CarolinasDentist Blog

Do General Dentists Treat Kids?

A mom and dad give piggy back rides to their two children outside CarolinasDentist, your local children's dentist

Family dentists and pediatric dentists are both required to complete an undergraduate degree and their dental degree to practice dentistry. Upon graduating from dental school, some dentists choose to join a dental practice right away or open their own, while others spend a few extra years specializing in a certain area within dentistry. Pediatric dentists typically have to complete two or more additional years of postgraduate education to become certified in pediatric dentistry.

How to Know If a General Dentist Accepts Children

When it comes to treating children, any dental professional who has completed their dental doctorate is qualified to work with children. However, some dentists or dental offices prefer working with older children or only adults. And some general dentists limit their practice to only children! They will often make this clear on their website or you can contact them directly to confirm the age range they accept. If they list information on their site about family dentistry or children’s dentistry, their office at least sees school-age children, though many welcome children beginning at their first birthday.

General vs. Pediatric Dentist

When choosing between a general dentist or a pediatric dentist for your children, your decision will likely depend on your child’s oral healthcare needs and your unique family situation. If convenience is a high priority for you, keeping your entire family’s dental treatments under one roof may be a better option than seeing a general dentist and a pediatric dentist. CarolinasDentist offers a variety of children’s dental services, including dental sealants, fluoride treatments, orthodontic evaluations, and professional teeth cleanings and exams.

While pediatric dental offices are sure to have child-centered amenities, many dental offices offer comfortable amenities that patients of all ages can enjoy. For example, our CarolinasDentist offices have warm blankets, complimentary refreshments, and noise-canceling headphones that can be helpful for a variety of ages.

Family Dentistry at CarolinasDentist

Do you need to schedule an appointment for yourself or your child? Contact one of our locations today! We’d love to welcome your family into our CarolinasDentist family.

Contact Us

Related Posts

Back To Top

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.

Choose your location:      

Select Office To Make Payment To