Great dental habits start early — and they start with a team your child actually wants to visit. At myDental Ben White near Ben White Boulevard (Highway 71), we provide gentle, compassionate dental care designed for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teens. From first tooth checkups to sealants, fluoride treatments, and sports mouthguards, our team helps families across South Austin, Zilker, Barton Hills, and the 78704/78745 corridors raise confident, cavity-free kids.
Between managing daycare pickups, weekend soccer games, and everything in between, it can be tough for busy South Austin parents to know exactly when their child needs a dental visit. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling the first appointment by age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing. If any of the situations below sound familiar, it is time to book a visit at our Ben White office.
Not certain whether a visit is needed right now? Give our Ben White team a call — we are happy to talk it through and help you decide, with zero pressure or obligation.

Pediatric dentistry is the branch of dental care dedicated to children — from the moment that first tiny tooth breaks through to the teenage years when wisdom teeth begin to appear. The scope goes well beyond cleanings: it includes tracking jaw growth, intercepting early decay with sealants and fluoride, and building a relationship with the dentist that your child carries into adulthood as a positive experience rather than a source of dread.
At myDental Ben White, we take a warm, unhurried approach with every child who walks through our doors. We use simple language, show-and-tell techniques, and plenty of encouragement so kids feel in control of what is happening. Whether your one-year-old is having their gums checked for the first time or your ten-year-old is getting sealants on new molars, we prioritize comfort alongside clinical excellence. For South Austin families who want a dental home where their kids feel genuinely welcome, we are ready when you are.
We track your child’s teeth from the very first eruption, identifying early decay and guiding development so permanent teeth have the best possible foundation when they arrive.
A thin protective layer painted onto the chewing surfaces of molars. Sealants keep bacteria and food particles out of deep grooves, cutting your child’s cavity risk by up to 80%.
Professional-grade fluoride hardens developing enamel and can reverse early-stage decay before a cavity forms — a quick, painless step that makes a lasting difference.
Custom-made mouthguards shield your child’s teeth and jaw during sports and recreation — offering dramatically better protection and comfort than anything off the shelf.
Our Ben White office offers a complete menu of children’s dental services under one roof, so families across South Austin, South Congress, and South Lamar never have to drive across town for their child’s care.

The goal of a first appointment is connection, not clinical pressure. We gently check your child’s teeth and gums, evaluate how their mouth is developing, and walk you through brushing tips and dietary guidance tailored to their age. The AAPD recommends this visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth.

Back teeth have grooves that traps food and plaque — no matter how well your child brushes. Sealants are thin coatings painted over those surfaces to block bacteria and prevent cavities. The procedure is fast, painless, and can lower cavity risk by up to 80%. Best for kids ages 6 to 14 as permanent molars erupt.

A quick fluoride varnish at each checkup strengthens the enamel your child is still developing and can stop early decay in its tracks — before it ever becomes a cavity. The application takes under a minute, involves zero discomfort, and is recommended by the American Dental Association for children at every stage.

Austin kids stay active — from youth soccer leagues at Zilker to basketball at the rec center. A custom mouthguard molded from impressions of your child’s teeth protects against chips, fractures, and soft-tissue injuries far more effectively than a boil-and-bite guard from the store.
We believe the way a child experiences the dentist early on shapes their relationship with dental care for life. Here is a step-by-step look at what happens during a pediatric visit at our Ben White location.
When your family arrives, our front desk team greets your child by name and makes introductions in a relaxed, pressure-free way. We let kids explore the chair, touch the instruments, and ask questions at their own pace — because familiarity replaces fear.
We carefully examine your child’s teeth, gums, bite alignment, and jaw growth. When X-rays are appropriate, we use low-radiation digital sensors that capture detailed images in seconds. We walk you through everything we see, using straightforward language instead of clinical jargon.
Our hygienist removes plaque and tartar from areas that a toothbrush and floss cannot reach, then polishes each tooth. We narrate every step in kid-friendly terms so your child understands what is happening and feels in control the entire time.
Based on your child’s age and risk factors, we may apply a fluoride varnish to fortify their enamel and discuss whether sealants would benefit them. Both treatments are quick, painless, and provide meaningful long-term protection against cavities.
Before you leave, we sit down with you to review our findings, answer any lingering questions, and share personalized brushing and flossing tips for your child’s age. If any follow-up care is recommended, we explain your options and walk through insurance and payment details on the spot.
Picking the right dental home for your child matters more than most parents realize. Here is what sets our Ben White office apart for families throughout South Austin, Zilker, Barton Hills, South Lamar, and South Congress.
Our Ben White office is built to put children at ease from the moment they walk in. Overhead TVs, kid-sized headphones, cozy blankets, and a gentle chair-side approach all work together to turn a dental visit into something your child looks forward to rather than dreads.
Some children need a little extra help relaxing — whether due to anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or a longer procedure. We offer safe, monitored sedation options that keep your child calm and comfortable while our team delivers the care they need.
Quality pediatric dental care should fit your family’s budget. We accept most PPO plans, provide flexible monthly financing through Cherry, and offer the myDental Plan for families without dental insurance — so cost never stands between your child and a healthy smile.
First visits, cleanings, sealants, fluoride, fillings, sports mouthguards, and orthodontic evaluations — all under one roof. As your child grows from toddler to teen, our team grows with them so you never have to start over somewhere new.
Rated 5.0/5 stars from 0+ patient reviews at our Ben White location.
Dr. Jinal Patel and Dr. Atul Gulati bring a combined depth of experience to our Ben White location, treating children of every age and temperament with patience and genuine care. Whether your little one is visiting the dentist for the very first time or your middle-schooler needs sealants before the new school year, our providers make every appointment feel easy and safe.

Dr. Atul Gulati
DDSDr. Gulati brings over 15 years of experience in general dentistry. A Stony Brook University graduate, he is Invisalign certified and trained in 3D imaging, cosmetic, and implant dentistry. His five years treating geriatric and special-needs patients shaped his thorough, compassionate approach to individualized care.
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Dr. Jinal Patel
DDSDr. Patel earned her DDS from the University of Southern California's Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. With extensive experience in multidisciplinary dentistry, she treats both children and adults with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. A two-time America's Top Dentists award recipient, she is dedicated to exceeding her patients' expectations.
View Full Bio →Our Ben White office is conveniently located near Ben White Boulevard (Highway 71), putting us within easy reach for families living and working across South Austin. We approach every child’s visit with the same care and attention we would give our own kids — because trust is earned one positive experience at a time.

Don’t see your question below? Contact our Ben White office — we are happy to help.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends bringing your child in by their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing — whichever happens first. These early appointments let us spot signs of decay before they progress, track jaw development, and help your little one grow comfortable in the dental chair long before any treatment is needed. At myDental Ben White, first visits are gentle, brief, and entirely focused on building your child’s confidence.
A pediatric dentist specializes in treating children from birth through adolescence. After completing dental school, they complete an additional two to three years of residency training focused on childhood development, behavior guidance, and dental conditions specific to growing mouths. At myDental Ben White, our team draws on this specialized training to provide care that is both clinically precise and emotionally attuned to the needs of young patients.
A pediatric dentist brings training specifically designed for children — from calming anxious toddlers to identifying developmental issues that a general practice might overlook. The office environment, the language, and the clinical approach are all tailored to young patients. While a general dentist can certainly see children, a pediatric-focused team like ours at myDental Ben White offers a level of specialization and kid-centered comfort that makes a real difference in how your child feels about dental visits.
Most children should visit the dentist every six months, just like adults. Regular checkups give us the opportunity to detect cavities early, monitor how teeth are coming in, apply preventive treatments such as fluoride and sealants, and reinforce positive brushing and flossing habits at home. If your child has a higher risk for decay or a specific dental concern, we may recommend more frequent visits tailored to their needs.
A routine pediatric visit — including an exam, cleaning, and fluoride treatment — typically falls between $150 and $300 for patients without insurance at our Ben White office. Additional services like sealants and X-rays are billed separately. We are upfront about costs before any treatment begins, and we offer flexible financing through Cherry as well as the myDental Plan, which bundles exams, cleanings, X-rays, and treatment discounts into one affordable membership for the whole family.
Dental sealants are thin, tooth-colored coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of your child’s molars — the teeth most prone to cavities because of their deep grooves. The sealant fills those grooves, creating a smooth barrier that is easy to clean and hard for bacteria to penetrate. According to the CDC, sealants can reduce the risk of cavities in treated teeth by up to 80%. They are typically recommended once permanent molars appear, usually between ages 6 and 14.
Absolutely. Professional fluoride treatments are endorsed by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics as safe and effective for children. At myDental Ben White, we apply a small, controlled amount of fluoride varnish that strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities. The whole process takes less than a minute, causes no discomfort, and the dosage is carefully adjusted based on your child’s age and individual cavity risk.
The best pediatric dentist is one who earns your child’s trust, keeps you informed as a parent, and delivers thorough, evidence-based care every single visit. At myDental Ben White, we pair an inviting, kid-centered environment with experienced providers who genuinely love working with young patients. We are rated 5.0/5 stars from 0+ reviews and proudly serve families throughout South Austin, Zilker, Barton Hills, South Lamar, South Congress, and the 78704/78745 area. Schedule a visit and see the difference for yourself.
We believe every child in South Austin deserves excellent dental care, regardless of whether your family has insurance. Our Ben White team offers straightforward pricing and multiple ways to pay so finances never delay your child’s treatment.
We work with most PPO dental insurance plans, including those that provide pediatric dental benefits. Our team verifies your coverage before the appointment and maximizes your benefits so you know exactly what to expect.
Verify Your Coverage →Spread the cost of your child’s dental care into easy monthly payments through Cherry financing. The application takes just minutes with no hard credit pull, so you can move forward with treatment right away.
Ask About Financing →No dental insurance? Our in-house membership plan covers exams, cleanings, and X-rays for the whole family and includes discounts on treatments like sealants, fluoride, and fillings — all for one straightforward annual fee.
Learn About the Plan →Explore our guides on children’s dental health, cavity prevention, and building great oral hygiene habits.
Whether your baby just cut their first tooth or your teenager needs a pre-sports mouthguard, our Ben White team near Highway 71 is here for every stage. We make dental visits comfortable, encouraging, and even enjoyable — so your child develops healthy habits and a positive view of the dentist that lasts a lifetime. Schedule your visit today.