Pediatric Dentistry
in Kansas City
Gentle Denal Care for Growing Smiles
The way a child feels about the dentist early on shapes how they take care of their teeth for the rest of their life. That’s why we go out of our way to make every visit at Staley Dental Arts a positive experience. Dr. Jensen and our team are patient, gentle, and great at putting nervous kids at ease. We explain everything in kid-friendly language, go at their pace, and celebrate them for being brave.
We recommend bringing your child in by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, whichever comes first. These early visits are quick and easy. They help us monitor development, catch potential issues early, and get your child comfortable in the dental chair before they ever need treatment. Parents are always welcome in the room, and we encourage questions from both you and your little one.
Pediatric Services We Offer
- First Dental Visits | Introduction to the dentist for babies and toddlers. We check early development and build comfort from day one.
- Cleanings & Fluoride | Professional cleanings and fluoride treatments that protect growing teeth from decay and build healthy habits early.
- Fillings | Tooth-colored fillings for cavities in baby teeth and permanent teeth. Quick, gentle, and virtually painless.
- Sealants | A thin protective coating applied to back teeth to prevent cavities in the deep grooves where food and bacteria love to hide.
- Extractions | When a baby tooth won't come out on its own or a tooth is too damaged to save, we make the process as comfortable as possible.
- Nitrous Oxide | Safe, mild sedation that helps anxious children relax during treatment. It wears off within minutes and has no lasting side effects.
- Healthy Start | An early intervention program that addresses airway and breathing issues, crooked teeth, and sleep-disordered breathing in children.
What is Pediatric Dentistry?
Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of infants, children, and teenagers. Kids’ teeth and jaws are constantly growing and changing, which means they need a different approach than adults. Dr. Jensen monitors development at every stage, from baby teeth coming in to permanent teeth settling into place, so potential problems like crowding, bite issues, or decay are caught early.
Beyond treatment, a big part of pediatric dentistry is education. We teach kids how to brush and floss properly, talk to parents about diet and habits that affect oral health, and make sure every child leaves our office feeling good about taking care of their teeth. Our goal is to raise kids who actually want to go to the dentist, not ones who dread it.
Ready to schedule your child’s visit? Book their appointment today and give them a great start.
What to Expect During Your Child's Visit
Bringing your child to the dentist should be easy, not stressful. Here’s what their appointment at Staley Dental Arts looks like from start to finish.
Warm Welcome
Our team greets your child and helps them feel at home from the moment they walk in.
Gentle Exam
Dr. Jensen checks their teeth, gums, jaw development, and bite in a calm, gentle manner.
Age-Appropriate Cleaning
Our hygienist provides a gentle cleaning and fluoride treatment tailored to your child's age and comfort level.
Parent Conversation
We walk you through everything we found, answer your questions, and talk about what to expect as your child's teeth develop.
Ready to Schedule Your Child's Appointment?
Give your child a great start with a dentist who makes every visit comfortable and fun. Book their appointment today and see why families across Kansas City’s Northland trust us with their smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about dental care, treatment options, and what to expect before your appointment.
When should my child first see the dentist?
We recommend scheduling their first visit by age one or when their first tooth comes in. These early appointments are quick, gentle, and focused on getting your child comfortable with the dental environment while we check that everything is developing properly.
What if my child is scared of the dentist?
That's completely normal and we're prepared for it. Our team takes a patient, gentle approach and lets your child set the pace. For kids who need a little extra help relaxing, we offer nitrous oxide, which is safe, mild, and wears off within minutes after the visit.
Do cavities in baby teeth really need to be filled?
Yes. Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and help with chewing and speech development. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infection, and damage to the adult teeth forming underneath. Catching them early keeps treatment quick and simple.
What are sealants and does my child need them?
Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth where cavities are most common. They're quick, painless, and one of the most effective ways to prevent decay in children. Dr. Jensen will let you know if your child is a good candidate.
Can I stay in the room during my child's appointment?
Absolutely. Parents are always welcome in the treatment room. We find that younger children especially feel more comfortable with a parent nearby, and it gives you a chance to hear directly from Dr. Jensen about your child's oral health.
What is the Healthy Start program?
Healthy Start is an early intervention system that addresses airway and breathing issues, crooked teeth, and sleep-disordered breathing in children. It uses a series of gentle oral appliances to guide jaw growth and tooth development while your child is still growing.
Discover Why We're Kansas City's Trusted Dentist
My permanent crown was put on Tuesday. It is a good fit and the bite is great. Very happy.
