From First Tooth to Confident Smile, Where Kids Learn to Love the Dentist

Certified pediatric dentist specializing in anxious children, early intervention, and fear-free care.

We focus on creating positive first experiences that last a lifetime.

With 43 years dedicated to pediatric dentistry.

Building trust and comfort before treatment begins.

Schedule your child's first visit

Every Stage of Your Child's Dental Development

Thoughtful dental care tailored to your child's age and needs.

Ages 0–3

Getting Started

We focus on parent education and

comfort-building, not invasive treatment

Fluoride application and cavity

prevention education

Regular checkups to monitor

development

What to Expect:

A gentle introduction, active parent involvement, and a no-pressure approach that builds positive dental experiences.

Ages 4–7

Foundation Building

Tell-Show-Do method for comfort

Cavity prevention (sealants, fluoride treatments)

Early assessment for orthodontic needs

Development of positive dental habits

What to Expect:

A fun, interactive approach that teaches kids about their teeth while building independent care habits.

Ages 8–12

Growing Independence

Continued preventive care and education

Early orthodontic intervention if needed

Building confidence and ownership of dental health

Regular checkups and professional cleanings

What to Expect:

Active involvement, early orthodontic insight, and prevention-focused care.

Ages 13+

Teen Transition

Comprehensive orthodontics if needed

Adult dental care while maintaining pediatric relationship

Lifelong continuity with Dr. Ben

Independence and self-care

What to Expect:

Direct communication, clear options, and growing independence in care.

Why Pediatric Dentistry at Cumberland is Different

Specialists, Not General Dentists

Focused care from dentists trained specifically in children's oral health

Experts in Anxious Children

We create calm, positive dental experiences for every child

Prevention-First Philosophy

Protecting your child's smile before problems begin

Continuity of Care with One Team

The same trusted team at every stage of growth

Addressing Your Specific Concerns

My child is terrified of the dentist

If your child has dental anxiety or a past negative experience, that’s completely understandable.

Our approach is gradual and pressure-free—starting with simple office visits, then slowly introducing tools and exams at your child’s pace. We’ve helped children with severe dental fear rebuild trust step by step, without forcing treatment. Most parents are amazed to see anxious kids become comfortable within just a few visits. We’re always happy to talk through your child’s needs and create a plan together before any appointment.

Questions about your child? Call us — we're happy to talk.

My child has a cavity, am I a bad parent?

Cavities are not a parenting failure.

Genetics, biology, and bacteria all play a role - sometimes despite good habits and attentive care. What matters now is understanding what happened and creating a prevention plan together. We focus on education, problem-solving, and solutions that fit your family’s lifestyle, without judgment or blame - just a clear path forward.

Baby teeth fall out anyway, why treat them?

Baby teeth matter more than most parents realize.

They guide jaw growth, support proper alignment, and protect the health of permanent teeth developing underneath. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infection, misalignment, and anxiety that follow children into adulthood - and often lead to far more complex and costly treatment later. While baby teeth do fall out, they’re in place for years, not months. Caring for them now prevents long-term problems and helps children build a healthy, confident relationship with dental care for life.

Does fluoride work? Is it safe?

Fluoride is one of the most researched tools in dentistry and, when applied professionally, is safe and effective—reducing cavity risk in children by up to 30%.

Dental fluoride is used in small, age-appropriate doses, applied topically, and not swallowed, which is very different from water fluoridation. We always discuss fluoride with parents beforehand, explain the science behind our recommendations, and respect your preferences. If you have concerns, we’re happy to talk through them and explore alternative preventive options that fit your family.

Questions about your child? Call us — we're happy to talk.

What about special needs or sensory issues?

We care for children with special needs, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral challenges—and we don’t dismiss them or refer them out.

Our team adapts each visit with sensory-friendly environments, flexible scheduling, extended time when needed, and communication accommodations that respect how your child communicates. We believe every child deserves dental care, and that behavior is communication—not defiance. If your child needs specific accommodations, we’re here to work with you to make dental care possible.

Questions about your child? Call us, we're happy to talk.

Prevention Is Our Philosophy

Fluoride & Sealants

Professional treatments that strengthen enamel and protect vulnerable teeth.

Result:

Stronger teeth and fewer cavities

Home Care Education

Teaching kids and parents proper brushing, flossing, and daily habits.

Result:

Healthy routines that last a lifetime

Regular Monitoring

Routine checkups to catch small issues before they become bigger problems.

Result:
Early intervention and peace of mind

What Families Say

"Fear-free"

"My son has always been terrified of the dentist, to the point of tears in the parking lot. From the very first visit, Dr. Ben's team completely transformed that for us. They took their time, never rushed him, and explained everything so he felt in control. He's actually excited to go back now. As a mom, that peace of mind is everything."

Sarah M., Cumberland, RI

Pediatric Patient, Age 7

"No-brainer"

"When it was time to talk about m,y daughter's braces at age nine, it was a complete no-brainer to stay right here. The fact that Dr. Ben is board-certified in orthodontics AND Dr. Chan had been her pediatric dentist her whole life, that continuity is something you just can't put a price on. She finishes treatment next month and her smile is incredible."

Jennifer & Tom K., Lincoln, RI

Orthodontic Patient, Age 13

"Multi-Generational"

"Dr. William saw my kids when they were small. Now Dr. Goodman and Dr. Ben see my grandchildren. The same practice, the same values, caring for three generations of my family, it's just rare to find that anymore. The Chans know us and our trust in them was built over decades and it means everything."

Patricia D., Woonsocket, RI

Patient Family Since 1994

Addressing the Unspoken Objections

We understand your concerns

Here's how we address them

What’s the right age for the first dental visit?

We recommend a first visit around age 2 or when the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first. This early visit focuses on comfort and parent education,

not treatment. It sets a positive tone for future dental health.

How often should my child visit the dentist?

Most children benefit from visits every 6 months for professional cleaning and assessment. Some children with higher cavity risk may benefit from more frequent visits. We'll recommend a schedule based on your child's specific needs.

When do permanent teeth start coming in?

Permanent teeth typically start erupting around age 6, beginning with the front bottom teeth. The process continues through the early teen years. We monitor this development at each visit and alert you to any concerns.

Is it normal for my child to lose baby teeth?

Yes, baby teeth naturally loosen and fall out as permanent teeth come in.

This typically starts around age 6 and continues through age 12. If a tooth seems loose before age 5, or if permanent teeth aren't replacing baby teeth, let us know.

How much does a typical visit cost?

Costs vary by procedure. A typical checkup and cleaning runs $XXX-$XXX.

We'll provide exact costs before any procedure. We accept most insurance plans and offer payment plans to fit your budget. Call us for specific pricing.