London has dental practices that see children for first visits, checkups, fluoride, sealants, fillings, and early orthodontic screenings. Whether you are booking a first appointment for a toddler or a back-to-school visit for an older child, hellodent can help you compare participating London providers, sort by rating or distance, and request an appointment. London residents can also search nearby cities like Kitchener and Hamilton.
What Are Children's Dental Services?
Children's dental services cover the routine and preventive care a child needs from the first tooth through the teen years. A typical visit can include an exam, a hygiene appointment with scaling and polishing, fluoride treatment, sealants on the back teeth, X-rays if required, and a talk about brushing, flossing, and snacks. The Canadian Dental Association suggests a first visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, or by a child's first birthday.
In Ontario, children's dental care is provided by licensed dentists registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). Many treatments can be handled by general and family dentists who see patients of all ages. More involved cases, such as very young children who cannot sit still or kids with special health needs, may be referred to a pediatric dentist who works within that specialty only.
How Much Do Children's Dental Services Cost in London?
Ontario has a suggested fee guide published by the Ontario Dental Association, but each clinic sets its own prices. The estimates below reflect ranges commonly published by Canadian dental sources. Your actual cost depends on the treatments your child needs and the clinic's overhead.
London Children's Dental Services Price Ranges
| Service | London Estimated Range (CAD) |
|---|
| First visit and exam (child) | $90 to $200 |
| Recall exam (every six months) | $45 to $100 |
| Hygiene appointment (scaling and polishing) | $90 to $240 |
| Fluoride treatment | $20 to $45 |
| Pit and fissure sealants (per tooth) | $35 to $65 |
| White filling on a baby tooth (small to medium) | $180 to $380 |
| Sport mouthguard (custom) | $130 to $320 |
According to the hellodent Canadian Dental Health Guide, children's fees in London may fall within typical Ontario ranges, with some variation between practices. Costs in central London clinics can run higher due to overhead such as rent, while clinics in more suburban areas often have lower facility costs. Ask each clinic for a written estimate before treatment starts.
What Affects the Cost?
- Your child's age and how much treatment time is needed.
- Whether X-rays, sealants, or fluoride are part of the visit.
- Whether any fillings, extractions, or space maintainers are needed.
- Whether nitrous oxide or deeper sedation is used for longer treatments.
Types of Children's Dental Services Available in London
Most family dentists in London handle the routine set of pediatric care. More involved cases may be referred to a pediatric dental specialist.
First Dental Visits
The first visit is usually short and focuses on a careful exam plus a talk about brushing, feeding, and habits. It helps your child get used to the clinic and lets the dentist watch for early issues as teeth come in.
Checkups and Hygiene Appointments
Recall visits include an exam and a hygiene appointment with scaling and polishing. Your dentist may walk you through any findings. If your child needs further treatment, you could receive a treatment plan with costs before anything starts.
Preventive Care: Sealants and Fluoride
Sealants are thin coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is applied as a varnish or foam at the visit and can help strengthen enamel, especially for children at higher cavity risk.
Fillings and Restorations on Baby Teeth
If your child has a cavity, your dentist may place a filling or, in some cases, a stainless steel crown on a baby molar. Treating baby teeth helps keep space for the permanent teeth coming in.
Sport Mouthguards
Custom-fit guards protect teeth during hockey, soccer, ringette, and other contact sports. A guard made from a dental impression fits better and stays in place more reliably than a boil-and-bite kit.
Early Orthodontic Assessment
Your dentist may check how the jaw and bite are developing and refer to an orthodontist if early treatment looks helpful. A screening around age seven is common, even though most active treatment starts later.
Where to Find Children's Dental Services Providers in London
London is served by London Transit, so most families are within a short trip of several clinics. You can use hellodent to search by location and sort by rating or distance to find a clinic close to home, daycare, or school.
- Central: Downtown, Old South, Wortley Village, Woodfield
- North: Masonville, Hyde Park, Stoneybrook
- South: Byron, White Oaks, Westmount
- East: Old East Village, Pond Mills
For families, a clinic close to home or school often matters more than a specific neighbourhood. Use hellodent's location search to compare options near you, and check individual clinic profiles to see whether they list pediatric experience, ways to help young children settle in, or sedation options. If you cannot find the right fit in London, you may also want to search nearby Kitchener or Hamilton.
How to Choose a Children's Dental Services Provider in London
Credentials to Look For
Every dentist practising in Ontario must be registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). You can verify a dentist's credentials through the RCDSO. A pediatric dentist is a recognized specialist who completed extra graduate training in treating infants, children, and teens, including those with medical or behavioural needs.
Specialist vs General Dentist
Many children's treatments can be performed by general and family dentists, including exams, hygiene, fluoride, sealants, fillings, and simple extractions. More involved cases, such as very young children, patients with special needs, or sedation cases, may be referred to a pediatric dentist who works within that specialty only.
Questions to Ask at Your Child's First Visit
- Do you regularly see children at my child's age and stage?
- Do you offer the treatment I think my child needs?
- What are your options if my child is anxious or has trouble sitting still?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit?
Paying for Children's Dental Services in London
Insurance Coverage in Ontario
For most Ontario residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover routine children's dental services, though dental work done in a hospital may be covered. Many families use employer or association group plans, which often cover a share of preventive and basic treatment with annual maximums.
CDCP Eligibility
You may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. Treatments that may be covered include exams, X-rays if required, hygiene, fluoride, sealants for children 17 and under, and fillings. To be eligible, you need a household income under $90,000 per year, no private dental coverage, and a filed tax return for the previous year. Frequency limits may apply, and some treatments may need to be pre-authorized. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website. Coverage will need to be renewed annually.
Financing and Payment Plans
For larger treatment plans, such as several fillings or a sedation case, many London practices offer payment plans or work with third-party financing. Ask for a written estimate that lists each step so you can plan your budget.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
