Why August Is the Best Time to Book Your Kids In With Your Ottawa Dentist
Between school supply shopping and squeezing in one last summer trip, dental checkups are easy to forget in August. But this quiet stretch before the school year starts is actually the ideal time to see an Ottawa dentist with your kids, before packed schedules and homework make it much harder to find an appointment. At Tooth & Co. Dentistry in Centretown West, Dr. Amanda Campbell sees patients of all ages, including kids, and our team built this guide to help parents understand why a back to school checkup matters and how easy it is to fit one in before September hits.
Why Back to School Is the Right Time for a Dental Checkup
A cavity or loose filling that goes unnoticed over the summer can turn into a missed school day once classes start, right when your child cannot afford to fall behind. An August checkup catches small problems while there is still time to treat them without disrupting the school routine. It also means your child starts the year with a clean bill of oral health, one less thing on your list once homework, sports, and activities take over the calendar.
What a Pediatric Checkup Actually Involves
A typical children's checkup includes a gentle exam, a professional cleaning, and a look at how your child's teeth and bite are developing. The Canadian Dental Association recommends children see a dentist starting within six months of their first tooth or by their first birthday, and continuing with regular visits from there. Sealants may be suggested for new molars, and any early signs of decay can usually be treated simply while they are still small, rather than turning into a bigger procedure later.
Making It Easy on Anxious or First Time Patients
Not every child looks forward to the dentist, and that is completely normal. Our Centretown West clinic was designed with comfort in mind, with natural light, acoustic tiles, and air purifiers that keep things calm rather than clinical. Nitrous oxide sedation is available for children who need a little extra help relaxing, and Mushroom, our certified therapy dog, is often around before and after appointments to offer a friendly, familiar face to nervous first timers. Our goal is for your child's first visit, or their fiftieth, to feel like a normal part of their routine rather than something to dread.
Booking Around School Schedules
We know back to school season comes with its own calendar chaos, which is why our hours are built with families in mind. We are open Monday from 12 to 8, which works well for an after school appointment once classes resume, and Tuesday through Thursday from 9 to 5 for anyone who prefers daytime scheduling before the routine sets in. Booking online through Akitu One lets you grab a spot that works around camp, sports, or a family trip without a lot of back and forth.
Insurance and Coverage for Kids
Cost should not be the reason a checkup gets pushed to next year. As an Ottawa dentist, we accept all insurance plans, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers a range of preventive and diagnostic services for eligible children and families. The Canadian Paediatric Society continues to advocate for equal access to oral health care for kids across the country, and we do our part by making sure cost and paperwork are not barriers to getting your child seen.
August fills up fast once other parents have the same idea, so the earlier you book, the more likely you are to get a time that actually works for your family. As your local Ottawa dentist, we would love to help your kids start the school year with a healthy, confident smile.
Book an appointment at toothand.co/contact or browse our full range of services at
toothand.co/services to see how we care for patients of every age, from first tooth through the teenage years.
815 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1R 6Y1
Telephone: 613-714-4646 | Corner of Gladstone and Rochester
Written by Dr. Amanda Campbell, principal dentist and founder of Tooth & Co Dental Clinic in Ottawa.
