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132 New Britain Avenue, Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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Keeping Young Smiles Whiter, Brighter, and Healthy

Your Child’s Dental Health Starts with a Checkup

At West Hill Family Dental, pediatric dentistry isn’t just a service—it’s a core part of our mission to support families across Rocky Hill and surrounding towns like Berlin, Cromwell, Wethersfield, Newington, and New Britain. With a strong focus on preventive care, our team—led by Dr. Robert J. Hemphill, DMD—brings over two decades of advanced clinical experience to every appointment.

Dr. Hemphill is not only a graduate of Nova Southeastern University, but he also completed a prestigious general practice residency at Yale New Haven Hospital. His hospital-based dental training gives him unique insight into treating patients with complex needs, including children who require specialized care or are particularly anxious.

Why Pediatric Dental Care Is Essential in Central Connecticut

In Connecticut, children’s oral health has been a growing concern, with nearly 25% of children in kindergarten showing signs of untreated tooth decay (CT DPH, 2022). At West Hill Family Dental, we actively help reverse this trend through early intervention, personalized education, and gentle care tailored to each child’s stage of development.

Our pediatric dental program helps:

  • Prevent cavities and gum disease with regular cleanings and fluoride treatments
  • Detect orthodontic concerns early to reduce the need for extensive future correction
  • Ensure baby teeth remain healthy placeholders for permanent teeth
  • Support healthy eating and speech development
  • Identify issues parents might not see—such as early gingivitis, molar erosion, or developmental delays in eruption

We work closely with parents to ensure each child’s care plan is easy to follow at home and supported at every visit.

Little happy girl brushing her teeth.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Appointment

Our Rocky Hill dental office is designed with families in mind. From the moment you arrive, our multilingual staff (English, Spanish, and Polish) and friendly hygienists provide a warm welcome and calming environment.

Your child’s first or routine visit may include:

  • A complete health history review
  • Digital X-rays (typically starting around age 5) for safe, detailed imaging
  • A thorough cleaning and fluoride application (as appropriate for age)
  • Gentle oral exam by Dr. Hemphill
  • Early orthodontic evaluation, if needed

What sets us apart is the time we spend getting to know your child—explaining every step in friendly, age-appropriate language and never rushing their experience. Our hygienists, often mentioned by name in patient reviews (Kim, Melissa, Monica), are experienced in calming anxious children and making dental visits enjoyable.

Smiling boy in a dental chair after pediatric dental treatment.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Safe, Gentle Help for Anxious Kids

For children who are extremely anxious, have had previous dental trauma, or need more extensive work, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Dr. Hemphill’s hospital-based training ensures your child is in capable, experienced hands.

  • Administered through a soft nasal mask
  • Mixed safely with oxygen
  • Calms without putting the child to sleep
  • Fast onset and immediate recovery

Nitrous oxide helps ease stress while allowing your child to remain alert and responsive. This often means that even those who’ve had previous bad experiences can begin to rebuild trust in dental care.

Why West Hill Family Dental Is the Choice for Rocky Hill Families

What truly makes us different is our dedication to long-term relationships. We’re proud to be the dental home for multiple generations of families across central Connecticut. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Extensive clinical background: Dr. Hemphill’s training at Yale and over 20 years of experience mean your child benefits from expert care from day one.
  • Patient-centered care: We’re known for our calm, kind, and individualized approach, especially for nervous children or children with special needs.
  • Convenient access: Located on New Britain Avenue, we’re just minutes from I-91 and Route 9, with ample parking and short wait times (99% of patients wait under 30 minutes).
  • Multilingual, community-connected staff: Families from Rocky Hill, Berlin, Cromwell, and Wethersfield trust us because we speak their language—literally and figuratively.

FAQ: Pediatric Dentistry in Rocky Hill, CT

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