How to Find a Pediatric Dentist in Knoxville

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists complete two to three additional years of training focused on children, including growth, behavior guidance, sedation, and complex dental needs. Family dentists can also treat kids, but without this specialized residency.

That extra training becomes especially valuable with dental injuries, complex cavities, anxious children, or special needs. Dr. Mallard completed his pediatric specialty training at Texas A&M after working with children and patients with special needs at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

How do I check whether a pediatric dentist is actually board certified?

Look the dentist up in the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry’s public directory of diplomates, and check the AAPD’s find-a-dentist tool. Both are free, and it takes about a minute. Board certification is a separate thing from a dental license and a separate thing from finishing a residency, which is the part most parents do not realize.

Here is the hierarchy in plain terms:

• Licensed dentist. Graduated dental school and passed state licensing. Required to practice at all.
• Pediatric dentist. Completed an accredited pediatric dentistry residency after dental school.
• Board-certified pediatric dentist (Diplomate, ABPD). Completed the residency and passed the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry’s written and oral examinations, and keeps that certification current.

One more distinction worth knowing: membership in the AAPD is a professional association, not a credential. Practice websites often list association memberships and board certification in the same row of logos, and they do not mean the same thing.

Dr. Mallard is a board-certified pediatric dentist and a member of the ADA, the AAPD, and the ABPD. You can confirm that yourself in about a minute, and you should not have to take a website’s word for it — including this one.

What are the warning signs that a practice is not the right fit?

Watch for unclear answers about costs, credentials, treatment recommendations, or sedation. Other red flags include pressure to act urgently without explanation, no written estimates, vague qualifications, or staff who do not communicate directly with your child.

One issue may not mean much, but several together can signal that the practice is not the right fit.

What should I ask about insurance and cost before booking?

Ask three things: whether the office is in-network with your plan, what your plan covers for preventive visits, and for a written estimate before any treatment beyond a cleaning.

A few things that help this conversation go faster:

• In-network matters more than “we accept your insurance.” Most offices will bill any plan. In-network means a negotiated rate, and it is usually the difference that shows up on your bill.
• Preventive and restorative are covered differently. Many plans cover two cleanings and exams a year at or near 100%, then cover fillings, crowns, and extractions at a lower percentage. Knowing the split before treatment is planned prevents the unpleasant version of this conversation.
• Ask for procedure codes. With the codes in hand you can call your carrier and get a real number instead of an estimate.
• No insurance? Ask about a membership plan. Many practices run one. Compare the annual fee against two cleanings, two exams, and X-rays at full price.

Knox Tot Pediatric Dentistry works with several major insurance providers, including Delta, Aetna, Unum, and Cigna, and takes cash, credit, and debit. For families without insurance, our membership plan covers regular checkups and cleanings and discounts treatment, with the cost stated upfront. Details are on our payment options page, or call (865) 761-2008 and we will walk through your specific plan with you.