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A young patient smiling in the dental chair at Copley Dental Natick
Natick, MA · Children's dentistry

Pediatric Dentist in Natick, MA

Gentle, happy dental visits for babies, kids and teens with board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Veena Vaidyanathan — and parents can be seen in the same office.

Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m. · Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Takes about a minute

  • Board-certified pediatric dentist
  • First visits from age 1
  • Parents seen here too
  • Saturday appointments
Where
17 Worcester St (Rt 9 West), Natick, MA 01760
Get directions
Hours
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday mornings — no missed school
Your child's dentist
Dr. Veena Vaidyanathan, board-certified
Training & approach
Dental emergency?
Knocked-out or broken tooth — call now.
(508) 655-5757

Children's dental care at every age

From the first tooth to the teenage years, care changes as your child grows. Here is what we focus on at each stage.

  • Ages 0–3

    Babies & toddlers

    • First visit by the first birthday, or when the first tooth appears
    • A gentle check of teeth, gums and jaw growth
    • Advice on cleaning gums, teething, bottles and first cups
  • Ages 3–12

    Children

    • Checkups and cleanings every six months
    • Fluoride to strengthen enamel
    • Sealants on new back teeth to keep cavities out
    • Tooth-coloured fillings when they are needed
  • Ages 12+

    Teens

    • Cleanings and cavity prevention through the teen years
    • Braces or Invisalign Teen with our orthodontist
    • Sports mouthguard advice and wisdom tooth monitoring

Is your child due for a checkup — or a first visit?

Book your child's visit

Your child's first dental visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by the first birthday, or when the first tooth appears. Here is what happens.

  1. Getting comfortable

    We say hello, let your child explore the chair and meet the team, and take things at their pace.

  2. A gentle look

    Dr. Veena checks teeth, gums, bite and jaw growth — for little ones, it is often over in a few minutes.

  3. Clean & protect

    A cleaning and fluoride if your child is ready, and X-rays only if they are needed.

  4. Tips for home

    Practical advice for brushing, snacks, bottles and thumb-sucking — and when to come back.

Save time on the day: fill in the patient forms before you come.

Time for your child’s next checkup?

Call and we will find a time that suits you.

Nervous kids

A calm, kind dentist for anxious children

Every child is different. Dr. Veena uses behavioural and educational techniques tailored to each child — explaining what is happening in words they understand, and going at their pace.

  • Short, positive visits that build trust over time
  • An approach matched to your child's age and temperament
  • Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") may be an option for children who need extra help relaxing
Emergency

Knocked-out or broken tooth?

Call (508) 655-5757 straight away. While you do:

  • Adult tooth knocked out: hold it by the crown, rinse briefly, and put it back in the socket or keep it in milk
  • Baby tooth knocked out: do not put it back — bring it with you
  • Chipped or broken tooth: save any pieces, rinse with warm water, cold compress for swelling
Due for a checkup?

Catch cavities while they're small.

Checkups every six months keep most visits quick and cavity-free. Toothache or a knocked tooth? Call — we hold time each day we are open for urgent problems.

Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m. · Sat 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Healthy teeth at home: tips for parents

Small habits that keep your child's visits short and cavity-free.

  • Clean gums from birth A soft infant brush and water, before the first tooth arrives.
  • No bottle at bedtime Milk or juice pooling on teeth overnight causes decay.
  • Move to a cup around age one The AAPD recommends starting the switch near the first birthday.
  • Ask before using fluoride toothpaste For babies, use it only if your dentist advises it.
  • Brush twice a day Help until your child can do it well — usually around age 7 or 8.
  • Floss when teeth touch Brushing alone cannot reach between them.
  • Water between meals Juice and sticky snacks feed the bacteria that cause cavities.
  • Mouthguard for sports The simplest way to prevent a knocked-out or broken tooth.

Your child's dentist in Natick

Dr. Veena Vaidyanathan's goal is for every child to have a wonderful dental experience from start to finish. She understands that every child is different, and tailors how she explains, reassures and treats to each one.

  • Board Certified, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
  • Residency in Pediatric Dentistry and Master's degree, University of Michigan
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
  • Member, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Massachusetts Academy of Pediatric Dentists
  • Dr. Veena Vaidyanathan Dr. Veena Vaidyanathan Pediatric Dentistry
  • Dr. Andrew Chase Dr. Andrew Chase Orthodontics
Meet the whole team

Questions parents ask us

When should my child first see a dentist?

By their first birthday, or when the first tooth comes through — whichever is sooner. That is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation, and an early, easy first visit makes every visit after it easier.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

A pediatric dentist completes two to three extra years of specialty training in children’s dental care, growth and behaviour after dental school. Dr. Veena Vaidyanathan completed her pediatric residency at the University of Michigan and is Board Certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

What happens at my child’s first dental visit?

We let your child get comfortable, then Dr. Veena gently checks their teeth, gums, bite and jaw growth. If they are ready, we clean their teeth and apply fluoride. You leave with practical tips for home and a plan for the next visit.

My child is nervous about the dentist. How do you help?

Every child is different, so Dr. Veena adapts her approach to each one — explaining in words they understand and going at their pace. For children who need extra help relaxing, nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) may be an option; we will talk it through with you first.

Are dental X-rays safe for children?

Yes. We use digital X-rays, which need 40–60% less radiation than traditional film, and we only take them when there is a clear reason to.

Does my child need dental sealants?

Sealants work best on back teeth soon after they come in, so children aged about 5 to 15 are typically the best candidates. Applying them is quick and painless — no drilling or numbing.

What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

For an adult (permanent) tooth, pick it up by the crown, not the root, rinse it briefly and try to put it back in the socket — or keep it in milk — and call (508) 655-5757 immediately. Do not put a baby tooth back in. Either way, call us straight away.

Is my child’s dental care covered by insurance?

Most dental plans cover children’s checkups, cleanings and X-rays, and we file the claims for you. No insurance? Our family savings plan covers routine care for a flat annual fee.

Can the whole family be seen at the same office?

Yes. Children see Dr. Veena and parents see our general dentist, Dr. Charles Badaoui, at our office on Route 9 in Natick, with Saturday morning appointments. Braces and Invisalign are handled by our orthodontist, Dr. Andrew Chase.

Give your child a great start

Book a visit with Dr. Veena — weekdays until 6 p.m. or Saturday mornings, and the rest of the family can be seen in the same trip.

No insurance? Our family savings plan covers routine care for a flat annual fee.