VCU Dental Care’s pediatric clinic has moved to the Children’s Pavilion, the only building of its kind in the region to bring pediatric medical, surgical and dental services together under one roof. Families can now schedule appointments in one location with easy access and free parking – and we can provide more kids with regular, coordinated medical and dental care, a critical foundation to a healthy childhood.
“Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease of childhood. When kids aren’t able to concentrate or eat a nutritious diet because of mouth pain, it can negatively impact their performance in school and overall health,” said Dr. Patrice Wunsch, interim chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, VCU School of Dentistry. “Having our dental services in the same building as the pediatric medical clinics allows us to collaborate with other providers to deliver thorough and efficient care, so kids can focus on what they do best – learning and playing!”
Kids and adolescents up to age 21 can get regular check-ups, cleanings, X-rays and impressions, as well as specialized care for more complex needs.
Technology important in modern pediatric dental care was a central consideration when planning and preparing the new space. State-of-the-art radiography equipment, including a panoramic (capturing the entire mouth in one image), cephalometric (upper airway imaging) and cone beam CT (detailed images of the bone) machine, allows for all types of imaging, including 3D imaging, right in the clinic. This is also the only pediatric office in the region with a dental laser for soft tissue surgery and dental fillings. Local anesthesia often isn’t needed when the laser is used on teeth, which means no needles – something both kids and parents can smile about!
The new clinic includes 4,200 square feet and 15 patient chairs – five in private exam rooms and 10 in dental stations – not to mention some of the best views of Richmond. Situated on the southeast corner of Level 6 in the Children’s Pavilion, it’s flooded with natural light and offers kids and families with unique scenery of the city.
“In recent years, we’ve averaged more than 10,000 pediatric patients in the downtown dental clinic. With the expanded space we anticipate that dental faculty, residents and students will be able to see well more than that in the inviting, new, kid-friendly clinic, which is great news for our community. I’m thrilled to be a part of this new space and the difference it will make in the overall experience for our patients,” added Dr. Clara Spatafore, interim dean, VCU School of Dentistry.
Dental services are still offered on our Brook Road Campus too.
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