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Happy teeth, happy kids

Kids’ Dentistry at Kitto Family Dental

We keep kids’ visits playful, patient, and pressure-free. Parents are welcome in the room, and we earn trust before we pick up a single tool.

Call (805) 922-4109Book your child’s first visit
Three generations of a family laughing together outdoors
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Dentistry that feels easy for kids.

A child’s first dental visit should happen around the first birthday or when the first tooth comes in. The visit is short and gentle. Our goal is a child who leaves feeling proud, not stressed.

What are the benefits of kids’ dentistry?

Trust before treatment

We go slow, explain everything, and let kids get comfortable first.

Habits that stick

We coach brushing, snacks, and flossing in a way kids remember.

Cavity defense

Sealants and fluoride add protection. See sealants and fluoride.

Growing-up check-ins

We watch how teeth and bite develop and tell you early if anything needs attention.

Same office as the grown-ups

Parents and kids can often be seen back to back.

Calm, never scary

No lectures and no pressure, for kids or for parents.

How a kid’s visit actually goes.

First visits are short. For babies and toddlers, parents often sit in the chair with the child on their lap (we call it a “knee-to-knee” exam). The doctor takes a quick look at erupting teeth, checks that development is on track, and talks with you about teething, brushing, and feeding.

For school-age kids, we introduce the “tell-show-do” approach: tell them what we’re going to do, show them the tools, then do it. The pace stays comfortable and we pause for questions.

What we offer for kids.

First dental visits

Easy, get-to-know-you appointments around age one. Short and playful.

Cleanings and exams

Preventive care built around school schedules and short attention spans.

Fluoride and sealants

Protective treatments that prevent decay on hard-to-reach back teeth.

Tooth-colored fillings

Gentle technique, kid-sized dosing of numbing, and plenty of breaks when needed.

Orthodontic monitoring

We watch growth and bite development and refer to orthodontics at the right time.

Dental trauma

Chipped teeth and sports injuries happen. Call us and we’ll see your child the same day when we can.

Pep talk ideas for home.

  • Keep it positive. Avoid words like “shot,” “hurt,” or “drill.” We use friendlier words at the office.
  • Read a dentist book together. There are great picture books that show what to expect.
  • Play dentist at home. Count your child’s teeth with a toothbrush. Have them “check” yours. Make it a game.
  • Model good habits. Kids who brush with their parents build the habit faster.

What a child’s first dental visit actually looks like.

A first visit for a toddler or young child is deliberately short, playful, and designed to end before attention runs out. We don’t try to do a full exam if the child isn’t ready; the goal of visit one is a child who leaves saying “that was easy.”

Most first visits include a parent on the chair with the child on the lap (a “knee-to-knee” exam), a quick count of the teeth, a very brief look with a mirror, and a demonstration of brushing. If the child is comfortable, we may do a gentle wipe-down of the teeth or a fluoride treatment. We don’t force imaging, deep cleaning, or treatment at a first visit. Every subsequent visit builds on the comfort from the first.

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why see a dentist early?

Baby teeth hold space for adult teeth and help kids chew and speak. Cavities in baby teeth can hurt and spread. Early, positive visits also help kids grow up comfortable with the dentist.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about kids’ dentistry?

What age should my child see the dentist?
Around the first birthday, or when the first tooth comes in. Early visits are quick, playful, and set the tone for a lifetime of easier dental visits.
Does my child need x-rays?
Not usually at first visits. As kids grow and more teeth come in, we may take occasional low-dose x-rays to check for cavities between teeth or watch for permanent teeth developing. We only image what is clinically needed.
What if my child is afraid?
That is normal. Tell us at booking. We go slower, let the child meet the chair, show the tools before using them, and never force a visit. Sometimes the first visit is just saying hello and counting teeth, and we save the cleaning for next time.
Does my child’s insurance cover visits?
Most PPO dental plans cover preventive visits for children. We verify your specific plan benefits before the appointment.
When should I use fluoride toothpaste?
Current pediatric dentistry guidelines recommend fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth erupts, using a smear (rice-grain size) for under-threes and a pea-sized amount for older kids. Ask us at your child’s visit for the current recommendation for their age.
Can I stay with my child during the visit?
Yes. Parents are welcome in the room. Some older kids do better on their own, and we follow your lead and your child’s.
What happens at a child’s first dental visit?
For young children the first visit is short and gentle. We count teeth, check gums and bite, look for early signs of decay, and talk with you about brushing, snacks, and fluoride. Many toddlers sit on a parent’s lap. Read when your child should first see a dentist.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideWhen Should My Child See the Dentist?Why a first visit by age one helps, and how to make it easy.Patient guideHow Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?Twice a year fits most people. Here’s who needs more, or less.Patient guideDental Emergencies: When to Call vs. When to WaitWhich tooth problems need same-day care, and which can wait.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Little teeth, big smiles. Come on in.

Short, playful, no pressure. We’ll meet them where they are.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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