Ava GabouryFor many parents, the prospect of finding a good pediatric dentist that their kids like fills them with a mix of anxiety and dread.
I get it—I hated going to the dentist as a kid. The whirring drill, the bright lights, and helplessness in that big, scary chair were torture. Don’t even get me started on the dreaded “prophy” (that’s “cleaning” for those of you who aren’t dental savvy.)
That’s why the Waterview Vancouver magazine team researched and compared different pediatric dentists in town.
So, if you’re a parent who wants to spare your child the trauma of bad dental experiences, here’s who made it onto our list.
How much does it cost to visit a pediatric dentist in Vancouver?
It costs at least 150 CAD to visit a pediatric dentist in Vancouver.
However, this is just an estimate. The total cost will depend on the type of treatment, the dentist, and other factors.
1. PDG Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Address: 650 W 41st Ave #200
Contact Details: +1 604-734-1000
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 5 PM
PDG has everything under one roof—pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. That means no more specialist referrals or scheduling nightmares.
We like that they cover your child’s preventative care, from regular checkups and cleanings to fluoride treatments and sealants.
They have an excellent play zone for the kids, with toys, games, and even Wi-Fi. In addition, the staff is incredible—we like how they truly know how to talk to kids, making them feel comfortable and understood.
We also appreciate that the dentists here have the patience of saints and are as gentle as possible.
We were incredibly impressed with their early orthodontic evaluations. They can spot potential bite issues early on, meaning less invasive and more effective treatments later.
We also admire how they prioritize dental emergencies. When your child is in pain, PDG gets them in quickly and provides much-needed immediate relief.
The only downside was the receptionist staff. They were abrupt and less welcoming than the rest of the team.
Airy and relaxing environment
“Dr Chan at PDG Oakridge is so gentle and friendly. Both my daughters, ages 6 and 4, started going to PDG Oakridge since they were 3. The dentistry staff are so kind and make my kids feel at ease. The environment is airy and relaxing.The very first appointment, Dr Chan meets the patient in the individual room (pic with dinosaur on the chair). This eases the kids in the whole process. Dr Chan meets them one-on-one and does an initial introduction to cleaning the teeth. Although my kids were 3, she helped them understand and feel at ease. She’s so great with kids!! The only reason why I didn’t give 5 star is because after one particular appointment I went straight to the front desk to settle payment, the lady at the front told me to wait in the waiting room and she would call my name. I waited for a long time, approx 30 mins, then I went up to the desk to inquire. She told me that she “called my name” but I was in the waiting room (which is approximately 5 m from the desk – see picture). She didn’t bother to walk into the waiting area.I did discuss this with Dr Chan who apologized on behalf of the front lady. Since then the front desk ladies have been great. I’m glad PDG is willing to listen and will proactively make changes.”
–Rachel Lee, Google Reviews
Exceptional service for toddlers
“Exceptional service with toddlers. Professional staff and happy journey through process. I expected a painful, failing parenting this morning but I was amazed how smooth everything went. Luckily not too much cavities and eager to do more in self-caring. Insurance plans are treated differently here. Need to ask from the beginning to be aware. Doctor NG and his assistant did a very good job with my daughter. Overall 5* service.”
–Enea Paja, Google Reviews
2. Monarch Pediatric Dental Centre
Address: #600 East Tower, 555 W 12th Ave
Contact Details: +1 604-419-4980
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:15 AM to 5 PM
Monarch Pediatric Dental Centre has parents breathing a sigh of relief. It’s a place where the word “dentist” doesn’t elicit fear.
We love their waiting area, especially the giant play structure tree in the middle of the room. The clinic also has many toys for kids to play with while waiting.
They offer everything from routine checkups and cleanings to preventative treatments and restorative procedures—having it all under one roof is a definite plus in our book.
Moreover, parents rave about the team’s ability to care for children with special needs. The staff, from the hygienists to the receptionists, demonstrates remarkable patience and understanding.
We also admire how they motivate kids to stick to healthy dental habits in a fun way. Parents and kids alike love their free brushing rewards chart.
However, we were slightly disappointed with how long it took to receive a call after filling out their online appointment form.
Professional and heartfelt services
“Usually people say dental works are no fun, but Dr. Jonathan and the whole team make it a huge difference! They provide professional and heartfelt services to my son in every step, whether it’s surgery or regular check up. They are very attentive to our needs and concerns. Not to mention, the bright and relax environment at Monarch Pediatric Dental, plus the little treat my son gets upon completion of his dental work truly turns the anxious visit to a pleasant memory.”
–Elaine C, Google Reviews
Pleasant visits
“I have been taking my boys to monarch dental for 5 years and I am so happy about my decision to reach out to pediatric dental specialists. Our experience, every visit, has been pleasant and enjoyable. My youngest boy had major dental surgery at age 3 and Dr Jonathan took amazing care of him ever since. I am very thankful for the expertise this clinic has offered our family- would 100% recommend to any parent looking for a dentist. Thank you monarch ❤️”
–Annique Coudreau, Google Reviews
3. Playtime Pediatric Dentistry
Address: 508 W 6th Ave
Contact Details: +1 604-731-4608
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
At Playtime Pediatric Dentistry, fear and anxiety are put aside. The atmosphere is warm and inviting from the moment you walk in. We loved how it’s designed to ease even the most anxious little ones.
We were particularly impressed by how dentists and hygienists use creative techniques to transform a routine checkup into something fun. They have colorful toothbrushes that light up, playful games, and even a treasure chest filled with prizes for good behavior.
We also like how they use child-friendly language to explain everything in a way kids can understand. This is especially helpful for complex procedures like fillings or extractions.
Moreover, we found it valuable that they provide resources and guidance on everything from brushing techniques to healthy oral habits. They ensure your child’s smile stays bright and healthy long after leaving the clinic.
However, some parents reported unexpected fees on their bills that were not clearly explained upfront. We find this concerning, as it lacks transparency in pricing.
No traumatizing experience
“Due to an emergency situation with my 7 yrs old, we got referred here by our Family Dentist to do quite a bit of work with my daughter’s cavities. Got a call right away and appointment booked within a couple of days. My daughter was in pain and lost a lot of weight due to her cavities but Playtime dental was God send because we were able to get things done asap. Kudos to Tiffany, Cindy, Jua and Rose 👏👏👏 I can’t thank you all enough for all that you do, you made us feel welcome and very comfortable. Thank you Rose and Dr. Kanu for the treatment plan you made or suggested for my daughter, no traumatizing experience and It’s the best plan, one pain and all work is done. I appreciate you all for what you do. Cheers!”
–Nina Evan, Google Reviews
Pleasing experience
“I know many people/ adults develop anxiety about going to the dentist, and I really wanted to be proactive about finding a clinic where I could make sure my son has positive and non anxiety provoking dental experiences . After researching options, we decided on Playtime. We took our 13 month old here for his first dental appointment today and it was such a positive experience. Lily, our dental assistant was amazing and our son loved her right away. Dentist Dr Ella was equally amazing. We are so pleased with our experience! I think my son actually really had fun. This will definitely be our son’s dental office for years to come and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to friends and family.”
–Katie Hogan, Google Reviews
4. Little Smiles Dental Care
Address: 3770 W 10th Ave
Contact Details: +1 604-222-2206
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 8 AM to 3:30 PM
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Little Smiles understands how to cater to kids. They have plenty of toys and entertainment to keep the kids engaged and happy, creating a fun and stress-free experience for young patients.
We love how their dentists are experts at connecting with children. We saw firsthand their genuine care and empathy for their child patients.
In addition, they prioritize parents’ concerns by answering questions and providing clear explanations, whether it’s a regular checkup or a procedure.
We especially appreciate the emphasis on preventative care. The staff guides parents and children in oral health and demonstrates how to brush teeth and floss correctly to prevent future dental problems.
The only downside is that they have an inflexible scheduling policy. Parents noted that rescheduling or canceling appointments can be difficult, often with strict fees or limited options.
The waiting room is a child’s paradise
“Our experience at Little Smiles was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we stepped in, we were impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and the incredible attention to detail. The waiting room is a child’s paradise, complete with a train table, play kitchen, and even a token machine for exchanging tokens for toys – a big hit with my little ones!
The staff were incredibly attentive and caring throughout our visit, from the friendly check-in to the compassionate care provided by the doctor. They made sure my kids felt comfortable and at ease every step of the way, which really put us parents at ease too. To top it all off, my kids were thrilled with the visit loot bags they received! It’s clear that Little Smiles goes above and beyond to make dental visits enjoyable and stress-free for children and their families. We can’t recommend Little Smiles highly enough. Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience for our family! I hope this review captures the essence of your positive experience at the kids’ dentist!”
–Lisa Browning, Google Reviews
Kindly and gentle assistants
“Little Smiles is always a great visit for my kiddos! The assistants and dentist are so kind, gentle and caring. Highly recommend!”
–Tess Mendonsa, Google Reviews
5. Lolo Pediatric Dentistry
Address: 252 W Esplanade #105
Contact Details: +1 604-770-0890
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4 PM
Even the most apprehensive child feels comfortable here, and that’s a massive win in our book. We appreciate that Lolo Pediatric Dentistry provides a calming environment where children can relax and ease their nerves before their dental appointment.
In addition, the waiting area is playful and engaging. It’s filled with toys and activities to keep children entertained.
We are even more impressed with their use of the latest technology. Their use of intraoral cameras allows children to see their teeth on a screen.
Others appreciate that the dentists always take the time to answer any questions and thoroughly explain any dental concerns that arise.
That said, one drawback is their pricing, which may be a concern for budget-conscious parents who might need to explore other options.
Patient and understanding of children’s needs
“Had an absolute amazing experience and can’t suggest this office highly enough. We were squeezed in for an emergency appointment last minute which in itself is beyond what any office would do. They were patient and understanding of my kiddos needs. They were clear and upfront about everything they were doing and made everything comfortable and making him feel safe. As a mom to a kid with special needs this is the best dentist office on the north shore for any concerns. Thank you so much for your wonderful care and for accommodating everything we needed.”
–Mandy Hayes, Google Reviews
A very child-friendly waiting area
“We’ve consistently had excellent experiences at Lolo Dentistry. My 3 year old always feels nervous before but she leaves with a smile! Today she exclaimed after leaving her appointment, “Dr. Zina is AMAZING! The screens in the ceilings help distract them and a very child friendly waiting area! Highly recommend”
–Alison MacDougall, Google Reviews
