Pediatric Dentistry
Kid-Friendly Dental Care at Family First Dental
If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Rexburg, ID who’s gentle with kids and easy for parents to work with, we’d love to meet your family. At Family First Dental, we’re a family dental office that sees kids alongside their parents. Dr. Craig Stout has spent nearly 20 years caring for Rexburg families, and he knows how to make a dental visit feel a lot less scary for a 5-year-old.
We’re a general family dental practice, not a specialty pediatric office. What that means for you: your child gets friendly, kid-appropriate care in the same office where you get yours, on the same schedule, with a dentist who treats the whole family. For kids old enough to sit through a cleaning (usually age 4 or 5 and up), that’s a simple, easy-to-manage setup.
When Should My Child First See a Dentist?
Most kids start coming to us around age 4 or 5. By that age, they can usually follow simple instructions, sit still for a short cleaning, and open wide when we ask. That’s when regular dental visits start to feel like visits instead of a wrestling match.
If your child is younger than 4, or if you’re looking for a first-tooth checkup for an infant or toddler, a specialty pediatric dentist is usually the better fit. Those offices are built specifically for the under-4 crowd. We’re happy to point you toward a good one.
Once your child is ready for regular cleanings, we’d love to have the whole family at one office. Kids who grow up with a steady dental routine tend to have fewer problems later, and they’re a lot less anxious about sitting in the chair as they get older.
What Happens at Your Child's First Visit
First visits are short and simple. We’re not trying to squeeze a full treatment into day one. The goal is to help your child feel comfortable, meet the team, and walk out thinking the dentist wasn’t so bad after all.
Here’s what a typical first visit looks like:
- A warm welcome from our front desk and a quick tour of the operatory so nothing feels surprising
- A gentle exam where Dr. Stout counts teeth, checks the bite, and looks for early signs of decay
- A soft cleaning if your child is ready, and we never push it
- Digital X-rays, but only if they're needed and your child is comfortable
- Time to ask questions and talk through what a normal dental routine looks like at home
We take things at your child’s pace. If they need a break, they get one. If they want to hold mom’s hand the whole time, that’s fine too.
Making Kids Comfortable in the Chair
A lot of grown-ups tell us they’ve been scared of the dentist since they were kids. We take that seriously. Our whole approach with kids is built around keeping the experience calm, predictable, and even a little bit fun.
TVs and Wireless Headphones in Every Room
Every operatory has a TV on the ceiling and wireless headphones your child can use during the visit. They pick a show or a movie, put on the headphones, and the cleaning is basically over before they notice. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference, especially for kids who get antsy or nervous in new places.
Parents Stay in the Room
Parents are always welcome in the treatment room. You don’t have to sit in the waiting area and wonder what’s happening. Stay right next to your child, hold their hand, and watch the whole appointment. We’d rather have you there than not.
Services We Offer for Kids
Family First Dental in Rexburg is your go-to destination for outstanding dental care, led by the experienced and compassionate Dr. Stout. Our practice is dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive dental services in a welcoming environment, ensuring every patient feels like part of our family. Dr. Stout and his team are committed to the health and happiness of the Rexburg community, offering a wide range of dental treatments tailored to meet your needs.
What About Cost and Insurance?
We know dental bills can catch families off guard. Here’s how we keep things straightforward:
- New patients get our $79 exam plus X-rays special, a low-cost way to check your child's teeth and see if we're the right fit
- We accept most major private dental insurance, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Blue Cross, Guardian, DMBA, GEHA, United Healthcare, and Principal
- We do not accept Medicaid. If your child is on Medicaid, we can recommend offices in the area that do
- Payment plans are available through WellCredit and Cherry if you need to spread out a larger bill
- We go over cost with you before any treatment starts, so there are no surprises
If you want to see everything we offer for both kids and adults, take a look at our full range of services.
Office hOURS
Hours That Work for Busy Families
Between school, work, and activities, getting a kid to the dentist during business hours isn’t always easy. Our schedule is built for families who need flexibility:
Evening appointments on Tuesday and Thursday work great for after-school visits. Saturday mornings are popular for families who’d rather not pull kids out of class.
Serving Rexburg and Eastern Idaho
Our office is at 286 E Moody Rd, Suite F in Rexburg. We see families from across eastern Idaho, including Rigby, Sugar City, St. Anthony, Ashton, Island Park, Driggs, and Victor. Call us at (208) 400-9946 or book an appointment online to get your child on the schedule.
Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?
Our friendly team at Family First Dental is here to help! With five convenient locations across the Tri-Cities, it’s easy to find the care you need. Contact your office today and let us take care of your dental health.
Common Inquiries
Questions Parents Ask About Kids' Dental Care
At what age should a child first see a dentist?
We see kids starting around age 4 or 5, once they can sit through a short cleaning and follow simple instructions. If your child is younger than that, a specialty pediatric dentist is usually a better fit, and we’re happy to help you find one in the area.
What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?
A pediatric dentist is a specialist who completed two extra years of training focused only on kids, including infants and toddlers. A family dentist like Dr. Stout treats patients of all ages in one office. For kids age 4 and up who can sit through a regular cleaning, a family dentist works well and keeps the whole family on one schedule.
Can my child be seen without me in the room?
Parents are always welcome to stay in the treatment room during every visit. You don’t have to wait in the lobby. Sit with your child, hold their hand, and watch the whole appointment if that helps them feel safe.