UNC Department of Pediatric Dentistry

The UNC Department of Pediatric Dentistry is a specialized division within the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Adams School of Dentistry. Located at 101 Manning Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, this department provides extensive pediatric dental and orthodontic care for children from infancy through adolescence, with a particular focus on serving youths with disabilities and special healthcare needs. As an academic institution, the department operates as a multi-tiered clinic. Patients can receive care from fully-licensed dental faculty, who offer services comparable in cost and speed to private practices. Alternatively, patients can opt for care provided by dental students or residents (post-doctoral trainees), which may be more affordable, often at a reduced cost (approximately one-third the cost of a private practice), though appointments might take longer. All student and resident care is closely supervised by experienced UNC School of Dentistry faculty members. The comprehensive services offered include preventive care (cleanings, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns), management of gum diseases and traumatic injuries, space maintainers, and minor tooth movement appliances. They also provide specialized services like oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics (braces, headgear, retainers), and address complex conditions such as canker sores, dental injuries, malocclusion, over-retained baby teeth, sensitive teeth, tooth decay, and tooth grinding. The department is also equipped to handle pediatric dental emergencies. A unique aspect of the UNC Department of Pediatric Dentistry is its commitment to patient comfort, notably through the integration of a facility dog named GRAYSON, a golden retriever trained to help soothe anxious young patients. The department also emphasizes a coordinated, team-based approach for complex cases, working with other specialists as needed. This facility is also a teaching hub, offering various courses and seminars for pediatric dentistry students and residents, focusing on diagnosis, treatment planning, behavior management, and contemporary practice.