Or call us directly:
+1 (909)885-8707
(909) 885-8707 Se Habla Espanyol
Open hours:
Monday - Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday - Appointment only
Location:
1655 N. Mount Vernon Ave
San Bernardino, CA
Open hours:
Monday - Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday - Appointment only
Location:
1655 N. Mount Vernon Ave
San Bernardino, CA
Or call us directly:
+1 (909)885-8707
Fill out the form and
we will contact you soon
we will contact you soon
Pediatric Dentist in San Bernardino
Complete children’s dentistry with Medi-Cal coverage
Book Appointment
Trusted Pediatric Dentistry for San Bernardino Families
Comprehensive Medi-Cal pediatric care — everything your child needs in one place.
At Vernon Dental Specialty we make children’s dentistry simple for families in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire. Every essential pediatric service lives under one roof: preventive care, fillings and crowns, pulpotomies (baby root canals), extractions, space maintainers, orthodontics (braces and aligners), endodontics, periodontics, emergency visits, and Sleep Dentistry for Kids covered by Medi-Cal. You won’t bounce between clinics or manage multiple referrals. Your child’s entire care plan happens in one trusted office with a single team guiding you at every step. Our department is led by Dr. Sara GhaemMaghami, a board-certified pediatric dentist (Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry). Dr. Sara’s approach blends clinical precision with a calm, child-first chairside manner so kids feel safe and parents feel informed. Because we coordinate all dental specialties in-house, treatment moves quickly and consistently — from the first check-up to more advanced procedures when needed — with the same familiar faces and standards of safety.
Meet Our Pediatric Dentist & Team
Board-certified pediatric expertise and all dental specialties under one roof.
Dr. Sara — Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Sara GhaemMaghami completed her DDS at USC and her pediatric specialty training at UCLA. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she has advanced expertise in infant and toddler oral health, behavior guidance, trauma and emergency care, interceptive orthodontics, and treatment planning for children with medical or developmental conditions. Her philosophy is simple: earn a child’s trust, teach great habits early, and support parents with clear, practical guidance that works at home.
Our Multi-Specialty Team
With 20+ dental providers in one San Bernardino location, we bring together every recognized dental specialty for children and teens: Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, and General Dentistry. That “everything-in-one-place” model means braces, extractions, crowns, fillings, gum care, root canals, space maintainers, and emergency treatment are all available here. For procedures that require anesthesia, we collaborate with board-certified anesthesiologists who partner with our team to deliver safe, Medi-Cal-covered Sleep Dentistry for Kids when medically necessary.
Ready to Schedule Your Child’s Visit?
Board-certified pediatric specialist, Medi-Cal coverage, and same-day slots available.
Book Appointment Now
First Dental Visit for Children
Start by age one — build comfort, prevent problems, and teach healthy habits.
When to Schedule the First Visit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth. Early care lets us monitor jaw growth, look for enamel defects, spot early cavities, and guide parents on brushing, flossing, fluoride toothpaste, pacifier use, and bottle or sippy-cup routines. A short, positive appointment at this stage prevents fear later and sets the tone for a lifetime of healthy dental experiences.
Why Early Visits Matter
Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and support speech, chewing, and facial growth. When we see children early, we can lower cavity risk with fluoride and sealants, coach better snack choices, and catch small issues before they become urgent. Families on Medi-Cal especially benefit, because many preventive services are covered — which means healthier smiles now and fewer complex treatments down the road.
What Parents Can Expect
A first visit is gentle and straightforward: a knee-to-knee exam for infants or a chair visit for older kids, age-appropriate cleaning as needed, fluoride if indicated, and a bite/growth check. Dr. Sara explains findings in clear language, answers questions, and gives you a written plan tailored to your child’s needs and routine at home. Most appointments finish in under 30–40 minutes and end with a confident, smiling child.
How to Prepare at Home
Schedule earlier in the day when young children have more energy; keep snacks light and avoid sugary drinks beforehand; bring a favorite toy or blanket; and use calm, positive words (“counting teeth,” “sparkling clean”) rather than adult dental terms. If you have insurance questions, call us first — our team will confirm Medi-Cal benefits so you arrive stress-free and focused on your child.
Preventive Pediatric Dentistry
Proactive care that protects smiles — covered by Medi-Cal for San Bernardino families.
Cleanings & Exams
Twice-yearly cleanings remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach spots, protect gum health, and reduce future cavity risk. Exams track eruption patterns, spacing, and bite, so we can prevent crowding and catch enamel issues early. Parents leave with personalized coaching that fits real life — how long to brush, which toothbrush heads work best, and when to floss for different ages.
Fluoride Therapy
Professionally applied fluoride toughens enamel and helps re-mineralize early weak spots before they turn into cavities. It’s quick, comfortable, and safe for children. For Medi-Cal families in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire, fluoride is a no-cost way to cut cavity risk dramatically and protect new molars when they first erupt.
Dental Sealants
Sealants coat deep grooves on molars where brushes can’t reach, blocking food and bacteria. The process takes minutes, involves no drilling, and can reduce decay in those surfaces for years. Because sealants are Medi-Cal-covered for eligible children, they’re one of the smartest preventive choices a family can make.
Oral Hygiene & Nutrition Coaching
We teach brushing and flossing with easy demonstrations kids enjoy, then reinforce small wins visit after visit. Nutrition guidance focuses on swaps that actually stick — water over juice, crunchy veggies over sticky snacks, and timing sweets closer to mealtimes. These small changes add up, especially when combined with fluoride and sealants.
All Pediatric Dental Services in One Office
From preventive visits to braces and oral surgery, your child’s needs are met under one roof.
Book Appointment Now
Restorative Pediatric Dentistry
Gentle, tooth-colored solutions that restore function and comfort.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Composite fillings rebuild small cavities with a natural look that blends into enamel. We use techniques tailored for children — efficient steps, careful isolation, and friendly pacing — so the appointment stays calm and comfortable. When indicated, these restorations are covered by Medi-Cal, keeping necessary care affordable.
Pediatric Crowns
For large cavities or fractures, crowns protect what remains of the tooth and restore strength. Stainless-steel crowns are the gold standard for durability in back teeth; zirconia crowns provide a tooth-colored option for esthetic areas. Eligibility for Medi-Cal coverage depends on medical necessity, which our team documents clearly.
Pulpotomy (Baby Root Canal)
When decay reaches the nerve of a primary tooth, a pulpotomy removes the inflamed tissue and seals the tooth so it can remain in place until it’s naturally ready to fall out. Preserving that tooth maintains spacing for the permanent successor, supports speech and chewing, and often prevents more complicated orthodontic challenges later.
Extractions & Space Maintainers
If a tooth can’t be saved, we remove it gently and comfortably, then place a space maintainer when needed to keep neighbors from drifting. That simple appliance protects alignment and reduces the likelihood of crowding — a preventive step parents appreciate later when the permanent teeth arrive.
Pediatric Emergency Dentistry
Same-day relief in San Bernardino — toothaches, trauma, infection, swelling.
Dental emergencies are frightening for children and stressful for parents. We reserve same-day emergency appointments for kids with pain, swelling, infection, broken or knocked-out teeth, or injuries from sports and accidents. Our goal is immediate comfort and clear next steps: stabilize, treat, and prevent complications. We guide parents by phone on what to do on the way in (for example, how to handle a lost tooth or control a bleeding lip), and we coordinate follow-up so your child returns to normal quickly. Because we offer all specialties in one office, definitive care often happens faster — for example, a surgical extraction or pulpotomy can be completed the same day without external referrals.
Dental Emergency? We’re Here Today.
Same-day pediatric emergency care in San Bernardino. Covered by Medi-Cal.
Book Appointment Now
Sleep Dentistry for Kids
Medi-Cal-covered treatment — monitored by board-certified anesthesiologists.
When a child has extensive needs, severe dental anxiety, or medical/developmental conditions that make traditional care difficult, Sleep Dentistry for Kids can be the safest, most compassionate path. At Vernon Dental Specialty we partner with board-certified anesthesiologists who monitor every stage of care with hospital-level protocols. Parents receive clear instructions before the appointment (including fasting and medication guidance) and practical, step-by-step after-care for a smooth recovery at home. Importantly, Medi-Cal covers pediatric anesthesia dentistry when medically necessary. That means families across San Bernardino and the Inland Empire can access advanced, comfortable treatment without financial barriers. Because your child’s entire plan is coordinated in one office, appointments are efficient, communication stays consistent, and your child sees familiar faces throughout the process.
Special Needs Pediatric Dentistry
Sensory-aware, individualized care plans in a calm, supportive environment.
Tailored Appointments
We take extra time to make each child feel comfortable. Appointments can be scheduled with longer time blocks, quieter settings, and predictable routines, so children know what to expect. This approach lowers stress and helps families feel more confident during visits.
Supportive Environment
Our team creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere. We explain each step in simple language, give children time to adjust, and move at a pace that works for them. Parents are encouraged to stay nearby, so kids feel supported and safe throughout the visit.
Communication & Behavior Guidance
We use clear words, gentle demonstrations, and positive reinforcement. Parents can help interpret cues and comfort their child. The goal is not only to complete treatment but also to build trust and make future visits easier.
Sedation Options & Care Plans
For children with extensive needs or severe anxiety, we offer sedation options — including Sleep Dentistry monitored by board-certified anesthesiologists, covered by Medi-Cal when medically necessary. Treatment plans are designed to reduce the number of visits and ensure safe, effective care.
Medi-Cal Coverage for Pediatric Dentistry
What’s covered, how eligibility works, and how we help families use benefits.
What Medi-Cal Covers
For eligible children, Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal includes preventive exams and cleanings, fluoride, sealants, X-rays when indicated, fillings, pulpotomies, crowns, extractions, space maintainers, emergency visits, and Sleep Dentistry when medically necessary. Coverage supports early intervention and makes comprehensive care realistic for families.
Eligibility & Documentation
Our front-office team verifies eligibility before your appointment, explains covered services, and outlines any paperwork. If documentation is needed for medical necessity (for example, to approve anesthesia), we prepare clinical notes and submit them correctly so care isn’t delayed.
How We Help Families
We translate insurance language into everyday terms, map out a step-by-step plan, and schedule visits efficiently so children finish treatment quickly. Because we handle all specialties in one location, families typically complete care with fewer appointments and fewer surprises.
Medi-Cal Benefits for Kids
Access to preventive care and early treatment reduces school absences, pain, and emergency-room visits. In a community as large and diverse as San Bernardino and the Inland Empire, Medi-Cal coverage means more children get fluoride, sealants, and timely restorative work — which translates into healthier smiles and lower long-term costs.
Safe Tooth Extractions for Kids
Gentle oral surgery available in-house, covered by Medi-Cal when necessary.
Schedule a Consultation
Thinking About Braces for Your Child?
Orthodontic evaluations available in the same office.
Schedule a Consultation
Why Families Choose Our Pediatric Dentistry in San Bernardino
From preventive visits to emergency care and braces — everything your child needs in one trusted office.
Board-Certified Pediatric Expertise
Parents want a pediatric specialist who combines advanced training with a warm, reassuring presence. Dr. Sara delivers both. Her board certification signals rigorous standards, while her chairside manner helps nervous kids relax. That balance is why families recommend our pediatric team to friends and neighbors.
All Specialties in One Office
From orthodontics to oral surgery, endodontics to periodontics, every specialty your child might need is available here. You’ll never shuttle across town for a crown, a pulpotomy, or a space maintainer. Coordinated care inside one office means faster decisions, fewer visits, and better continuity.
Child-Friendly Experience
Design details matter for kids. Calming colors, friendly staff, familiar routines, and age-appropriate explanations turn appointments into predictable, positive experiences. We celebrate progress, use simple visuals, and give parents practical tools to keep routines working at home.
Safety & Transparency
Whether it’s an X-ray, a filling, or Sleep Dentistry, we explain what we’re doing and why. Anesthesia care is monitored by board-certified anesthesiologists we partner with, and parents receive clear pre-op and post-op instructions. You always know the plan — no surprises.
Community Roots in the Inland Empire
We’ve served San Bernardino families for 20+ years. That history shows up in our systems: same-day emergency slots, weekend availability for special events, and streamlined Medi-Cal verification so families can focus on care, not paperwork. We measure success in healthy smiles across classrooms and playgrounds.
Proven Results & Real Feedback
Thousands of children have completed treatment plans here — from first cleanings to advanced procedures. Parents tell us their kids return willingly, brush more consistently, and feel proud of their visits. Those outcomes matter as much as any X-ray or chart note.
Referral Trust
Trusted pediatric dentistry partner for San Bernardino families and local dentists.
Trusted by Local Dental Offices
More than 200 dental offices across San Bernardino and the Inland Empire refer their pediatric patients to Vernon Dental Specialty. Local providers trust our board-certified pediatric specialist to deliver gentle, high-quality care for children of all ages.
Expertise in Comprehensive Pediatric Cases
We manage the full range of children’s dental needs — from preventive care and fluoride treatments to restorative dentistry, emergencies, and even sleep dentistry when required. With every specialty available in one office, families receive coordinated care that’s efficient and stress-free.
Personalized Care for Every Child
Each child’s visit is tailored with extra time, clear communication, and parent involvement. Whether a child comes directly or is referred by another office, our goal is to make dentistry comfortable, safe, and accessible — especially for families using Medi-Cal coverage.
Areas We Serve
At Vernon Dental Specialty, we provide expert orthodontic care in San Bernardino and the Inland Empire, helping children, teens, and adults achieve healthy, confident smiles. Our board-certified orthodontist is trusted by local families and referring dentists for both braces and Invisalign treatment. We are proud to serve patients from many nearby communities, including Colton, Rialto, Redlands, Fontana, Highland, Loma Linda, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Riverside, Grand Terrace, and Bloomington. By accepting Medi-Cal and most PPO insurance plans, we make high-quality orthodontic treatment accessible and affordable across the region. Whether you’re searching for braces or Invisalign in San Bernardino or need a trusted orthodontist in a nearby city, our team is here to provide patient-focused care, modern technology, and reliable results. Vernon Dental Specialty is committed to delivering the highest level of orthodontic treatment and long-lasting smiles for every patient.
Pediatric Dentistry FAQs
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
By age one or within six months of the first tooth. That early visit lets us check growth patterns, counsel on brushing and fluoride, and catch concerns before they cause pain. Baby teeth are vital for eating, speech, and spacing for adult teeth, so we want them healthy from the start. The appointment is short, gentle, and focused on education. Beginning early also normalizes the dental environment, which lowers anxiety in later years. Families on Medi-Cal benefit because many early services are covered.
How often should children have check-ups and cleanings?
Every six months for most kids, or more frequently if there’s a history of cavities or medical considerations. These visits remove plaque and tartar, strengthen enamel with fluoride, and let us monitor eruption and bite. Regular appointments help us intervene early when we see weak spots or hygiene challenges. Consistency builds confidence for children and momentum for families. If we need to see your child more often, we’ll explain why and set a plan that fits your schedule.
What if my child is afraid of the dentist?
Fear is common — and manageable. We use tell-show-do introductions, simple language, and realistic choices (“left or right first?”) to build control. Parents can stay chairside to comfort younger children. Desensitization visits let anxious patients try the chair, mirror, or suction without pressure to complete treatment. If fear still blocks progress, we may recommend minimal sedation or Sleep Dentistry, depending on the child’s needs and medical history. The goal is safe, successful care that feels achievable.
Does Medi-Cal cover children’s dental care?
Yes. Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal covers preventive exams and cleanings, fluoride, sealants, medically necessary X-rays, fillings, crowns, pulpotomies, extractions, space maintainers, emergency visits, and anesthesia dentistry when medically necessary. We verify eligibility, explain benefits simply, and prepare required documentation for approvals. Coverage focuses on prevention and early intervention, which means healthier smiles and fewer emergency crises.
What is a pulpotomy and when is it needed?
A pulpotomy treats a primary (baby) tooth when decay has reached the nerve tissue. We remove the inflamed portion, medicate the chamber, and seal the tooth — often finishing with a crown for strength. Saving the tooth maintains spacing for the permanent successor, preserves chewing and speech, and helps avoid crowding later. The procedure is efficient and well-tolerated by children. When indicated, it’s covered by Medi-Cal.
When are crowns necessary for kids?
Crowns are recommended when a tooth is extensively decayed, fractured, or after a pulpotomy when there isn’t enough tooth structure for a durable filling. Stainless-steel crowns are ideal for back teeth due to strength; zirconia crowns offer a natural look for esthetic areas. Crowns protect the tooth until it’s ready to fall out naturally. We’ll show X-rays, explain options, and review care instructions. Coverage under Medi-Cal is based on medical necessity, which we document.
What is Sleep Dentistry for Kids?
ASleep Dentistry allows children to complete care under fully monitored anesthesia delivered by board-certified anesthesiologists who partner with our clinic. It’s considered when anxiety is severe, treatment is extensive, or medical/developmental conditions limit cooperation. Parents receive clear fasting and medication guidelines, and recovery is monitored with written instructions for home. When medically necessary, Medi-Cal covers anesthesia dentistry so families can pursue the safest option without financial strain.
Do you treat children with special needs?
Yes. We design individualized care plans that consider sensory sensitivities, communication preferences, medication interactions, and medical histories. Appointments are longer, environments quieter, and explanations concrete. We involve caregivers closely and provide written steps to practice at home. If traditional visits aren’t feasible, we discuss sedation or Sleep Dentistry with the anesthesia team. Our goal is compassionate, effective care that respects each child’s abilities and comfort.
Can my child get braces through your office?
Yes. Because orthodontics is on site, interceptive guidance and full orthodontic care are coordinated with pediatric visits. Early monitoring helps us time referrals for expanders or braces to maximize growth and minimize treatment length. If orthodontic coverage under Medi-Cal is available based on medical necessity, we’ll guide you through next steps.