Kennedy Dental Care
Pediatric Dentistry

Dental Cleanings & Exams in Corpus Christi, TX

Keeping Generations of Families Smiling for Over 55 Years

Happy patient after a dental cleaning at Kennedy Dental Care
Quick Answer

How Often Should Kids See the Dentist?

Every six months for a cleaning and exam, unless your dentist recommends a different schedule. Twice-a-year visits let us remove the buildup brushing misses, catch small problems before they grow, track your child's development, and keep good habits on track. At Kennedy Dental Care, a routine visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour at any of our four Corpus Christi offices.

The Visit

What Happens at a Kids' Cleaning & Exam

A routine visit runs about 45 minutes to an hour, and even our youngest patients get cleaning appropriate to their age – the full polish-and-floss routine grows as they do.

Hygienist polishing a young patient's teeth

The dentist checks for cavities and decay, gum health, bite and alignment as your child grows, and does a gentle soft-tissue check of gums, tongue, and cheeks. If anything needs attention, you get a clear explanation and options before anything happens.

A gentle removal of plaque and tartar, a polish that leaves teeth smooth and bright, and fluoride treatment when it is part of your child's plan.

Digital X-rays at appropriate intervals, and coaching your child will actually remember – how to brush the tricky spots, what snacks teeth like least.

Prevention First

Why Regular Checkups Matter

The case for the six-month rhythm – and when it should begin.

Why Six-Month Visits Matter

Prevention beats treatment. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing cannot always reach – stopping cavities and gum problems before they start.

Small problems stay small. Regular exams catch cavities, bite concerns, and developing issues early, when treatment is simplest.

Savings over time. Preventive care helps families avoid bigger, costlier procedures later.

Habits that stick. Every visit includes practical hygiene coaching, so home care actually improves between appointments.

Why Six-Month Visits Matter

From the First Tooth

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth – whichever comes first. Early visits are short, gentle, and about comfort and habits as much as teeth.

From there, six-month checkups become the rhythm that keeps everything on track.

From the First Tooth
A Trusted Name

Caring for Corpus Christi families for generations

A healthy smile starts with regular cleanings and exams. Since 1969, families across Corpus Christi, Portland, TX, Annaville, Flour Bluff, and Robstown have trusted Kennedy Dental Care for gentle preventive visits that keep small concerns small – from a toddler's first gentle cleaning to a teen's checkup between orthodontic visits.

55+

Years serving the Coastal Bend

04

Convenient locations

4.9★

Average patient rating

The Kennedy Dental Care team
Child getting a gentle dental cleaning
Between Visits

What Parents Can Watch

Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing once teeth touch, and sensible snack habits do most of the work at home. Call us between visits if you notice sensitivity, white or brown spots, bleeding gums, or a chipped tooth – catching things early is key.

Dental cleaning and exam cost at Kennedy Dental Care
Cost

Cost, Insurance & the Membership Plan

Preventive visits are the best-covered care in dentistry – many insurance plans cover cleanings and exams at little or no out-of-pocket cost, and we accept most insurance plans as well as Medicaid and CHIP. No insurance? Two cleanings, exams, X-rays, and fluoride each year are the heart of our membership plan – one flat annual fee with no waiting. We verify benefits and explain costs before every visit.

Book an Appointment
Why Choose Us

Why Choose Kennedy Dental Care

A team that makes checkups feel easy.

Saratoga, Alameda, Staples, and Calallen, all with the same gentle approach.

A 4.9-star average across 3250+ Google reviews, serving Coastal Bend families since 1969.

A happy patient at Kennedy Dental Care
Meet Our Doctors

A Caring Team You Can Trust

View All Team Members
View All Team Members

Dr. Paul Kennedy, pediatric dentist in Corpus ChristiMaria B. TiefenbachRosanna P. WhiddenShanan BrownBansuri ShethAmisha RevawalaMaham KhanAlissa M. ChapmanNancy CollVeena Raj

Pediatric Dentistry Team

Paul A. Kennedy

III, M.S., D.D.S.

Dr. Paul Kennedy, known to his patients as “Dr. Paul,” is a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi with a deep passion for improving children's oral health.

He attended Windsor Park Elementary, Baker Middle School, and graduated from Mary Carroll High School. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Baylor University and a Master of Science from Texas A&M – Corpus Christi. Dr. Paul completed his dental degree at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco and received his certificate in pediatric dentistry from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Dr. Paul is actively involved in professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the Texas Dental Association (TDA).

Outside of the office, he enjoys fishing, boating, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Merritt, and their two children.

Our Reviews

A Reputation Built on Generations of Happy Patients

Kennedy Dental Care holds a 4.9-star average rating across 3,250+ Google reviews – a reflection of the care our team brings to every visit.

5 star rating

I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.

Emma D
5 star rating

Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!

Vivian L
5 star rating

Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.

Nicolee M
5 star rating

I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.

Lucky L
5 star rating

The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍

Brittany G
5 star rating

I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.

Emma D
5 star rating

Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!

Vivian L
5 star rating

Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.

Nicolee M
5 star rating

I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.

Lucky L
5 star rating

The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍

Brittany G
5 star rating

I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.

Emma D
5 star rating

Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!

Vivian L
5 star rating

Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.

Nicolee M
5 star rating

I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.

Lucky L
5 star rating

The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍

Brittany G
5 star rating

I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.

Emma D
5 star rating

Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!

Vivian L
5 star rating

Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.

Nicolee M
5 star rating

I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.

Lucky L
5 star rating

The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍

Brittany G
5 star rating

I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.

Emma D
5 star rating

Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!

Vivian L
5 star rating

Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.

Nicolee M
5 star rating

I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.

Lucky L
5 star rating

The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍

Brittany G
5 star rating

I can not express how deeply I appreciate the staff and the dentists. They are amazing people each and everyone of the staff members. Always kind ,friendly welcoming, and very professional. I have had nothing but good experiences at this location.

Emma D
5 star rating

Our experience from the front end to check out was nothing short of amazing. My daughters always feel welcomed and at ease when going to the dentist. My youngest was asked to hit a home run for KDC at her game and she did!

Vivian L
5 star rating

Absolutely love this place &’ it was only our first time there. Everyone was welcoming, very nice &’ patient with my daughter. So glad my friend referred us here 😃.

Nicolee M
5 star rating

I was very hesitant about my daughter having a frenectomy procedure done, but the staff and Dr. Pruitt provided the most amazing experience I could have asked for. Their knowledge, patience, kindness, and reassurance made everything OK. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend them. If I could give 10 stars, I would definitely give them 10 stars.

Lucky L
5 star rating

The BEST patient experience like always. Both hygienist were very sweet with my kids & the dentist was sweet as well and I loved that she explained every question I had, to top it all off my kids adored meeting service dog Scout that’s goes every Thursday. Her and her handler were amazing. I love that my kids look forward to their cleanings every 6 months. 10/10’recommend to anyone looking for a dental pediatric home! 🤍

Brittany G
FAQs

Dental Cleanings & Exams Frequently Asked Questions

Every six months for a cleaning and exam, unless your dentist recommends more frequent visits for a specific reason. Twice-a-year checkups prevent cavities, catch small issues early, and keep development on track.

By their first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing – whichever comes first, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

A gentle exam of teeth, gums, and bite; a cleaning and polish; fluoride when planned; X-rays at appropriate intervals; and practical hygiene coaching. A routine visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

No – our team uses gentle techniques, explains each step, and goes at your child's pace. Tell us about any sensitivity and we adjust.

The exam is the dentist's check of teeth, gums, bite, and development; the cleaning is the professional removal of plaque and tartar plus polishing. Your child gets both at each six-month visit.

Preventive visits are among the best-covered dental services – many plans cover them at little or no cost, and we accept most insurance plans as well as Medicaid and CHIP. Our membership plan includes two cleanings and exams a year for families without insurance.

Related Services

Explore Related Services

Fluoride treatment at Kennedy Dental Care

Fluoride Treatment

Strengthening Smiles for a Lifetime of Healthy Teeth

Explore More
Dental sealants at Kennedy Dental Care

Dental Sealants

Protecting Smiles with Preventive Care

Explore More
Digital dental X-rays at Kennedy Dental Care

Digital X-Rays

Advanced, Low-Radiation Imaging for a Healthier Smile

Explore More
Dental fillings at Kennedy Dental Care

Dental Fillings

Restoring Healthy Smiles with Gentle, Expert Care

Explore More
Pediatric dentistry at Kennedy Dental Care

Pediatric Dentistry

Comprehensive Pediatric & Family Dental Care

Explore More

Time for Your Child's Next Checkup?

Six months goes fast. Book your child's cleaning and exam at any of our four Corpus Christi offices for gentle care, clear answers, and a fresh-feeling smile on the way out.

Time for Your Child's Next Checkup?