Brianna HarrisonKids’ dentists, or pediatric dentists, are the tooth fairy’s trusted allies who have undergone specialized training focusing on the oral health of your little ones, from infants to young adults. They provide preventive care, routine check-ups, and restorative treatments, among others. These experts understand that children require gentle care and special attention, enabling them to handle behavioral intricacies, including those with special needs. If you’re a parent seeking the best treatment for your kid’s pearly whites, these clinics offer a child-friendly environment and expert care.
How Much Do Kids’ Dentists Cost in Toronto?
Without dental insurance, a routine pediatric dental check-up and teeth cleaning costs $100 to $300. The cost of dental services provided by kids’ dentists depends on factors such as the specific treatment, the dentist’s experience, and the complexity of the procedure. Consult with your healthcare provider or insurance company for a clearer understanding of potential costs and coverage options.
How We Chose the Best Kids’ Dentist in Toronto
1. Smile Squad Kids Dental
Smile Squad Kids Dental was born out of Dr. Lori Goldenberg’s love for working with children. This is evident in her background as a behavioral therapist for children and a resident under SickKids, one of the world’s finest pediatric hospitals. She founded the clinics, one in Bathurst and another in Leaside, while undergoing a Master’s in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Toronto in 2010.
With a team of board-certified pediatric dental specialists, Smile Squad offers a convenient one-stop solution for both dentistry and orthodontics, making it easier for families with more kids in tow to coordinate appointments. Their comprehensive services encompass various treatments, from laser lip and tongue tie releases for infants to braces and clear aligners for young adults.
Smile Squad recommends oral healthcare at the age of one with their infant exam to help your little one get started, followed by recare visits every six months.
Pros
- Comprehensive pediatric dental services
- State-of-the-art tools and equipment
- Offers family orthodontics, including adults
- Friendly and vibrant atmosphere
- Child-centric furnishings (playground, Netflix, etc.)
Cons
- Complaints of delayed appointments
- Higher rates
Customer Reviews
Smile Squad was an amazing experience for my son
“Smile Squad was an amazing experience for my son (I was nervous because he has not liked other clinical environments in the past). Our hygienist (Katrina) was fantastic – I hope we get to see her next time too! Dr. Sabrina was also amazing! Thanks for making it a fun and exciting experience for our little guy!” – Carlin Lalonde, Google Reviews
The dentists are so sweet, caring, and really child-focused in their manner
“This place is amazing. Book your kids’ dental appointments here. If the prize wall gumball machines (that the staff provides quarters for), the beautiful and cheerful aesthetic and the climbing structure were not enough, the hygienists and the dentists are so sweet, caring, and really child-focused in their manner. My 3-year-old son was calm and happy throughout his cleaning and checkup.” – Madison Wine, Google Reviews
2. Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry
In 2018, Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry was co-founded by Dr. Deborah Aber and Dr. Vandna Sharma in North York. This dynamic duo is anything but little, boasting a combined experience of over 45 years in dentistry. Dr. Aber has achieved diplomate status at the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, while Dr. Sharma completed a fellowship program in pediatric dentistry at the University of Toronto.
With their diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for child care, both dentists have worked extensively with children on the autism spectrum and those with physical disabilities. Their practice offers comprehensive care from infancy to adolescence, focusing on preventive and restorative treatments and fostering a positive relationship with your child.
Little Pearls provides a wide range of services for your little ones, including cleanings, crowns, space maintenance, and lip/tongue-tie releases. They also offer three types of anesthesia: general anesthesia, laughing gas, and oral sedatives.
Pros
- Highly-qualified pediatric dentists
- Emergency dental care for trauma and swelling
- Playful and interactive facilities
- Advanced dentistry equipment
Cons
- Inconsistent clinic hours
- Reports of rude receptionist
- Not helpful with insurance claims for some
Customer Reviews
The environment is amazingly children-friendly, tidy, and clean
“I must say our experience here was exceptional. The environment is amazingly children-friendly, tidy, and clean. I am even more happier how easy it is to simply follow the rules of keeping everyone safe. Thank you.” – Zené Lewis, Google Reviews
They are patient, compassionate, and accommodating.
“Dr. Aber and her staff are exceptionally professional. My son Lucas has autism and have been seeing Dr. Aber since he was 2yo. They are patient, compassionate, and accommodating. We truly appreciate Little Pearls for their amazing care towards my child.” – Naline de la Rosa, Google Reviews
3. Danforth Children’s Dentistry
Danforth Children’s Dentistry, was established in 2012 on the street it was named after, conveniently located in central Toronto. The practice was co-founded by Dr. Aisha Romain and Dr. Sonia Chung, both certified pediatric dentists and fellows of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, bringing decades of experience to the joint practice.
Dr. Romain and Dr. Chung are dedicated to creating a warm and welcoming dental home for children, as evidenced by their use of child-appropriate language and the implementation of the tell-show-do method, a technique that helps children overcome their fear of the dentist through gentle and gradual communication.
While preventive care is their top priority, Danforth also specializes in interceptive orthodontics, dental fillings, tooth extractions, and emergency dental care. Notably, they are trained to provide specialized care for children with special health care needs (SHCN) through behavior management and personalized treatments.
Pros
- Engaging and communicative approach
- Safe and inviting environment for children
- Wide scope of treatments
- Specializes in treating children with SHCN
Cons
- Hard to reach over email and phone correspondence
- Only accepts upfront payments
Customer Reviews
AMAZING at taking a stressful task and making it as fun and enjoyable as humanly possible
“Danforth Children’s Dentistry is AMAZING at taking a stressful task (i.e. dental work on a small wiggly child) and making it as fun and enjoyable as humanly possible! Dr. Chung, Dr. Romain, and their can-do team have cared for our two daughters for 8 years and have guided us to excellent orthodontists as well. They are top-notch dentists and practical-minded. They are also great with scheduling and quick insurance claim processing. Hats off to the team!” – Isi Caulder, Google Reviews
They are kind, patient, and really understand the needs of children
“We love Danforth Children’s Dentistry. They are kind, patient, and really understand the needs of children. My daughter is excited to see the dentist or dental hygienist when she goes for her visits. We have had major surgery done here, as well as minor things, as well as routine cleaning and check-up appointments, and my child still looks forward to every visit. Thank you for your amazing services and for your excellent clinic and location!” – Natalie Hosmer, Google Reviews
4. Superkids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Superkids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is a relatively new player in the field of kids’ dentistry, having launched in 2020. Leading the team is owner and board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Karen Stallaert, who earned her Master’s from the University of Toronto and SickKids Hospital. She still serves part-time in both institutions.
Located in Runnymede-Bloor West Village, Superkids is on a mission to rescue kiddos from cavities. They’re dedicated to instilling oral health practices that will accompany children well into adulthood. As such, they go the extra mile with their in-house orthodontics department. This ensures comprehensive care that addresses the evolving needs of children, accounting for jaw growth and development.
Aside from orthodontics, the clinic offers a gamut of dental services, including preventive and restorative care, sedation, special needs dentistry, and emergency dental care.
Pros
- Cool and spacious interiors
- Broad range of services, including orthodontics
- Comprised of expert specialists
- Offers payment plans
- Accepts most government-issued dental insurance
Cons
- Track record of only 3 years
- Reports of unreliable Saturday schedules
Customer Reviews
From the moment my child and I stepped in we felt very welcomed
“What a fantastic clinic, from the moment my child and I stepped in we felt very welcomed. All the staff, from the receptionist to the dentist, were very warm & friendly and answered all my questions. Most importantly, my child was very comfortable during his visit.” – Karina Sertich, Google Reviews
This clinic has the kindest and most supportive staff
“This clinic has the kindest and most supportive staff. The clinic is set up to be very warm and welcoming to kids and the staff talk to the child directly with a friendly approach. My son loves going here. There is a TV in the ceiling for him to watch during his procedures and they took care of all the paperwork to ensure our benefits paperwork was processed and coordinated between my and my partner’s plans. No question this is the best service ever!” – Jennifer Hall, Google Reviews
5. Appletree Dental for Kids
Appletree Dental for Kids is a pediatric dental clinic based in Newmarket, but has two locations in North York playfully designed with an underwater theme. Dr. Jonathan Woo, a certified specialist in pediatric dentistry, leads both Toronto clinics. He obtained his diploma from the University of British Columbia and holds a Master’s in Craniofacial Science with a focus on orthodontics.
With a rich 15-year history, Appletree operates on the belief that every child deserves a healthy smile, regardless of age or special needs. The clinic specializes in general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. Their comprehensive range of treatments includes fillings, space management, tongue tie treatment, crowns, and extractions.
In addition to their core services, they place a strong emphasis on early oral health and prioritize preventive care, providing regular check-ups and educational initiatives to promote good habits like brushing and flossing.
Pros
- Flexible and interest-free payment plans
- Calm and friendly environment
- Warm and easygoing with kids on the spectrum
- Prompt appointments
Cons
- Lacking in terms of advanced equipment
- Closes early
Customer Reviews
They truly make the kids top priority and it shows
“Everyone at Apple Tree Dental for Kids are AMAZING. These people were meant to work with kids. They are so kind, gentle, patient & understanding. They truly make the kids top priority and it shows. My son’s previous dentist was a 10-minute walk away, Apple Tree is 1.5-hr ride on the TTC and we have switched to Apple Tree despite the traveling distance because they are just that good. Highly recommend.” – Mychelle Tóth, Google Reviews
Their team followed up constantly to ensure proper healing
“We had to get an emergency appointment booked for my son a month ago. Until the appointment at 6.5 months, no one knew how bad of a tongue tie he had… Dr Gep and Dr Chan worked together and dealt with the tie while the lactation consultant, Helen Marshall spoke with us. Their team followed up constantly to ensure proper healing. I’d definitely go back to them for any other issues!” – Aqsa Kidwai, Google Reviews
