Woolridge Road and near American Village.
Families from Watkins Elementary, Midlothian Middle, Midlothian High, and Cosby High School visit our office regularly. We are easy to reach from throughout Chesterfield County via Route 288 and the Powhite Parkway, and serve families from Brandermill, Woodlake, Hallsley, Midlothian Village, Bon Air, and Moseley.
A note on scheduling: Our Midlothian office offers pediatric dentistry on Wednesdays and orthodontic appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you need a different day for your child’s dental visit, our Short Pump, West End, and Mechanicsville offices offer pediatric dentistry across expanded weekday hours — and your child’s records follow them seamlessly to any RPDO location.
Midlothian Office 13901 Coalfield Commons Pl., Suite 101, Midlothian, VA 23114 Pediatric Dentistry: Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Orthodontics: Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
What Midlothian Parents Are Saying
We are so glad we found this practice! Dr. Ray is incredibly kind and patient, and we felt welcomed the moment we stepped in the door. My daughter has some dental anxiety and I have been blown away at how every person in the practice has handled it.
Dr. Ray and her dental team have made my daughter feel completely comfortable at every appointment. They take their time to explain what they’re going to do, speak to the child — not just the parent — and ensure there is no discomfort or pain. We’ve brought our other kids over because of our daughter’s great experience. Dr. Cook is who we see for orthodontics and she is outstanding. Her attention to detail, kindness, and patience is amazing.
My son has been coming here for several years in preparation for braces. Every single person we have interacted with — from the receptionists to the doctors — have been lovely. They’re all wonderful with children, thorough, modern, clean, happy, and on time. I never feel rushed nor pressured. Cannot say enough good things.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pediatric Dentist in Midlothian, VA
When should my child first see a pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends your child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help establish healthy habits, let us monitor development, and make the dental office a familiar and positive place long before any real treatment is needed. At RPDO, we make first visits fun and low-pressure for both child and parent.
My child is scared of the dentist. What will you do?
This is one of the most common things parents tell us, and it is exactly why a pediatric specialist makes a difference. Our team is trained in child-specific behavior management techniques — including tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and working at a pace your child controls.
We never rush. Our offices are designed to feel welcoming, not clinical, and our team genuinely enjoys working with children who need a little extra time and patience. For children with more significant anxiety, we also offer sedation options and a dedicated behavior management approach designed to make every visit a good one. Most parents are surprised by how well their nervous child does after just one or two visits with our team.
“My daughter has some dental anxiety and I have been blown away at how every person in the practice has handled it.” — Elisa M.H., RPDO parent
Can I be in the room with my child during the appointment?
Yes. We welcome parents to be present, especially for younger children or for a child’s first visit. Our team will talk with you about the approach that tends to work best for your child’s age and temperament, and we will always include you in decisions about their care.
Some children do beautifully with a parent nearby; others actually relax more easily when they can build a one-on-one relationship with the dentist. We follow your child’s lead.
How is a pediatric dentist different from a family dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialized training after dental school, focused entirely on treating children from infancy through adolescence, including those with special needs.
That training shapes how we communicate with children, how we design our offices, and how we approach every procedure. At RPDO, all of our pediatric dentists are also board-certified, which reflects an additional level of expertise beyond the specialty itself.
Does my child really need a filling on a baby tooth?
This is a fair and common question. Baby teeth matter more than many parents realize — they hold space for permanent teeth, support proper speech development, and allow children to chew comfortably. An untreated cavity in a baby tooth can spread, become painful, and even affect the permanent tooth developing underneath.
That said, the answer genuinely depends on the tooth’s location, how close it is to falling out naturally, and how far the decay has progressed. Our team explains every recommendation clearly, shows you what we are seeing, and never recommends treatment we cannot justify. If you have had a recommendation elsewhere and want a second opinion, we are happy to provide one.
What sedation options are available for my child?
We offer several sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety, as well as additional approaches for more complex cases. Our team will walk you through every option during your consultation so you can make the decision that feels right for your child and your family. Safety and comfort are always our first priorities.
My child grinds their teeth at night. Should I be worried?
Teeth grinding is very common in children and most kids outgrow it on their own, often by the time their adult teeth come in. Unlike adults, children who grind their teeth typically do not experience the jaw pain or sensitivity that adults do. We monitor for any wear patterns during routine exams and will let you know if we see anything that warrants attention. For most children, it is a watch-and-wait situation rather than a reason for treatment.
How often should my child visit the dentist?
Most children benefit from dental visits every six months. These regular appointments let us monitor your child’s development, provide preventive care like cleanings and fluoride treatments, and catch any small issues before they become larger ones.
Some children with higher cavity risk or active orthodontic treatment may benefit from more frequent visits — our team will recommend the right schedule for your child.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, your child has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which gives our orthodontists valuable information about jaw development, bite alignment, and whether early treatment would be beneficial.
Because RPDO offers both pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, this transition is seamless — no new practice, no new paperwork, just continued care from a team your child already knows.
Learn more about orthodontics in Midlothian
Is a pediatric dentist better than a general dentist for kids?
For most children, especially young children and those with anxiety or special needs, a pediatric dentist is the stronger choice. Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of specialty training focused exclusively on children — covering child psychology, behavior management, developmental monitoring, and treating conditions specific to growing teeth and jaws.
A general dentist can treat children, but does not have that focused training or the child-specific office environment that makes such a difference for nervous or young patients. For children who are healthy, older, and relaxed about dental visits, a general dentist may be perfectly adequate. For most families in Midlothian and Chesterfield County, the peace of mind that comes with a board-certified specialist is worth it.
What if my child has a dental emergency in Midlothian?
If your child chips a tooth, knocks one out, develops a sudden severe toothache, or experiences any other dental emergency, contact our office right away. Our team will assess the situation, walk you through any immediate steps you can take at home, and get your child seen as quickly as possible.
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, time matters — handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, and try to keep it moist while you call us. Our pediatric dental emergency page has detailed guidance for the most common situations.
Does RPDO accept dental insurance?
We accept most major dental insurance plans. Our team is happy to verify your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible payment options to help make care accessible for every family. For specific coverage questions, please visit our insurance information page.
Does my child need a referral to become a patient at RPDO?
No referral is needed. You can request an appointment directly online, and a member of our team will reach out to confirm your visit and answer any questions before you arrive. We welcome new patients at our Midlothian office and all five of our Richmond-area locations.
Your Child’s Healthy Smile Starts Here
Whether you are looking for your child’s very first pediatric dentist in Midlothian or ready to make a change to a practice that truly feels like family, RPDO is here for you. Our board-certified pediatric dentists, kid-friendly office, and over 100 years of caring for Richmond-area families make us a choice that Chesterfield County parents consistently trust and recommend.
We welcome new patients of all ages, including children who need extra patience, extra care, or just a team that genuinely loves what they do every day. If you are still researching your options, our guide to finding the best dentist for kids in Richmond, VA walks through exactly what to look for.
Richmond Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics — proudly serving Midlothian, Brandermill, Woodlake, Bon Air, Hallsley, Moseley, and families throughout Chesterfield County.
Midlothian Office
13901 Coalfield Commons Pl., Suite 101, Midlothian, VA 23114
Pediatric Dentistry: Wednesday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Orthodontics: Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
https://rpdo.com/location-midlothian/
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