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Local services · Wilmington, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Pediatric Dentists in Wilmington, NC

Finding the right pediatric dentist is vital for your child's dental health. Our rankings highlight the best options in Wilmington.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceCoastal Smiles Family Dentistry
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Wilmington-metro pediatric dentists businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Choosing a pediatric dentist is crucial for your child's dental health and comfort. In Wilmington, you want a provider who understands kids and makes dental visits a positive experience. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to find the right fit for your family.

To create this list, we evaluated ten pediatric dental practices in Wilmington, considering their ratings, number of reviews, and overall reputation in the community. Our commitment to transparency means no one pays for placement, ensuring you receive an unbiased overview of the best pediatric dentists.

10providers evaluated in Wilmington
4.72average rating across the field
3.6Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does this service cost in Wilmington? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

Coastal Smiles Family Dentistry

★★★★★4.8(1,144 reviews)

With a stellar rating of 4.8 from 1,144 reviews, Coastal Smiles Family Dentistry excels in providing a welcoming environment for kids.

Read full review
Best Value
94Score

Lume Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

★★★★★4.8(531 reviews)

Lume Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics holds a solid rating of 4.8 from 531 reviews, with parents highlighting the excellent communication and patience shown to young patients.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
92Score

Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry

★★★★★4.8(163 reviews)

Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry has earned a 4.8 rating from 163 reviews, with many parents praising the staff's ability to ease children's fears about dental visits.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
4.8★★★★★
1,144Families seeking a comprehensive dental home
2
94Score
4.8★★★★★
531Value-conscious families needing orthodontics
3
92Score
4.8★★★★★
163Preventive care for anxious children
4
91Score
4.9★★★★★
88Children with special needs
5
89Score
4.7★★★★★
810Engaging dental experiences for kids
6
88Score
5.0★★★★★
52Nurturing dental care
7
85Score
4.8★★★★★
102Positive dental experiences for children
8
82Score
4.6★★★★★
183Gentle dental care in a cheerful environment
9
80Score
4.4★★★★★
523Fun dental experiences for anxious kids
10
78Score
4.4★★★★★
7Parents seeking new options
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 providers.

We assessed each dental practice based on their customer ratings, the volume of reviews, and feedback from parents in Wilmington. By analyzing this data, we aimed to provide a clear picture of which practices stand out. Our rankings are refreshed monthly, ensuring you have the latest information.

No business can pay for a higher ranking on our list. We prioritize honest assessments to help you make the best choice for your child's dental needs. Our last update was on June 13, 2026, reflecting the most current insights available.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Coastal Smiles Family Dentistry

★★★★★4.8(1,144 reviews)
96Score

With a stellar rating of 4.8 from 1,144 reviews, Coastal Smiles Family Dentistry excels in providing a welcoming environment for kids. Parents praise the friendly staff and the gentle approach to dental care. This practice is best for families seeking a comprehensive dental home. However, some parents noted that appointment availability can be challenging during peak times.

Pros

  • Highly rated for child-friendly care
  • Experienced staff
  • Comprehensive services

Cons

  • Potentially limited appointment times
  • Busy waiting room
Best forFamilies seeking a comprehensive dental home
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
2
Best Value

Lume Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

★★★★★4.8(531 reviews)
94Score

Lume Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics holds a solid rating of 4.8 from 531 reviews, with parents highlighting the excellent communication and patience shown to young patients. This practice is ideal for value-conscious families looking for both dental and orthodontic services. However, the location may be less convenient for some families in the region.

Pros

  • Excellent communication
  • Offers orthodontic services
  • Friendly atmosphere

Cons

  • Less convenient location for some
  • Moderate wait times
Best forValue-conscious families needing orthodontics
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
3
Most Reviewed

Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry

★★★★★4.8(163 reviews)
92Score

Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry has earned a 4.8 rating from 163 reviews, with many parents praising the staff's ability to ease children's fears about dental visits. Known for their child-centered approach, they excel in preventive care. A downside noted by some is the limited hours, which may not accommodate all families.

Pros

  • Child-centered approach
  • Focus on preventive care
  • Calm environment

Cons

  • Limited office hours
  • Less availability for urgent care
Best forPreventive care for anxious children
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
4

Drs Dimock Weinberg & Cherry DDS

★★★★★4.9(88 reviews)
91Score

Drs Dimock Weinberg & Cherry DDS boasts a 4.9 rating from 88 reviews, with families appreciating the professional and friendly demeanor of the staff. They are particularly skilled at addressing the needs of children with special requirements. However, the smaller number of reviews suggests a promising but unproven track record.

Pros

  • Highly skilled with special needs children
  • Professional staff
  • Positive patient experiences

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Smaller practice may have less flexibility
Best forChildren with special needs
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
5

Wilmington Kids Dentist

★★★★★4.7(810 reviews)
89Score

Wilmington Kids Dentist has a 4.7 rating from 810 reviews, with parents praising the cheerful atmosphere and excellent care. This practice is known for its engaging staff who make visits enjoyable for kids. A downside is that some parents have reported challenges with billing and insurance processing. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is engaging dental experiences for kids. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $50 to $150 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are billing and insurance issues reported and occasional long wait times.

Pros

  • Cheerful atmosphere
  • Engaging staff
  • Good preventive care

Cons

  • Billing and insurance issues reported
  • Occasional long wait times
Best forEngaging dental experiences for kids
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
6

Masonboro Kids Dentistry

★★★★★5.0(52 reviews)
88Score

Masonboro Kids Dentistry shines with a perfect 5.0 rating from 52 reviews, highlighting a nurturing environment that puts children at ease. Parents appreciate the thoroughness of the exams and the friendly nature of the staff. However, the limited number of reviews makes this practice promising but unproven in the broader community.

Pros

  • Perfect rating
  • Nurturing environment
  • Thorough exams

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Newer practice may lack some experience
Best forNurturing dental care
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
7

Dr. Egg Pediatric Dentistry

★★★★★4.8(102 reviews)
85Score

Dr. Egg Pediatric Dentistry has a strong rating of 4.8 from 102 reviews, with many parents noting the friendly and patient staff. They excel in creating a positive experience for children during their visits. However, some parents have mentioned that the office can be a bit crowded at times. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is positive dental experiences for children. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $50 to $150 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are crowded office at times and limited hours.

Pros

  • Friendly and patient staff
  • Positive experiences for kids
  • Good preventive care

Cons

  • Crowded office at times
  • Limited hours
Best forPositive dental experiences for children
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
8

Sunshine Children's Dentistry

★★★★★4.6(183 reviews)
82Score

Sunshine Children's Dentistry has a rating of 4.6 from 183 reviews, with reviewers appreciating the cheerful decor and friendly staff. This practice is known for its gentle approach to dental care. However, some parents have expressed concerns about long wait times and scheduling difficulties. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is gentle dental care in a cheerful environment. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $50 to $150 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are long wait times reported and scheduling difficulties.

Pros

  • Cheerful decor
  • Gentle approach
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Long wait times reported
  • Scheduling difficulties
Best forGentle dental care in a cheerful environment
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
9

Smile Starters Wilmington

★★★★★4.4(523 reviews)
80Score

Smile Starters Wilmington has a rating of 4.4 from 523 reviews, with many parents praising the friendly staff. They focus on making dental visits fun for kids, which can ease anxiety. However, some parents noted inconsistencies in service quality and longer wait times. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is fun dental experiences for anxious kids. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $50 to $150 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistencies in service quality and longer wait times.

Pros

  • Focus on making visits fun
  • Friendly staff
  • Good location

Cons

  • Inconsistencies in service quality
  • Longer wait times
Best forFun dental experiences for anxious kids
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
10

Coastal Carolina Pediatric Dentistry

★★★★★4.4(7 reviews)
78Score

Coastal Carolina Pediatric Dentistry has a rating of 4.4 from just 7 reviews, which is promising but unproven. Some parents appreciate the friendly staff, but the small number of reviews raises concerns about their experience and reliability. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is parents seeking new options. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $50 to $150 per visit pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited reviews and uncertain track record.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • New practice with potential

Cons

  • Very limited reviews
  • Uncertain track record
Best forParents seeking new options
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$50 to $150 per visit
Before you book

How to choose a pediatric dentist in Wilmington

Selecting the right pediatric dentist involves considering several factors that cater to your child's needs. Here are key points to guide your decision.

Consider their experience with children

Look for a dentist who specializes in pediatric care and has a good track record with kids.

Read reviews from other parents

Parent feedback can provide insights into the dentist's approach and how comfortable their children felt.

Check their office environment

A kid-friendly atmosphere can make visits less intimidating and more enjoyable for your child.

Evaluate their approach to dental care

Find a dentist who emphasizes preventive care and education, setting the foundation for lifelong dental health.

What it costs

What pediatric dentistry costs in Wilmington

The cost of pediatric dental services can vary based on the treatment required and the dentist's expertise. Here’s a general overview of what to expect.

Routine check-ups$50 to $150 per visit, depending on the dentist and insurance coverage.
X-rays$30 to $100, usually part of a routine check-up.
Fillings$100 to $250, depending on the material used and the complexity of the cavity.
Orthodontic evaluations$100 to $300, often necessary for early detection of alignment issues.

Frequently asked questions

How much does pediatric dentistry cost in Wilmington?

$50 to $150 per visit, depending on the services provided.

What should I look for in a pediatric dentist?

Look for experience with children, positive reviews from parents, and a kid-friendly environment.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Wilmington families: Coastal Smiles Family Dentistry

When it comes to pediatric dentistry in Wilmington, Coastal Smiles Family Dentistry stands out as our Editor's Choice for its excellent care and welcoming environment. Lume Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offers great value, combining dental and orthodontic services, while Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry is the go-to for preventive care for anxious children.