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Children's Dentistry in Clarks Summit, PA

Children’s dentistry focuses on gentle, preventive care that keeps young smiles healthy and helps kids feel comfortable at the dentist from their very first visit. At Abington Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Charles W. Dennis welcomes children as part of caring for the whole family – offering friendly checkups, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants in a warm, unhurried environment. We care for kids across Clarks Summit, the Abingtons, and Scranton, and we love helping little patients grow up with healthy habits and a positive view of the dentist.

4.9 · 700+ Google reviews

24+ years experience

Insurance accepted

Child First

When should my child first see the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Starting this early may seem soon, but it makes a real difference: it lets us monitor your child’s development from the beginning, catch any concerns early, and – just as importantly – helps your child build a positive, fear-free relationship with the dentist that lasts a lifetime.

visit

What to expect at your child's visit

We take extra time with our youngest patients, explaining each step in simple, friendly terms so nothing feels scary. A typical children’s visit includes a gentle cleaning, an age-appropriate exam to check growth and development, fluoride if needed, and plenty of encouragement. Our goal is simple: we want every child to leave feeling confident and even a little excited about taking care of their smile.

We Offer

Children's dental services we offer

These are the situations we most often see in the first consultation. If two or more sound familiar, it’s worth a conversation.

Exams & cleanings

Gentle checkups every six months to monitor development and spot small issues early.

Fluoride treatments

To strengthen enamel and protect against cavities, based on your child’s risk.

Dental sealants

A thin protective coating on the chewing surfaces of back molars - one of the most effective ways to prevent cavities in school-age children.

Oral hygiene education

We teach kids (and parents) proper brushing and flossing in a fun, memorable way.

Habit counseling

Guidance on thumb-sucking and pacifier use that can affect how teeth and the jaw develop.

X-rays & cavity care

Age-appropriate X-rays and gentle treatment of cavities when needed.

extra protection

Fluoride and sealants: extra protection against cavities

Two of the simplest, most effective tools in children’s dentistry are fluoride and sealants. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acids that cause decay. Sealants are a thin, protective coating painted onto the grooves of the back molars – the spots where food and bacteria most easily hide and cavities most often start. Together, they give your child’s teeth a strong head start through the cavity-prone years, quickly and painlessly.

Baby Teeth

Why baby teeth matter

It’s a common myth that baby teeth don’t matter because they’ll fall out anyway. In reality, healthy baby teeth are important: they help your child chew and speak properly, and they hold space for the permanent teeth that follow. A baby tooth lost too early to decay can let other teeth drift, leading to crowding and alignment problems later. Caring for baby teeth now sets the stage for a healthier adult smile – and builds the habits that protect it.

Help Your Child

Helping your child feel comfortable at the dentist

A calm, positive first experience shapes how a child feels about dental care for years. Our team is patient and gentle, moving at your child’s pace and turning the visit into something friendly rather than frightening. A few things parents can do to help:

Talk about the visit positively beforehand – keep it light and matter-of-fact.

Avoid words like ‘hurt’ or ‘shot’; let us introduce the experience in kid-friendly terms.

Schedule visits when your child is well-rested, not tired or hungry.

Read a fun book about visiting the dentist together before the appointment.

family dentist

A family dentist your child never has to outgrow

One of the biggest advantages of a family practice is continuity. Your child can see the same trusted dentist from their very first tooth through their teenage years – including options like Invisalign when they’re older – and right into adulthood, without ever having to switch offices. Siblings and parents can be seen in the same place, on the same day, by a team that knows your whole family. It’s dental care that grows with your child.

Insurance

We accept most major plans.

We file your claims on your behalf and verify your insurance coverage after your visit.

Financing

Flexible ways to pay.

CareCredit

APR promotional plans from 6 to 24 months.

Affirm

Instant approval, 3-to-72 month plans, no impact to credit.

HSA / FSA

We accept all major HSA and FSA cards for eligible services.

Meet the doctor

Care led by a senior clinician.

Your consultation is led personally by the founding clinician – over two decades of restorative, cosmetic and implant experience, delivered with the same unhurried care that has kept generations of Abingtons families with the practice.

Real results

Before & after.

BEFORE AFTER

Porcelain Veneers · 8 Units

Treatment period: 3 weeks

Orthodontics · 11 months

case-01

Invisalign & whitening

Mild crowding corrected with clear aligners, finished with in-office whitening.

BEFORE AFTER

Porcelain Veneers · 8 Units

Treatment period: 3 weeks

Orthodontics · 11 months

case-01

Invisalign & whitening

Mild crowding corrected with clear aligners, finished with in-office whitening.

Patient stories

In their own words.

“Dr and his team were fantastic! I went in when my regular dentist was booked but after coming in and seeing the work and the amazing care they provided me with I have now switched over to him and also switched my children over. I’ve never been one to write a review but I can’t say enough good about Dr. Dennis and his amazing team of staff!

“

Marissa Grasso

Abington Center

“Abington Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is the best!!! My family has been going there for many years. Both of my children live 2 hours away and they drive back to have their dental appointments here.“

Marian Booth

Abington Center

“Dr. Dennis and his team of hygienists have always provided me and my family first rate care. They work quickly and efficiently and always make sure that I am comfortable. I Highly recommend using Abington Center for cosmetic & Family Dentistry!“

Patrick Nasser

Abington Center

Frequently asked

Questions we hear often.

When should my child first see the dentist?

By their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth appearing, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Early visits help kids build positive habits and let us monitor development from the start.

Are baby teeth really that important?

Yes. Baby teeth help your child chew and speak and hold space for the permanent teeth. Losing them too early to decay can cause crowding and alignment issues later, so caring for them matters.

How can I prepare my child for a dental visit?

Talk about it positively, avoid scary words like ‘hurt’ or ‘shot’, schedule when your child is rested, and consider reading a fun book about the dentist. Our team takes it from there with a gentle, kid-friendly approach.

Is fluoride safe for children?

Yes – fluoride is safe and highly effective at strengthening enamel and preventing cavities when used in the appropriate amount, which we tailor to your child’s age and cavity risk.

What are dental sealants and does my child need them?

Sealants are a thin protective coating applied to the back molars to keep out the bacteria and food that cause cavities. They’re one of the most effective preventive measures for school-age children.

How often should my child see the dentist?

Every six months for most children, so we can clean their teeth, apply fluoride if needed, and monitor development. Some children benefit from more frequent visits, which we’ll advise on.

What if my child is nervous or has dental anxiety?

That’s very common, and we’re experienced at putting kids at ease. We move at your child’s pace, explain everything in friendly terms, and keep the visit calm and positive.

Do you treat children of all ages?

Yes – from a baby’s first checkup through the teenage years and into adulthood. As a family practice, your child never has to switch to a new dentist as they grow.

My child chipped a tooth - what should I do?

Call us right away. We provide same-day care for children’s dental emergencies. In the meantime, rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress for swelling, and save any tooth fragments.

Give your child a healthy start

A lifetime of healthy smiles begins with gentle, positive early care. Call (570) 587-4031 or request an appointment, and we’ll make your child’s visit easy, friendly, and stress-free.