Pediatric Dentistry at Tufts University Dental Care Center

Tufts University Dental Care Center is a teaching facility, which means youy will have access to a team of providers that range from students, residents, and faculty. You may see multiple providers over the course of your child's treatment.

Pediatric appointments usually take 1–1.5 hours for standard sessions.

Please note: Certain appointments (e.g., root canal treatment, general anesthesia) can take longer than 1.5 hours. Please plan accordingly. 

Payment or co-payment is expected at the time of service. Please note: Patient co-payment is necessary with all insurances (other than with MassHealth).

Most procedures for children are fully covered by your insurance provider. However, coverage depends on your individual plan. Please review your benefits with your insurance provider. 

Learn more about insurance and billing.

It is very important to protect primary or “baby” teeth. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily, speak clearly, and have a happy smile. 

At your infant’s first oral exam (strongly recommended for 6-12 month olds*), we: 

• Evaluate your infant’s oral health
• Provide education about cleaning baby teeth & gums
• Discuss the effects of bottle feeding, nursing, & baby food on your infant’s teeth
• Discuss growth & development of a healthy mouth 

By starting early, tooth decay is preventable, and children can smile with confidence.

*To prevent dental problems, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that your baby’s first oral exam should be no later than his/her first birthday.

If you are being referred to our clinic from another dentist, a referral is needed stating what treatment the child is being referred for. Please email the referral, and any recent X-rays, to pediatrics@tufts.edu. 

If you are looking to establish your child as a new patient for routine dental evaluations and cleanings, a referral is not needed.

We accept the following insurances:

• Mass Health
• Delta Dental insurance (with patient co-payment)
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna

Most procedures for children are fully covered; however, coverage depends on your individual plan.

Learn more about insurance and billing.

Yes, the Pediatric Dental Clinic provides comprehensive dental care for patients with special health care needs up to the age of 18 years.

Adults (older than 18 years) with developmental disabilities can receive care at Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics. To receive care at Tufts Special Care Dental Clinics, each patient must first meet certain qualifications. Caregivers should contact their nearest facility below. (View a map of our locations.) After calling, our staff will help determine eligibility and verify insurance.

We are unable to offer free care. As a teaching facility, we are committed to offering dental care at lower cost than a typical private practice. We offer self-pay options, and payment plans through LendingClub.

Yes, if you or your family member need assistance in a non-English language, we offer interpreters at no personal cost to you. Some commonly spoken languages are:

• Arabic
• Brazilian Portuguese
• Cambodian
• Cantonese
• European Portuguese
• French
• Haitian Creole
• Korean
• Mandarin
• Pashto
• Russian
• Spanish
• Toishanese
• Vietnamese

Learn more about our language assistance services.

Our hours of operation are:

• Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.