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How Often Should My Child Visit the Dentist?

baby girl sticks out her tongue showing off two front baby teeth

Even if your child has only baby teeth, those teeth are important. They help your child eat and speak. Sometimes, an issue that he or she develops during childhood can continue into adulthood. For these reasons and others, your child should receive routine dental appointments from CarolinasDentist, serving various regions of North Carolina. So how often should you take your child to the dentist?

Recommendations

Generally, you should start taking your child to the dentist as soon as his or her first tooth erupts. Some pediatricians recommend waiting until your child is two or three, but earlier dental care can help detect problems early and start your child off with a solid foundation for good oral health.

After you first start taking your child to the dentist, you should take him or her to the dentist every six months for routine dental care. During these appointments, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth thoroughly. Then, the dentist will also evaluate your kid’s teeth for any problems. These routine appointments are excellent times for you to receive education about how to keep your children’s teeth healthy for years to come.

Insurance

Fortunately, a majority of dental policies provide coverage for bi-yearly appointments for your child. Therefore, these appointments will be fully or partially covered. This is part of the preventative care that insurance policies cover to prevent problems in the future.

Special Considerations

Some children may require more frequent visits than others. For instance, if your child has type I diabetes, he or she is more prone to certain issues, such as gum disease since your child’s immune system won’t be able to fight the bacteria as well. Dry mouth is also common with diabetes and can lead to an increase in oral health problems like decay.

Other health problems and oral health issues can make more frequent dental visits necessary. Therefore, you should consult with our dentists about the ideal schedule for your child.

Pediatric Dentistry at CarolinasDentist

At CarolinasDentist, we offer routine dental care for children. This can prevent numerous issues in the future. Most kids can visit twice a year for optimal oral health while some need more frequent dental care. Contact CarolinasDentist, serving various parts of North Carolina, for a routine dental visit for your child today by calling one of our locations or using our online contact form.

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.