Hillcrest Family Dentistry in Medford, OR sees children from infancy on up. Dr. Kyle Pett, DMD is a family dentist, so parents and children can be cared for at the same office. Your child gets one familiar office from the first tooth through the teen years, with a team that knows your whole family.
Call (541) 779-4196 to schedule your child’s visit, or request an appointment online.
When should my child first see a dentist?
Plan your child’s first dental visit when the first tooth comes in or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. That can feel early, but it helps in several ways:
- Baby teeth can get cavities as soon as they appear.
- Baby teeth hold space for the adult teeth and help your child chew and speak clearly.
- An easy, early visit lets your child get used to the office before they ever need treatment.
- You get practical answers about brushing, bottles, pacifiers and snacks.
What happens at a child’s first visit
A first visit for a baby or toddler is usually short and relaxed. The goal is for your child to get comfortable with the office and for you to get answers.
During the visit, Dr. Pett will:
- Count and check your child’s teeth and gums
- Look for early signs of tooth decay (cavities)
- Check how the bite and jaw are developing
- Show you how to brush your child’s teeth and how much toothpaste to use
- Answer your questions about teething, thumb sucking and diet
Bring your insurance card and a list of any medicines or health conditions. If this is your family’s first time with us, you can also visit our new patient page.
Checkups and cleanings for kids
Most children do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. If your child has had cavities or has a higher chance of getting them, Dr. Pett may suggest a different schedule.
A child’s cleaning with one of our hygienists, Brandy or Necia, usually includes:
- Removing plaque and tartar (plaque that has hardened on the teeth)
- Polishing the teeth
- An exam by Dr. Pett
- Brushing and flossing tips that fit your child’s age
We take X-rays only when they are needed, based on your child’s age and cavity risk. Our digital X-rays use less radiation than traditional film X-rays. Heated water lines provide warm water during cleanings for patients with sensitive teeth.
Children’s dental services we provide
Children’s care at our office includes:
First visits
First visits for babies and toddlers.
Checkups and cleanings
Checkups and cleanings.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays when they are needed.
Emergency visits
Emergency visits for toothaches, chipped teeth and other urgent problems.
Our family dentistry services also include tooth-colored (metal-free) fillings, custom mouth guards and nutritional counseling (advice on foods and drinks that help protect teeth). Dr. Pett will let you know which of these fit your child’s needs.
Children’s care is part of the family and general dentistry we provide for patients of all ages. If your child needs care we do not provide here, we will explain why and help you find the right specialist.
Helping nervous children feel at ease
Many children feel nervous at the dentist, and so do many parents. Dr. Pett’s approach is centered on comfort. He takes time to listen, explains what will happen in plain words and makes sure each patient feels cared for. For children, that means:
- Going at your child’s pace, especially on the first visit
- Explaining each step before it happens
- Taking breaks when your child needs one
- Speaking Spanish with families who prefer it (Dr. Pett is fluent)
Sedation: Our office offers oral sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help nervous patients relax. Whether sedation is suitable for a child depends on the child’s age and needs, so ask us about it when you book.
Tips for parents before the visit
- Talk about the visit in a calm, everyday way and leave out words like “hurt” or “shot”. Our team will explain each step to your child in simple terms.
- If Spanish is the language your child hears most at home, tell us when you book so Dr. Pett can talk with your child in Spanish.
- Young children are often at their best early in the day. We open at 7am Monday to Thursday, so a visit can fit before daycare or school.
Family dentist or pediatric dentist: when we refer
Pediatric dentistry is a recognized dental specialty. After dental school, a pediatric dentist spends two to three more years in a residency (advanced hospital and clinic training) devoted to infants, children, teens and children with special health care needs. Dr. Pett is a general dentist who runs a family practice. He treats adults and children in the same office, so a parent’s cleaning and a child’s checkup can happen under one roof.
For many children, checkups, cleanings and common treatment can happen here alongside the rest of the family. If your child needs care that is better handled by a pediatric specialist, we will refer you and tell you why.
If your child has a dental emergency
For a toothache, a chipped or knocked-out tooth, or swelling, call us right away and we will see your child as soon as we can. Same-day emergency appointments are available.
Knocked-out baby tooth
Do not try to put it back in, because that can harm the adult tooth underneath.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Hold it by the top (the crown), rinse it gently, and put it back in the socket if you can. If not, keep it in milk and call immediately.
Facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
Go to the emergency room.
See our emergency dentistry page for more.
Insurance and scheduling for families
Insurance
Our team can check your insurance benefits and talk through payment options. Allison at our front desk can answer insurance questions.
Cost
The cost of your child’s visit depends on what your child needs, such as whether X-rays are taken or treatment is required, and on your insurance benefits. We explain the cost and your options at your visit, before any treatment starts.
Booking the family
Since we care for adults and children in one office, ask about scheduling family members when you call.
Hours
Monday to Thursday, 7am to 4pm.
Meet Dr. Kyle Pett, DMD
Dr. Pett graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has practiced in the Rogue Valley since 2019. Since 2021, he has also taught as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the OHSU School of Dentistry, which keeps him current with modern dental techniques. He is fluent in Spanish. Read more about Dr. Pett.
Questions parents ask
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
Bring your child in when the first tooth comes in or by the first birthday, whichever comes first. We see children from infancy, so you can book that first visit here.
Is Dr. Pett a pediatric dentist?
No. Dr. Pett is a general dentist who sees patients of all ages, including children from infancy. Pediatric dentists are specialists who complete a residency of two to three years after dental school devoted to children and teens. If your child needs specialist care, we will explain why and refer you.
How often does my child need a checkup and cleaning?
Most children do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months. If your child has had cavities or has a higher chance of getting them, Dr. Pett may suggest coming in more often.
What if my child is nervous or will not sit still?
That is common, especially for toddlers. Let us know when you book. We explain each step in simple words, go at your child’s pace and take breaks when needed. The first visit is about getting comfortable, so we keep it short and positive.
Can my children and I see the same dentist?
Yes. Dr. Pett cares for adults and children in one office, so your whole family can be patients here. Ask about scheduling family members when you call.
Visit us
Hillcrest Family Dentistry, 737 Golf View Drive, Medford, OR 97504. Open Monday to Thursday, 7am to 4pm. We welcome families from Medford, Central Point, Eagle Point, Phoenix, Talent, Ashland, Rogue River, Gold Hill and Yreka, CA. Call (541) 779-4196 to schedule your child’s visit in Medford.
