Alan ‘Bo’ Borenstein6 Best Kids’ Dentists in Vancouver
Children. They grow up so fast, eh? And as they grow, it’s important to ensure their dental health is taken care of. If your kid is like most kids, going to the dentist may not be their favorite activity.
That’s why we listed down some of the best kids’ dentists in Vancouver that specialize in providing a positive and comfortable experience for children.
Vancouver’s Kids’ Dentists
Kids Dentists, also known as pediatric dentists, are skilled professionals that can make dental visits more comfortable and enjoyable for your children.
This is why we’ve assessed these dentists based on their expertise, demeanor, facilities, and many more factors. Check out the criteria we’ve used below to assess the kids dentists:
1. Little Smiles Dental Centre
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Education and Training | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Pediatric Specialization | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Dentist Demeanor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Ambience | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Technology and Equipment | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Flexible Scheduling | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
CEO of Little Smiles Dental Centre, Jong Hyun Ban, is a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Certified Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry.
It really impressed us that he provides a full scope of pediatric dentistry, including special needs patients and children with dental anxiety.
Dr. Ban’s affiliations are also remarkable, as he’s an active member of numerous organizations, such as the Canadian Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the BC Society of Pediatric Dentistry, the Dental Specialist Society of BC, and many more.
He has also taught pediatric dental residents at the BC Children’s Hospital and was an Associate Clinical Professor in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of British Columbia.
We believe these experiences have greatly contributed to Dr. Ban’s expertise in treating children with dental anxiety.
From what we’ve seen, Little Smiles Dental Centre’s facilities are quite welcoming to kids, as they’re designed with bright colors and child-friendly decorations.
We also appreciate that they have in-house financing options available for families who may need assistance with payments.
All in all,we highly recommend the Little Smiles Dental Centre if you’re planning to take your kid to the dentist for the first time. Dr. Ban has extensive experience working with children makes him one of the best kids’ dentists in Vancouver.
Pros
- Many professional affiliations
- Extensive experience working with children
- In-house financing options available
Cons
- Limited patient capacity
Client Reviews
Excellent dental clinic
“Excellent dental care clinic in town. Our daughter was first time here and she had great experiences…”
-Tiffany N.
Exceptional level of care
“My son had an amazing experience with Dr. Li. The level of care they provide their patients is exceptional…”
-Rhiniza V.
2. Playtime Pediatric Dentistry
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Education and Training | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Pediatric Specialization | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Dentist Demeanor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Cleanliness | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Ambience | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Technology and Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexible Scheduling | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Playtime Pediatric Dentistry takes a child-focused approach by practicing child-friendly language and creating a fun environment for kids to feel comfortable during their dental visits.
Our favorite thing about Playtime Pediatric Dentistry is that they’re able to accommodate dental emergencies such as bleeding or swelling teeth. In our opinion, this service shows their commitment to the immediate care of their young patients.
We also like to think that this service eases the minds of parents, knowing that their child will receive prompt attention in case of a dental emergency.
Playtime Pediatric Dentistry’s many customizable treatment plans also caught our attention, as they offer many sedation options, including laughing gas, conscious sedation, and general anesthesia.
We also noticed how accessible their dental clinic is, as it’s located by the Olympic Village Canada Line, so clients are able to easily go here through the Skytrain.
Moreover, many of the parents of the children’s patients we’ve approached shared with us how patient and compassionate their dentists were, making sure to provide a positive experience to their children.
On a whole, we think it’s safe to say that Playtime Pediatric Dentistry is one of the best kids’ dentists in Vancouver for their customizable treatment plans and accessible location.
Pros
- Child-focused approach
- Can accommodate dental emergencies
Cons
- No in-house financing options
Client Reviews
Sweet staff
“We’ve been going to Playtime for years! They have the sweetest staff that genuinely like kids and makes the experience so positive for my kid…”
-Bianca C.
Patient and compassionate
“Dr Ella Choi and Lily treated my 3 year old daughter with great care and attention. They were patient and compassionate…”
-James V.
3. Monarch Pediatric Dental Centre
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Education and Training | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Pediatric Specialization | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Dentist Demeanor | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Ambience | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Technology and Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexible Scheduling | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Monarch Pediatric Dental Center is another option worth considering. Kids’ dentists here are all experienced pediatric dentists that are trained to handle and care for kids and babies, including those with special needs.
We were also fascinated with the fact that they’ve treated over 55,000 patients over the years, which, in our opinion, proves their expertise and consistency.
Inside, we liked that the Monarch Pediatric Dental Centre’s reception has a clean and modern design, but boy were we surprised to see how awesome their treatment rooms were.
Their treatment rooms have a nature-inspired theme that includes trees, blue-sky ceilings, aquariums, and even butterflies. We think that the environment that they created makes children feel calm and relaxed during their dental visits.
Another thing we liked was that their welcome areas are full of toys, books, and video games, which we believe helps distract and entertain children while they wait for their appointments.
We also appreciate how easy it is to book an appointment with them, as interested clients are able to do this online.
On a whole, we think Monarch Pediatric Dental Center is one of the best kids’ dentists in Vancouver, as they provide a comfortable and child-friendly environment for dental care.
Pros
- Served over 55,000 patients
- Kid-friendly dental office
Cons
- Relatively pricey
Client Reviews
Kind and gentle dentists
“Our daughter used to be fearful of the dentist, but has enjoyed coming here. Dr. Shan is very kind and gentle…”
-Ignatius N.
Very good with kids
‘Monarch is excellent! My kids actually like going to the dentist and they are so good with the kids…”
-Alexander L.
4. Kiddo Smile Pediatric Dentistry
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Education and Training | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Pediatric Specialization | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Dentist Demeanor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Ambience | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Technology and Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexible Scheduling | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Dr. Raylien Chao, founder of Kiddo Smile Pediatric Dentistry, is a board-certified pediatric dental specialist in Canada. Dr. Chao is fluent in both Mandarin and English, which we think makes her unique.
Another thing we liked about Dr. Chao is that aside from being a pediatric dentist, she’s also a mother, which we think makes her more sensitive and understanding when it comes to treating children.
Dr. Chaos took her pediatric specialty training in Florida, with the Langone Health Center, Tampa General Hospital, and South Florida Baptist Hospital. She’s also an active member of the BC Dental Association.
We were impressed to see that they use modern dental technology, such as the Solea Dental Laser, which allows for painless and precise dental procedures.
Some of the services they provide include check-ups, frenectomies, de-sensitization, fluoride varnishes, and many others to ensure comprehensive dental care for children.
Moreover, many of the patients’ parents we’ve interviewed praise how extremely patient and caring Dr. Raylien Chao is, which makes their children relaxed during their sessions.
With all this in mind, we highly recommend that you consider visiting Kiddo Smile Pediatric Dentistry if you’re looking for one of the best kids’ dentists in Vancouver.
Pros
- Fluent in Mandarin and English
- Modern dental technology
Cons
- Limited patient capacity
Client Reviews
Ensures a relaxing environment for kids
“The best dental experience ever! My daughter really enjoys her time there and Dr. Chao and her staffs ensures my daughter is relaxed…”
-Jim P.
Extremely patient and caring
“Dr. Chao is professional, extremely patient and caring for kids. I bought my kids (2 and 7) to her a while ago, and after two visits, they significantly overcome the fear of being seen by dentist…”
-Vicky T.
5. Coastal Dental Specialists
| WEBSITE | https://www.coastaldent.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 236 Lonsdale Ave. North Vancouver, BC V7M 2G1 |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 604 924 7727 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM |
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Education and Training | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Pediatric Specialization | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Dentist Demeanor | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Ambience | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Technology and Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexible Scheduling | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Coastal Dental Specialists is a stellar choice for parents seeking top-tier dental care for their little ones. Our recent visit to their facility left us thoroughly impressed.
From the moment we stepped into their welcoming clinic, it was evident Coastal Dental Specialists places a premium on service.
Their staff, with their warm smiles and reassuring demeanor, immediately put our child at ease.
The kid-friendly atmosphere, complete with colorful decor and a treasure chest of prizes, transformed a dental visit into a delightful adventure.
Reputation is paramount when selecting a dentist, and Coastal Dental Specialists lives up to its sterling name. The accolades they’ve received for their pediatric dentistry expertise are well-deserved.
Our child’s dental health was entrusted to seasoned professionals who exhibited both precision and patience. It’s no wonder they’re a trusted name in the community.
Convenience is a key factor for busy parents, and Coastal Dental Specialists understands this perfectly.
Scheduling an appointment was a breeze, and their flexible hours accommodated our family’s demanding schedule effortlessly.
We were pleasantly surprised by their efficient service, which minimized wait times, ensuring our child’s time in the chair was the focus of our visit.
Of course, we can’t forget to mention cost. Quality dental care can be expensive, but Coastal Dental Specialists strikes an ideal balance.
Their transparent pricing and willingness to work with insurance providers eased our financial concerns. We left their clinic knowing our child received top-notch care without breaking the bank.
Unfortunately, they can get busy during peak days. We suggest booking them ahead of time.
Pros
- Exceptional reputation
- Skilled professionals
- Kid-friendly environment
Cons
- Busy during peak days
Client Reviews
“Coastal Dental Specialists saved the day! My child used to dread dentist visits, but their warm staff and fun atmosphere turned it into a joy. Highly recommended!”
“Outstanding service! The team at Coastal Dental Specialists made our dental visit stress-free. They’re the best in town for pediatric dentistry.”
6. Smiley Kids Dental
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Expertise | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Education and Training | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Pediatric Specialization | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Dentist Demeanor | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Cleanliness | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Ambience | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Technology and Equipment | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Flexible Scheduling | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Edward Chin, director of Smiley Kids Dental, is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Canada and BC and a lecturer in the Faculty of Dentistry at The University of BC.
He runs his clinic along with his team of professionals, which has served more than 3,000 patients. We were fairly impressed with this number, as it proves the extensive experience and expertise of Dr. Chin and his team.
Here at Smiley Kids Dental, they offer extractions, root canal treatments, fillings, porcelain crowns, stainless steel crowns, digital x-rays, and orthodontics, among others.
We’re just a little bummed that they’re closed on weekends and holidays, but we’ll let that go for now. Besides, it’s a huge convenience that they don’t require referrals.
When we went inside the clinic, we were surprised at how sleek and modern the interior design was. We also noticed they have toys in the waiting area, which we thought was a thoughtful touch to keep children entertained.
Indeed, most of the parents we spoke with in the waiting area mentioned this as one of the reasons they enjoy bringing their children here.
Overall, we’re happy with what we saw at Smiley Kids Dental, and we highly recommend them as one of the best kids’ dentists in Vancouver.
Pros
- Two clinic locations
- Wide range of dental services
Cons
- No emergency services
Client Reviews
Friendly and exceptional service
“The staff at smiley kids dental were friendly and gave exceptional service. It was our first visit…”
-Shannon T.
Modern facilities
“Dr Chin and all the staff at this clinic are all top notch professionals. Their facility is new and modern, and are extremely skilled…”
-Joy H.
FAQs about Kids’ Dentists in Vancouver
Dentists may just be one of the scariest visits a child will go through, but hey, why not take your child to an indoor playground in Vancouver to help ease their fears?
Or maybe take ’em to one of the best ice cream shops in downtown Vancouver to reward them for their bravery after the dental visit.
