Advanced, Low-Radiation Imaging for Growing Smiles
Digital X-rays are quick, comfortable images that show what the eye cannot – cavities forming between teeth, adult teeth developing under the gums, and problems before they hurt. They use significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, appear instantly on screen, and are taken only when your child's dentist needs them for diagnosis. Available at all four Kennedy Dental Care offices in Corpus Christi.
The routine check for cavities between the back teeth.
A detailed view of one tooth from crown to root, for injuries, deep decay, or infection.
The full-mouth picture, useful for orthodontic evaluations and tracking jaw and tooth development.
Used in orthodontic planning to see how teeth align with the jaw.
The "need" question and the "safety" question – answered straight, with no percentages we cannot verify.
It is a fair question – and the honest answer is: when they are needed, yes, because no exam can see between teeth or below the gumline. X-rays let us catch cavities in the tight spots where kids get them most, watch how adult teeth are developing before they arrive, spot infections before they cause pain, and plan orthodontic care with real information.
Just as important: we do not take X-rays by default. Your child's dentist orders them only when they genuinely inform diagnosis or treatment.
Digital X-rays use small amounts of radiation – significantly less than traditional film X-rays – and we keep exposure as low as reasonably possible: protective aprons during every image, X-rays taken only when needed, and strict safety guidelines followed at every office.
If you have concerns, bring them – walking parents through the why and the how is part of the visit, and you are always welcome to discuss alternatives with your child's dentist.
Some of the most important things happening in your child's mouth are invisible from the outside – a cavity starting between two molars, an adult tooth queuing up beneath a baby tooth, an infection that has not started hurting yet. Since 1969, Kennedy Dental Care has paired gentle exams with the imaging that completes the picture, and today that means fast, low-radiation digital X-rays at every office.
55+
Years serving the Coastal Bend
04
Convenient locations
4.9★
Average patient rating
Quick and easy: a small sensor, a few seconds of holding still, and the image appears on the screen right away – where your child can see their own teeth, which most kids think is genuinely cool. No waiting, no chemical developing, and easy comparison over time so we can watch how things change between visits.
X-rays are standard preventive care, and most insurance plans cover them. Our offices are proud to accept most insurance plans, as well as Medicaid and CHIP, and to offer an in-house membership plan for families, which includes annual X-rays.
Book an AppointmentWho order imaging thoughtfully – only when it helps your child.
Saratoga, Alameda, Staples, and Calallen.
A 4.9-star average across 3250+ Google reviews, serving Coastal Bend families since 1969.
Pediatric Dentistry Team
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.
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.
“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.”
“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!”
“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 😃.”
“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.”
“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! 🤍”
“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.”
“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!”
“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 😃.”
“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.”
“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! 🤍”
“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.”
“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!”
“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 😃.”
“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.”
“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! 🤍”
“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.”
“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!”
“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 😃.”
“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.”
“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! 🤍”
“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.”
“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!”
“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 😃.”
“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.”
“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! 🤍”
“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.”
“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!”
“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 😃.”
“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.”
“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! 🤍”
Digital X-rays use small amounts of radiation – significantly less than traditional film – and we add protection at every step: aprons during imaging, X-rays only when needed, and strict safety guidelines. Bring your questions; we are glad to answer them.
When they are needed, yes – no exam can see cavities between teeth or adult teeth developing below the gums. We do not take them by default; your child's dentist orders X-rays only when they genuinely inform care.
There is no one-size schedule – for many children it is about once a year, while kids with higher cavity risk or orthodontic needs may need them more often. Your child's dentist recommends the interval that fits their risk and development.
We respect your choice, always. Our team will explain why an X-ray is being recommended, discuss your concerns, and talk through alternatives when they exist – the decision is made with you, not for you.
No – a small sensor, a few seconds of holding still, and it is done. Most kids enjoy seeing their own teeth pop up on the screen.
Most plans cover X-rays as preventive care, and we accept most insurance plans as well as Medicaid and CHIP. Membership plan families have annual X-rays included.
Healthy smiles are built on catching things early – and digital X-rays are how we see what checkups alone cannot. Book at any of our four Corpus Christi offices.
(361) 992-9500
