Most children should see a pediatric dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth. If you’re askingwhen should my child see the dentist?, this guideline is supported by leading dental organizations and pediatric experts. A first dental...
Pediatric Dental Tips & Advice
Insights on Children’s Oral Health, Cavity Prevention, and Dental Care from Fort Collins’ Leading Pediatric Dentist
How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Dental Appointment
The best way to prepare a child for their first dental visit is to keep the experience calm, positive, and age-appropriate. Using simple language, avoiding scary words, and choosing a pediatric dentist in Fort Collins who is trained in child comfort can significantly...
2026 New Patient Guide for Fort Collins Families
By Dr. Keith Van Tassell, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist for more than 20 years This guide walks Fort Collins parents through exactly what to expect when choosing a kids dentist Fort Collins families trust—from ages we see (toddlers through teens), to insurance and...
Family Dentist vs. Pediatric Dentist: What’s the Real Difference?
By Dr. Keith Van Tassell, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist | Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies, Fort Collins, CO While family dentists play an important role in oral health, children often benefit most from care provided by a pediatric specialist. Pediatric dentists...
The Rule of 2s for Kids’ Teeth: A Simple Guide for Parents
By Dr. Keith Van Tassell, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies (Fort Collins, CO) As a pediatric dentist in Fort Collins for over 20 years, I tell every family the same bottom line: the Rule of 2s—brush 2 times a day, for 2 minutes,...
Simply Clear Aligners vs Traditional Braces: Which Are Best for Your Teen?
By Dr. Keith Van Tassell, Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist, Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies (Fort Collins, CO) In my 20 years in pediatric dentistry working hand in hand with early orthodontic specialists, I’ve seen it all! In this guide, I’ll break down how...
Is a Pediatric Dentist More Expensive Than a Regular Dentist?
When parents start researching dental care for their children, one of the first questions they ask is whether the cost of a pediatric dentist is higher than that of a general dentist. The short answer: sometimes, but the value and long-term benefits often far outweigh...
Why More Teens Are Choosing Simply Clear Aligners Over Braces
Clear Aligners for Teens Today’s teens want an orthodontic treatment that fits their lifestyle—comfortable, discreet, and easy to manage. Parents, meanwhile, want pediatric orthodontics that are safe, effective, and professionally supervised. That’s where Simply Clear...
Braces and Medicaid: What Fort Collins Families Need to Know
Is Medicaid Accepted for Kids’ Braces? What Colorado Parents Should Know If your child needs braces, one of the first questions parents often ask is: “Does Medicaid cover braces for kids?” At Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies in Fort Collins, we help families...
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out? A Fort Collins Parent’s Guide
Baby Teeth 101: When They Fall Out, What’s Normal, and When to Worry Losing baby teeth is a big milestone in childhood, but it often leaves parents wondering what’s normal and what’s not. At Pediatric Dentistry of the Rockies in Fort Collins, we help families...









