Pediatric Dentist in Riverside, CA

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your child's first dental visit by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Starting early allows our pediatric dentists to monitor development, catch issues early, and help parents build great oral hygiene habits from the very start. Early visits also help children become comfortable with the dentist, reducing anxiety for future appointments.

Most children benefit from a dental checkup and cleaning every 6 months. However, children who are at higher risk for cavities — due to diet, dry mouth, or other factors — may be recommended to visit more frequently. At your child's first visit, our team will assess their specific needs and recommend the ideal schedule to keep their smile healthy and cavity-free.

Yes! Wiz Kids Dental & Orthodontics accepts Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal), PPO, and HMO insurance plans for pediatric dental care. We proudly serve Riverside families who rely on Medi-Cal for their children's coverage, and we're committed to providing the same high-quality, compassionate care to every child — regardless of insurance type. Call us at 951-783-1144 to verify your specific coverage before your first visit.

Preparation makes a big difference! Here are a few tips: Talk positively about the dentist — avoid using words like "hurt" or "shot." Read fun children's books about visiting the dentist. Role-play a dental exam at home — let your child practice opening wide. Bring your child's favorite comfort toy or blanket. Arrive early to let your child explore our fun waiting room before their appointment. Our team is specially trained to make first visits fun, gentle, and reward-filled — your child will likely want to come back!

Absolutely. Dental anxiety is very common in children and nothing to be ashamed of! We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild to moderate anxiety — it's fast-acting, very safe, and wears off quickly so your child can return to normal activities right away. For children with complex needs, special needs, or severe anxiety, our board-certified anesthesiologist Dr. Anthony Tran provides IV sedation and general anesthesia with the highest safety standards. We discuss all options with parents before any procedure.

Yes! Unlike most dental offices, Wiz Kids Dental is open 7 days a week — Monday through Sunday — from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We understand that school, work, and family schedules make weekday appointments difficult. That's why we offer convenient Saturday and Sunday dental appointments in Riverside. We also accept same-day appointments for dental emergencies. Call us at 951-783-1144 to schedule your child's visit.

Yes! Our team at Wiz Kids Dental proudly speaks both English and Spanish (hablamos español). We serve Riverside's wonderfully diverse community and believe that clear communication is essential to great dental care. Whether you prefer to speak in English or Spanish, you'll feel completely comfortable, understood, and respected throughout your child's entire visit.

Yes! Wiz Kids Dental provides oral health screenings required by California schools. Many California schools require a dental screening before kindergarten or first grade. Our quick, gentle screenings meet these requirements and give parents a detailed picture of their child's oral health. Call us at 951-783-1144 to schedule a school screening appointment — typically same-day availability.