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Pediatric Dentists

Pediatric Dentists in Iowa City

16 NPI-verified pediatric dentistry practices in Iowa City, IA

16

Verified practices

0

Accept Insurance

0

Owner-Claimed

What Pediatric Dentistry means for Iowa City residents

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. They complete 2–3 years of additional training focused on children's oral health from infancy through adolescence, including patients with special healthcare needs. Their offices are designed to be child-friendly, and they're trained in behavior management techniques that help anxious kids feel comfortable.

In Iowa City, 16 verified pediatric dentistry practices serve the community. Across the Iowa City pediatric dentistry practices compared on this page, the strongest predicted dimension is kid-friendly, based on verified signals.

Common Pediatric Dentistry procedures

Infant oral health exams

Early risk assessment for cavities, guidance on teething, fluoride needs, and oral habits

Preventive cleanings & fluoride

Gentle cleanings, fluoride varnish applications, and cavity-prevention strategies

Dental sealants

Protective coatings on back teeth to prevent cavities — especially effective for newly erupted permanent molars

Cavity fillings

Tooth-colored composite fillings sized for baby teeth and young permanent teeth

Habit counseling

Guidance on thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and tongue thrusting that can affect dental development

Space maintainers

Appliances that hold space when a baby tooth is lost early, preventing future crowding

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What to expect: Pediatric Dentistry costs in Iowa City

Nationally, pediatric dentistry services range from $80–$200 per exam & cleaning. Sealants: $30–$60 per tooth. Fillings: $100–$300. Most plans cover preventive care at 100%.

The vibe of pediatric dentistry care in Iowa City

Vibe Analysis across 13 dimensions, predicted from verified practice signals (NPI data, specialties, services, Google ratings, hours), not from patient review text.

Kid-friendly
78/100
Bedside manner
70/100
Staff & front desk
60/100

Based on 5 of the 16 Iowa City pediatric dentistry practices compared on this page.

Verified Pediatric Dentistry practices

Showing 16 of 16
AL

Amy Lesch, D.D.S.

201 Dental Science S

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7485

NPI Verified
BJ

Barton John Thompson, DDS

1031 WADE ST

Iowa City, IA 52240

(319) 338-8571

NPI Verified
CK

Cynthia Kay Christensen, DDS

322 S DENTAL SCIENCE BLDG

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7440

NPI Verified
DC

David Christopher Johnsen, DDS Ms

322 S DENTAL SCIENCE BLDG

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7440

NPI Verified
DL

Donald Leslie Chi, DDS

2664 HILLSIDE DR

Iowa City, IA 52245

(319) 335-9266

NPI Verified
JD

Jerry Dean Walker, DDS

201 DENTAL SCIENCE S

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7480

NPI Verified
JQ

Jade Quearney, Bds

801 Newton Rd

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7440

NPI Verified
KW

Karin Weber-Gasparoni, DDS Ms Phd

322 S DENTAL SCIENCE BLDG

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7440

NPI Verified
KS

Kecia Suzanne Leary, DDS

201 DENTAL SCIENCE BLDG S

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7485

NPI Verified
MK

Matthew Kelly Geneser, D.D.S.

322 DENTAL SCIENCE S

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7440

NPI Verified
MJ

Michael James Kanellis, DDS Ms

322 S DENTAL SCIENCE BLDG

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 384-1139

NPI Verified
MW

Megan Welborn, D.D.S.

801 Newton Rd

Iowa City, IA 52242

(651) 645-0449

NPI Verified
PI

Pollyanne Iben, DDS

801 NEWTON RD

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7440

NPI Verified
RB

Robert Burns, D.D.S

201 DENTAL SCIENCE S BLDG SOUTH

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7485

NPI Verified
RH

Ryan Hemsley

801 Newton Rd

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7440

NPI Verified
YM

Yousef Mohammed Yousef, Bds

201 DSB, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

Iowa City, IA 52242

(319) 335-7488

NPI Verified

When should you see a pediatric dentistry?

See a pediatric dentist for all children from their first tooth through adolescence — especially if your child has dental anxiety, special healthcare needs, or developmental concerns. Pediatric dentists are also best equipped to handle dental emergencies in children, including knocked-out teeth and mouth injuries.

Frequently asked questions about pediatric dentistry in Iowa City

How many pediatric dentists practice in Iowa City?
Iowa City, IA has 16 NPI-verified pediatric dentistry practices. You can compare them on this page or match with one through Dee, our AI matching engine.
How do I choose between pediatric dentists in Iowa City?
Credentials matter, but so does fit. Among Iowa City pediatric dentistry practices, the strongest predicted dimension is kid-friendly. Dentalist predicts how each practice feels across 13 dimensions using verified signals like NPI data, specialties, services, Google ratings, and hours, so you can match on what matters to you: anxiety handling, kid-friendliness, scheduling, or cash pricing.
Do Iowa City pediatric dentists accept insurance?
Many Iowa City practices accept major PPO plans, but coverage varies office to office. Confirm your specific plan directly with the practice before booking.
How does dentalist.ai match me with the right pediatric dentistry practice in Iowa City?
Tell Dee what matters to you and she matches you with verified Iowa City practices using Vibe Analysis: 13 dimensions predicted from verified practice signals, not patient review text. You see why each practice was matched. It's free and takes about two minutes.
When should my child first see a dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits establish a dental home, catch problems before they become serious, and help your child develop positive associations with dental care.
How is a pediatric dentist different from a general dentist?
Pediatric dentists complete 2–3 years of specialized residency training focused on children's oral health, growth and development, behavior management, and treating patients with special needs. Their offices use child-sized equipment, kid-friendly decor, and techniques specifically designed to reduce anxiety in young patients.
What happens at a child's first dental visit?
The first visit is usually short and gentle — often called a 'happy visit.' The dentist will count your child's teeth, check for early signs of decay, examine their bite and jaw development, and demonstrate proper brushing. Parents can discuss habits like thumb-sucking, pacifier use, and diet. The goal is to make your child comfortable with the dental environment.
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes. Pediatric dentists use digital X-rays with minimal radiation — typically 80–90% less than traditional film X-rays. They also use lead aprons and thyroid collars for additional protection. X-rays are only taken when necessary to diagnose cavities between teeth, monitor development, or evaluate injuries. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry supports their judicious use.
My child is terrified of the dentist. What can we do?
Pediatric dentists are specifically trained in techniques to help anxious children. Options include: tell-show-do (explaining and demonstrating before performing), positive reinforcement, distraction techniques, and nitrous oxide ('laughing gas') for moderate anxiety. For severe cases or extensive treatment, sedation dentistry may be an option. Discuss your child's specific fears at the consultation.