As parents, it’s easy to focus on day-to-day needs while unintentionally falling behind on preventive care. Understanding when your child should see both a doctor and a dentist — at every stage of development — plays a major role in their long-term health.This 2026 guide breaks down medical and dental milestones by age, helping parents stay proactive, organized, and confident.
Age 1: Building the Foundation
Medical care:
The 12-month well-child visit is one of the most important early appointments. It typically includes growth tracking, developmental screening, and key vaccines such as MMR and varicella. According to the CDC, routine pediatric visits in the first two years significantly increase early detection of developmental delays.Families looking for a trustedPediatrician often rely on consistent well-child visits to establish a strong baseline for health.
Dental care:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth. Early dental visits help identify decay, oral habits, and jaw development before issues become serious.
Ages 2–3: Early Childhood Monitoring
Medical care:
Annual pediatric visits continue during toddler years, focusing on language development, behavior, nutrition, and sleep patterns. Flu vaccinations and catch-up immunizations are often addressed during this stage.
Dental care:
By age two or three, children should begin routine dental cleanings. Dentists monitor enamel strength, spacing, and oral hygiene habits. Early education around brushing can reduce cavity risk later — especially as diets expand.
Many families work with experienced Dentists to establish healthy dental routines early on.
Ages 4–6: School-Ready Health
Medical care:
Preschool and kindergarten-aged children typically receive vision and hearing screenings, school physicals, and vaccine boosters. The CDC reports that preventive pediatric care at this age reduces missed school days due to illness.
Dental care:
Around age six, first permanent molars emerge. According to the CDC, dental sealants can reduce cavity risk by up to 80% in school-aged children. Dentists may also begin evaluating bite alignment and jaw development.
Ages 7–12: Growth & Development Years
Medical care:
Annual pediatric checkups remain essential as children experience growth spurts and emotional development. Pediatric providers may also begin screening for attention, behavioral, or learning concerns during these years.
Dental care:
Dentists closely monitor tooth spacing, bite alignment, and oral habits. Orthodontic evaluations often begin between ages 8 and 12, allowing for early intervention if needed.
Ages 13–18: Teen Health & Prevention
Medical care:
Teen visits focus on physical growth, mental health, puberty, sports physicals, and preventive vaccines such as the HPV series. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination between ages 11–12 for optimal protection.
Dental care:
During adolescence, dentists monitor wisdom teeth development and reinforce hygiene habits. Preventive dental care during the teen years helps lower the risk of gum disease and major dental work in adulthood.
Pediatric & Dental Care Timeline
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Age Range
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Pediatric Care
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Dental Care
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1 Year
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Well-child exam, vaccines
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First dental visit
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2–3 Years
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Annual checkups, flu shots
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Begin routine cleanings
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4–6 Years
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School physicals, boosters
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Sealants, bite evaluation
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7–12 Years
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Growth & behavioral screening
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Orthodontic assessments
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13–18 Years
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Teen wellness & HPV vaccines
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Wisdom teeth monitoring
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Why Both Matter
1.Dental disease is the leading cause of missed school days due to chronic illness in children.
2.1 in 6 U.S. children has a developmental or behavioral condition that benefits from early pediatric screening.
3.Preventive care reduces emergency visits, long-term costs, and avoidable complications.
A Whole-Child Approach to Health
A child’s health doesn’t exist in silos. Regular medical visits paired with consistent dental care create a complete wellness strategy — supporting everything from growth and immunity to confidence and long-term quality of life.Working with a trusted Pediatrician and experienced Dentists helps families stay proactive, informed, and prepared at every stage of childhood.