1. What is Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry, having completed two additional years of specialty training following dental school. Pediatric dentists provide both preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children – all the way through adolescence - including the medically and physically compromised.

2. My child has special needs, is on the autism spectrum or requires a sensory-friendly environment. Is this a problem?

At Derby City Pediatric Dentistry, we are trained and equipped to treat all children – including those with special healthcare needs as well as sensory needs. Our office strives to be a sensory-friendly environment.  Prior to your child’s visit, please take the time to watch our office tour so your child may familiarize themselves with our layout, team and what to expect on their first visit.   Please notify our office in advance of any special needs that we may have the pleasure of accommodating for you and your child.

3. When should my child visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that a child’s first visit to the dentist should occur by 12 months of age, or within six months of their first tooth appearing. Click HERE to learn more about what to expect on this first visit.

4. They are just baby teeth. Why should we fix them?

Baby teeth are very important. They encourage normal growth and development and maintain the space in your child’s mouth until their adult teeth come in. If a baby tooth has a large cavity and becomes infected, it may cause permanent damage to the growing adult tooth underneath, and more importantly, can cause serious health complications.

5. What are Sealants?

Sealants are a tooth-colored material that is placed in the pits and grooves of the back teeth where most cavities are found. Sealants are meant to be a protective measure to help prevent cavities from forming.

6. What should I do if my child has an accident and there is damage to the mouth area?

Please call the office as soon as possible. We will see your child immediately if it is indicated. When dealing with a dental accident, time is very important. Please note, we are available after hours for dental emergencies. Contact us HERE.  View our “Dental Trauma Guide” HERE.

7. My kids are teenagers now, do they need to switch dentists?

Just because your teenager isn’t a child anymore, doesn’t mean that he or she should stop seeing their pediatric dentist. Dentistry to meet the special needs of teens and adolescents is an important part of the specialized training for pediatric dentists. Growing doesn’t stop at childhood – teens experience important growth in their faces and jaws. Teens are also getting the last of their permanent teeth during this time period. At Derby City Pediatric Dentistry, we look forward to caring for your kids well into their teenage years! And when it’s time, we will help your teen graduate to a general dentist to care for their adult needs.

Dear Derby City Pediatric Dentistry Families,
By now you are all aware of the measures being taken statewide to slow the spread of COVID-19. I’m writing to update you with the practice protocols Derby City Pediatric Dentistry will follow in the coming weeks or longer. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we determine the best way to keep our families, our team, and the greater population safe.

For now, Derby City Pediatric Dentistry will be closed from March 17, 2020, until further notice, in an effort to flatten the curve and prevent the spread of this virus. If your child has a scheduled appointment during this time, we will be in touch to get your child rescheduled once we have a better idea of when it’s safe to resume normal operations. We are developing strategies to accommodate future additional needs.

This decision was not made lightly, but necessary in order to protect our patients, our team and our doctors after reading updated recommendations by the CDC and OSHA. Dental procedures generate a large number of droplets and aerosols. The latest advice is that our standard personal protective equipment is not effective enough to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, especially when patients are in the incubation period and are unaware they are infected. This is especially unique to our profession as children are being found to be asymptomatic carriers. This means that screening is no longer considered effective in capturing all who may be infected with the virus. Continuing to provide dental treatment and cleanings at this time is just not appropriate when trying to limit this virus.

OSHA has placed dental professionals in the “very high exposure risk” category regarding COVID-19. Current recommendations are that dentists and team members wear N95 masks for dental treatment during this pandemic. However, not only are these masks extremely difficult to obtain at this time but most importantly, they need to be conserved for other professions that are at the forefront of fighting this virus.

If your child has a true dental emergency, there will be a doctor to assist you. Please do NOT go to any Emergency Rooms and call our office first at 502-254-6097.


Rest assured that we are reading scientific and government recommendations, talking with local colleagues, and taking direction from our national organizations. We are sorry for any inconvenience that this may cause, but it is imperative that as a community, we slow the spread of this virus, and that requires extreme measures. We are aiming to help flatten the curve by implementing this policy. We remain committed to the safety of you and your family! Please call us if you have any questions.

We appreciate your understanding as we all try to navigate through this situation.
Stay Home and Stay Healthy!

Sincerely,
Dr. Korie Acord and the Derby Pediatric Dentistry Team