Children’s Dentistry
3rd Floor | (205) 934-4546
Healthy Smile Start Early
At UAB Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry, located in Birmingham’s UAB Medical District, we provide comprehensive oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. Our team focuses on prevention, early detection, and compassionate treatment to help children build healthy habits and positive dental experiences that can last a lifetime.
Whether your child needs a routine dental checkup, treatment for a cavity, or evaluation by a pediatric dentist, our team is here to help.
Our clinic provides high-quality pediatric dental care in a setting designed to be accessible, supportive, and family-centered. The clinic accepts new patients, and a referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
Conditions We Evaluate and Treat
Our pediatric dental team provides preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care for infants, children, adolescents, and children with special health care needs. We evaluate and treat:
- Routine dental care, including well-baby visits, dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants
- Tooth decay, cavities, dental abscesses, and selected pulp-related conditions affecting primary and permanent teeth
- Dental emergencies, including injuries and trauma to the teeth and mouth
- Growth and development concerns, including tooth eruption issues and early bite or jaw concerns
- Space management needs for developing teeth and interceptive orthodontic concerns
- Oral habits such as thumb sucking and prolonged pacifier use
- Dental care needs requiring fillings, restorative treatment, pulp therapy, or extractions when indicated
- Oral health concerns requiring guidance on diet, oral hygiene, fluoride use, or other preventive strategies
- Dental care for children who may benefit from consultation regarding sedation or general anesthesia, when appropriate
Prevention is a cornerstone of pediatric dental care. We provide guidance on diet, oral hygiene, fluoride use, and oral habits to help reduce the risk of cavities and support lifelong oral health.
Helping Children Feel Comfortable
We understand that some children feel anxious about visiting the dentist. Our pediatric dental team is specially trained to help children feel safe and comfortable during dental visits. We use behavior guidance techniques recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to support a positive experience for every child.
When needed, additional options may be arranged and available to help children receive care comfortably, including:
- Nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas): minimal sedation available for selected patients in our clinic
- Oral conscious sedation at Children’s of Alabama
- General anesthesia for selected eligible cases at Children’s of Alabama
You may spot Baby Blaze, UAB’s friendly mascot, helping create a welcoming and child-centered environment during your visit.
What to Expect at a Dental School Teaching Clinic
UAB Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry is part of a university-based training program where licensed dentists complete advanced specialty training in pediatric dentistry. Care is provided under the supervision of experienced clinical faculty specialists.
This approach allows patients to benefit from collaborative, team-based care while helping train the next generation of pediatric dentists. Because care is provided in a teaching environment, appointments may take somewhat longer than those in many private practices.
Your Child’s First Visit
Children typically begin care with a comprehensive dental evaluation. During this appointment, our team will assess your child’s oral health, review growth and development, and discuss preventive care and treatment recommendations.
If treatment is needed, we will review your child’s personalized treatment plan, including recommended procedures, timelines, and estimated costs.
Coordinated Treatment Approach
As part of UAB Dentistry, our pediatric dentistry team works closely with other specialty clinics and comprehensive care providers to coordinate treatment when children require multidisciplinary dental care.
Getting Started
UAB Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry welcomes new patients, and a referral is not required to schedule an appointment.
What to Bring
Please bring the following items to your child’s first visit:
- Photo identification for the parent or guardian
- Dental insurance card, if applicable
- A form of payment for the exam and any diagnostic services
- A list of medications your child is currently taking
- Any referral letter, dental records, or x-rays, if applicable
Billing and Insurance
Payment is due at the time of service. UAB Dentistry accepts a range of insurance plans.
UAB Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry accepts ALL Kids, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Medicaid for eligible children. For full details about payment, insurance, and coverage, visit our Billing & Insurance page.
Urgent Care and Emergencies
Dental emergencies for established patients are evaluated the same day whenever possible.
Established patients of UAB Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry, including patients of UAB Dental Group, should contact the Children’s of Alabama Hospital Call Center at (205) 683-9100 and ask for the Pediatric Dentistry Resident to be paged.
To reach the Children's of Alabama Hospital Dental Clinic, take 7th Avenue South toward 16th Street South. Then, enter through the main entrance, and the dental clinic is located in the Lowder Building, as indicated in Clinic #9.
Patient Resources
Parents and caregivers can find additional information and resources to help plan and manage your visit using the links on this page.
Call now
Ready to get started with your child’s care? Our team is here to help.
Call (205) 934-4546 to schedule an appointment
Learn More About Your Child’s Oral Health
Explore helpful articles and resources about children's oral health, preventive dental care, and healthy habits at every stage.
Quick links
About the Sidney B. Finn Pediatric Dentistry Clinic
UAB Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry is historically known as the Sidney B. Finn Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, named in honor of Dr. Sidney B. Finn, a pioneering educator whose work helped shape modern pediatric dentistry. That legacy continues today through the training of future pediatric dentists and the care provided to children and families across Alabama.