Independence Missouri pediatric dentist Neil Dean D D S Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Neil Dean, DDS

BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST

Experienced Pediatric Dentistry You Can Trust

Over the years, Dr. Neil Dean has helped thousands of children achieve the strong, healthy smiles they deserve along with the confidence that comes with them! A loving father and skilled pediatric dentist in Independence, he understands that each child has very unique oral health needs. He always personalizes his approach to ensure his patients get exactly what they need in the most comfortable and efficient way possible.

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Why Choose a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist?

Following dental school, Dr. Dean underwent years of specialty training specifically focused on treating patients aged 18 and under. He knows how to work with kids and make them feel right at home in his dental office.

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What Others are Saying

"I took my two young kids here, and they had such a great experience! Dr. Dean and the entire staff were so kind, patient, and answered any questions I had. Very clean and calm environment, and they had great communication prior to the appointment! Anyone looking for a dental home for their kids, I would highly recommend!"

Hannah L., Independence, MO

"Brought my daughters 4 and 9. One of them has some dental anxiety. But the whole atmosphere was calming. I really appreciate that you meet the doctor in a private room to discuss the procedures before any x-rays or cleanings are done. It helped ease my daughters anxiety. Very highly recommend."

Sarah W., Independence, MO

"Looking for a new dental home. kc dental is where you should go. Dr. Dean and his assistants are sweet treated my son with care."

Salina R., Independence, MO

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Frequently Asked Questions

At this point, you may have questions you’d like to ask our office. Fair enough – you want to know how treatment will work for your child. However, what if you don’t have time to call us over the phone? Even in that case, we at KC Kids Dental have you covered: listed below are some oft-asked questions our team hears and their answers. By looking them over, you and your little one can better prepare for office visits.

What Level of Education is Required to be a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentists receive similar education to general ones. That said, they do undergo a few extra steps of specialization.

 

For starters, all pediatric dentists must receive either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Sciences (DDS). They thus attend (and graduate from) one of the 67 accredited dental schools in the U.S. In doing so, they undergo three or four years of classroom and hands-on learning.

 

Once they’ve earned their dental degree and license, a pediatric dentist enters a two-year residency. This program gives them specialized instruction in child dentistry, including relevant surgeries, radiology, anesthesia, and more. It’ll also provide residents with the necessary skills and knowledge to work with children.

 

How Do I Find the Best Place to Get Pediatric Dental Work Done?

When looking for a pediatric dentist, you should do a few things. These include the following:

 

  • Define Your Priorities – Regarding your child’s dentist, what’s most important to you? Maybe it’s insurance acceptance, practice location, or credentials. Regardless, answer the question as best you can.
  • Know What Care Is Needed – Ensure you know your child’s needs before selecting a dental practice. Is it a simple checkup and cleaning? On the other hand, it may be restorative work like fillings or crowns. Whatever the issue, certain dentists are better for various procedures.
  • Get a Feel for the Practice – You want a dentist who offers quality service. As such, examine them closely. Do they treat their patients well and provide personalized attention? Do their patient reviews and smile gallery imply excellent results?

 

How Much Does a Kid’s Dental Checkup & Cleaning Cost in Independence?

The price of standard dentistry for a child varies. Based on factors like geography and dental health, costs can rise or fall. You’ll thus need to see a dentist in-person for an exact estimate.

 

All that said, the average U.S. dental checkup can cost between $200 and $350. This range is due to the visit including a consultation, an oral exam, professional cleaning, and an oral cancer screening. However, note that dental plans can reduce the price. When applicable, an insurance company will negotiate checkup and cleaning fees with the dentist.

 

What Do You Do If You Can’t Afford a Pediatric Dentist?

The core of dentistry – pediatric or otherwise – is preventive care. Therefore, a pediatric dentist is typically budget-friendly and saves you money. If you can’t afford one, though, there are ways to reduce the price(s) involved.

 

One such method is dental insurance. With access to the right kind, your policy’s benefits will cover much of a treatment’s cost. For example, most dental plans offer full coverage for preventive care.

 

Of course, there are other ways to make pediatric dentistry affordable. Many dental practices offer discounted fees and payment plans. At the same time, you could try qualifying for Medicaid or Medicare dental benefits.