Their first visits — without the tears.
Have insurance? We verify your benefits and file the claim, so most kids pay little to nothing for their preventive visits. Our whole team is trained to make first visits calm and familiar, and every child leaves with a goody bag they actually look forward to. No insurance? Kids first visit is $150 self-pay, with routine cleanings from $85.
“Haven’t been to the dentist in a while and they really made me feel comfortable and took care of my dental needs!”
“I am fortunate to have Dr.Huynh as my dentist, and strongly recommend him to anyone who needs good quality dental care.”
“…usually very nervous when coming to the dentist but made it comfortable.”
Insured? Most kids pay $0. We verify your benefits and file the claim · written estimate of your out-of-pocket before we start · Self-pay first visit $150.
When to book the first visit.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. Early visits aren't about drilling. They're about getting your child comfortable in a dental chair before anything needs doing.
First visits at Missouri City Dentistry with our team last about 30 minutes. Parents ride in the chair first (kids copy everything), then we count teeth, "tickle" them with the electric toothbrush, polish them, and send your child home with a new toothbrush and a goody bag. No needles, no scary instruments — unless there's clinical need, which is rare at age 1.
What we actually do.
For toddlers (1-3): a knee-to-knee exam with parent, tooth count, quick polish, fluoride varnish, and parent coaching on brushing technique. Most of the "visit" is parent education.
For kids (4-11): full hygiene visit with a pediatric hygienist — polish, floss, fluoride. Your dentist does a visual exam and first X-rays (usually around age 4-5 when the bite is closed enough to take bitewings). We show kids the X-rays, let them watch on the monitor, and explain everything in kid-friendly language.
For teens (12-18): regular hygiene visits, orthodontic monitoring, sports guard fittings, and wisdom-tooth surveillance with a panoramic X-ray around age 16. Most teens start booking their own appointments without the parent by 14.
Sealants, fluoride & the boring stuff that prevents cavities.
Dental sealants — a thin plastic coating we paint onto the chewing surfaces of permanent molars (usually the 6-year and 12-year molars). They physically block food and bacteria from getting into the deep grooves. Research shows they reduce cavity risk in those teeth by about 80%. $35 per tooth, no drilling or numbing, about 5 minutes. Most PPO plans cover sealants as preventative care.
Fluoride varnish — a concentrated fluoride gel applied at each cleaning visit. Takes 60 seconds, tastes like bubblegum, hardens enamel for months. Included in every kid's cleaning at Missouri City Dentistry.
Anxious child? We go slow.
We meet kids where they are. For the first visit or two, sometimes "success" is just sitting in the chair and letting us count teeth. Our dentists are patient — they'd rather build trust over three short visits than force a full cleaning and lose the child's cooperation for years.
If more significant treatment is needed (a filling, a pulled baby tooth), we have nitrous oxide available from age 4+ and can coordinate with your pediatrician on other options. For kids with severe anxiety or extensive treatment needs, we refer to a hospital-based pediatric sedation team we trust — and stay involved in the case.
Cost & insurance.
Kids' first visit is $150 (exam, polish, fluoride). Ongoing cleanings from $85 depending on age. Sealants $35 per tooth. Fillings on baby teeth from $150-$250. Most PPO dental plans cover children's preventative care as an in-network benefit. Uninsured families can join our membership plan ($31/month for adults, kids enroll at $15/month), which includes cleanings and 20% off treatments. This is a starting estimate; your exact cost depends on your child's specific needs, and we review a written estimate with you before treatment.
Care that fits your budget.
Most treatment can be split into manageable monthly payments — so cost never has to stand between you and the care you need.
Four steps, zero tears.
Meet & ride
Your child meets the dentist, tours the room, and takes a fun ride in the chair. Parent sits close by the whole time.
Count & polish
We count teeth together (kids love this), polish with a flavored toothpaste, and floss gently.
Fluoride
Bubblegum-flavored varnish painted on, 60 seconds. Kids usually ask for "another coat."
Parent chat
The dentist reviews what they saw, coaches you on brushing technique for the age group, and schedules the next visit. Your child leaves with a goody bag.
Pediatric Dentistry in Missouri City, TX — questions worth asking.
Do you take my insurance for my child's visit?
This is the question parents ask us most. We are in-network with many PPO dental plans and we file the claim for you. Call 281-747-9988 with your card in hand — we verify your child's specific plan before the visit and tell you what your out-of-pocket will be, so there is no surprise at the front desk. If we are not in-network with your plan, we will say so on the phone rather than after treatment.
What does my child's visit cost if we don't have insurance?
A child's first visit is $150 and covers the exam, X-rays where they are needed, and a gentle cleaning. If we find something that needs treatment, you get a written estimate before anything is scheduled. For families without insurance, our kids membership plan is $15 a month per child and includes routine cleanings plus 20% off treatment. Cherry and CareCredit financing is available for larger treatment plans.
Can you see my child today?
For pain, swelling, a knocked-out tooth, or a tooth broken in a fall or a game, call 281-747-9988 first thing — we hold time each weekday for children in pain and can usually see them the same day. For a routine checkup or cleaning, same-day is less likely; most families get in within the same week. Tell us on the phone what is going on and we will give you the soonest realistic time rather than a hopeful one.
At what age should my child have their first dental visit?
By age 1, or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. This is the current American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommendation. Early visits are short, friendly, and mostly about getting kids comfortable and giving parents brushing guidance. First visit at Missouri City Dentistry is $150.
What are my payment options for my child's care?
We accept most PPO dental plans and file the claim for you. For uninsured families, our in-house membership plan enrolls children at $15/month per child and includes cleanings plus 20% off treatments. We also offer CareCredit financing and always review a written estimate with you before treatment.
My child is terrified of the dentist. Can you help?
Yes — this is one of our team's favorite parts of the job. We go slow, build trust over multiple short visits if needed, and use age-appropriate language. For kids age 4+, nitrous oxide is available if there's treatment that needs to happen. We also partner with a hospital-based pediatric sedation team for severe cases.
Should my child get sealants?
For most kids, yes — especially on the 6-year and 12-year permanent molars, where 80% of childhood cavities happen. Sealants are a thin plastic coating we paint onto the chewing surface to block food and bacteria from getting into the deep grooves. $35 per tooth, with no drilling or numbing, and most PPO plans cover them as preventative care.
Can my child's whole dental care happen here — braces, wisdom teeth, etc.?
Mostly yes. We handle all preventative care, fillings, and simple extractions in-house through age 18. Clear aligner treatment is currently limited and case-by-case — call and we'll let you know whether we can help or refer you to a trusted local orthodontist. Wisdom teeth around age 16-20 are handled by Dr. Huynh here, typically under IV sedation.
Your child's first visit — a good memory, not a scary one.
Book a 30-minute first visit. Friendly tour, tooth count, gentle polish, and a goody bag. $150, parents stay in the room, and we'll send you home with the brushing advice you actually need.
Book my child's first visit →