Pediatric Dentistry
A beautiful smile can boost your confidence. Our Pediatric dentist in Melbourne, FL, offers a range
of services, including teeth whitening, veneers, and more. At Toland Dental,
we help you achieve a smile you’ll love.
Creating Positive Dental Experiences That Last a Lifetime
Is your child anxious about visiting the dentist? At Toland Dental, we understand that early dental experiences shape a lifetime of oral health habits. Dr. Laif Toland, a Melbourne native who prioritizes patient comfort over profits, has created a child-friendly environment where young patients feel safe, comfortable, and excited about dental care.
Our secret weapon? Meet Piper, our certified therapy dog who helps children relax and enjoy their dental visits. Combined with gentle techniques and a family-focused approach, we transform potential anxiety into positive associations with dental care.
Why Children Love Visiting Toland Dental
A Practice Built for Young Patients
Dr. Toland’s experience with corporate dental environments taught him that children deserve gentle, unhurried care—not rushed appointments focused on profits. Having witnessed how pressure-driven dentistry can create lifelong dental anxiety, he designed our pediatric program to prioritize your child’s emotional comfort alongside their oral health.
What makes our approach different
- Piper, our therapy dog provides calming companionship during appointments
- No-pressure environment allows children to proceed at their own pace
- Family-like care treats every child as if they were our own
- Education-focused approach helps children understand and embrace oral health
The Piper Advantage: Therapy Dog Comfort
Meet Piper, your child’s new best friend at the dentist! Our certified therapy dog has transformed countless anxious children into enthusiastic dental patients. Research shows that therapy animals can significantly reduce stress hormones and anxiety levels in pediatric healthcare settings.
How Piper helps your child:
- Provides emotional support during treatment
- Creates positive associations with dental visits
- Reduces stress and anxiety naturally
- Offers comfort through gentle, calming presence
- Makes dental appointments something to look forward to
Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Services
Starting Early: First Visit by Age One
The earlier, the better. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Early visits focus on prevention, education, and creating positive experiences rather than treatment.
First visit includes:
- Gentle oral examination with child-friendly instruments
- Teeth cleaning appropriate for your child’s age
- Fluoride treatment if recommended
- Parent education on proper home care
- Introduction to Piper for comfort and bonding
Preventive Care That Protects Growing Smiles
Prevention is always better than treatment. Our preventive approach focuses on maintaining
healthy primary teeth, which are crucial for proper speech development, nutrition, and
space maintenance for permanent teeth.
Preventive services include:
- Regular cleanings using gentle, child-sized instruments
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen developing tooth enamel
- Dental sealants on permanent molars to prevent cavities
- Oral health education teaching proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Dietary counseling to reduce cavity-causing foods and drinks
Addressing Common Childhood Dental Issues
Every child’s needs are unique. Dr. Toland’s gentle approach ensures that when treatment is necessary,
children feel safe and comfortable throughout the process. Our therapy dog Piper provides
additional comfort during any procedures.
Common treatments we provide:
- Tooth-colored fillings for cavities using biocompatible materials
- Pulp therapy to save infected primary teeth when possible
- Space maintainers to preserve room for permanent teeth
- Habit intervention for thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Emergency care for dental injuries or urgent pain relief
Our Child-Friendly Process:
What to Expect
Warm Welcome and Introduction
Your child meets our friendly team and, most importantly, Piper our therapy dog. We take time to build trust and comfort before any examination begins.
Gentle “Look, See, Do” Approach
Dr. Toland uses the “look, see, do” technique, showing instruments to your child, demonstrating on Piper or a stuffed animal, then gently using them. This builds understanding and reduces fear.
Parent Involvement
You’re always welcome in the treatment room. Dr. Toland believes parents are crucial partners in their child’s dental health journey. Unlike corporate dental chains that often separate families, we encourage your presence and participation.
Positive Reinforcement
Every child receives praise for cooperation and bravery. Combined with Piper’s loving presence, children leave feeling proud of their dental visit experience.
What Families Say About Our Care
“After bad experiences with corporate dental chains, we were skeptical about finding ethical dental care. Dr. Toland’s transparency and genuine care for our entire family restored our faith in dentistry. He treats us like family,
not patients.”
“Dr. Toland is everything we hoped to find in a family dentist. Our kids actually enjoy their dental visits, which seems impossible, but Piper and Dr. Toland’s gentle approach make all the difference. Finally, a dentist who cares more about our family’s health than making money.”
Comprehensive Guide to PediatricDentistry
Immediate Health Benefits
- Prevention of tooth decay through professional cleaning and fluoride
- Early problem detection before issues become painful or extensive
- Proper oral development supporting speech and eating function
- Pain prevention through proactive rather than reactive care
Long-Term Advantages
- Positive dental associations lasting into adulthood
- Excellent oral hygiene habits established early
- Reduced lifetime dental costs through prevention
- Confident smiles supporting social development
- Better overall health through oral-systemic health connections
Dr. Toland’s insight: “Having seen how negative childhood dental experiences can create lifelong anxiety, I’m committed to making every visit positive. When children enjoy coming to the dentist, they develop habits that serve them for life.”
Dr. Laif Toland: Your Hometown Pediatric Dentist
Why families in Melbourne, FL trust Dr. Toland:
Dr. Toland earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Kentucky in 2018, followed by extensive training in pediatric dental care. However, his most valuable qualification might be his experience as a Melbourne native who chose to serve his hometown community rather than pursue corporate dental profits.
Professional qualifications:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of Kentucky (2018)
- Advanced pediatric dentistry training
- Gentle sedation techniques for anxious children
- Therapy animal integration certification
- Commitment to continuing education in pediatric care
Advanced Technology for Gentle Care
Modern technology focused on your child’s comfort:
- Low-radiation digital X-rays for safe, accurate diagnosis
- Intraoral cameras to show children their teeth in a fun, educational way
- Air abrasion technology for gentler cavity preparation when needed
- Child-sized instruments designed specifically for small mouths
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available for anxious patients
Family-Friendly Office Environment
Creating the right atmosphere matters. Our office features:
- Comfortable family waiting areas with toys and books
- Treatment rooms designed with children in mind
- Piper’s special areas for maximum therapy dog interaction
- Modern equipment presented in non-threatening ways
- Staff trained in child psychology and comfort techniques
Routine Preventive Care (Ages 1-18)
Foundation of lifelong oral health
- Comprehensive oral evaluations every 6 months
- Professional cleanings with child-friendly techniques
- Fluoride treatments based on cavity risk assessment
- Dental sealants on permanent molars (typically ages 6 and 12)
- Oral hygiene instruction for age-appropriate techniques
Restorative Treatments When Needed
Gentle solutions for common childhood dental issues
- Tooth-colored composite fillings that blend naturally
- Pulp therapy to save infected primary teeth
- Stainless steel crowns for extensively damaged teeth
- Space maintainers to preserve proper spacing
- Emergency treatments for injuries or urgent pain
Specialized Services
Advanced care for unique needs
- Habit intervention for thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Custom mouth guards for young athletes
- Orthodontic evaluation and referral coordination
- Special needs accommodations with extra patience and care
- Conscious sedation for extensive treatment when necessary
Sports Dentistry for Active Kids
Protecting smiles during play
- Custom athletic mouth guards for contact sports
- Emergency protocols for dental sports injuries
- Education about dental safety during activities
- Quick treatment for chipped or damaged teeth
- Prevention strategies for active children
Before the Appointment
Setting the stage for success:
Age-appropriate preparation:
- Ages 1-3: Keep explanations simple: “We’re going to count your teeth and meet Piper!”
- Ages 4-7: Explain that the dentist will clean their teeth and check for cavities
- Ages 8+: Discuss the importance of dental health and what to expect
What to bring:
- Dental insurance cards and identification
- List of current medications or medical conditions
- Comfort items (favorite stuffed animal or blanket)
- Previous dental records if available
- Questions or concerns you’d like to address
Timing tips:
- Schedule during your child’s best time of day (usually morning)
- Allow extra time for the first visit
- Plan a fun, low-key activity afterward as a reward
During the Appointment
Your role as a parent: Dr. Toland welcomes parent involvement and encourages you to stay in the treatment room. Your presence helps children feel secure while allowing you to learn proper home care techniques.
What we’ll do:
- Introduce your child to Piper and our team
- Conduct a gentle, thorough examination
- Clean teeth using age-appropriate techniques
- Apply fluoride treatment if recommended
- Discuss findings and home care instructions
- Schedule future appointments based on individual needs
After the Appointment
Reinforcing the positive experience:
- Praise your child for their cooperation and bravery
- Follow home care instructions provided
- Continue building positive associations with dental visits
- Address any questions or concerns that arise
- Maintain recommended appointment schedule
Related Family Dental Services
Complete family dental care under one roof. Dr. Toland’s commitment to treating patients like family extends to providing
comprehensive family dentistry for all ages. From your child’s first tooth to grandparents’ complex needs,
we offer coordinated care that grows with your family.
Additional services that support your child’s oral health:
General Dentistry
Preventive care to protect your restoration investment and maintain optimal oral health throughout West
Melbourne, FL.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Enhance the appearance of your restored smile with professional whitening, bonding, or veneers for a naturally
beautiful result.
Emergency Dentistry
Immediate care for restoration emergencies, damaged crowns, or urgent dental pain without exploitation or pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Dentist
Ready to Give Your Child the Best
Start in Dental Health?
Join hundreds of Melbourne families who trust Dr. Toland and Piper
to provide gentle, effective pediatric dental care. Our unique approach combines expert clinical skills with genuine emotional care,
creating positive dental experiences that last a lifetime.
Why wait?
Early dental care prevents problems, saves money, and builds healthy habits. Your child deserves dental care that prioritizes their
comfort and emotional well-being alongside their oral health.
Ready to Discover Your Smile’s Potential?
Don’t let another day pass wishing your smile looked different. Dr. Toland’s honest, conservative approach to cosmetic dentistry
in West Melbourne, FL can help you achieve the natural-looking improvements you’ve been hoping for.