Visit a Kid-Friendly Dentist in Columbia, SC

From infants to teens, Kool Smiles gives kids the care they need for healthy teeth and gums. We focus on providing quality dental services at an affordable price. Our Columbia, SC dentist office on Forest Drive is designed to welcome children of all ages. From the moment you walk in the door, you’ll notice our friendly staff, clean environment and fun atmosphere including an indoor playground.

With 10 locations in South Carolina, Kool Smiles strives to make the community a healthier place. In addition to strategically placing our offices in areas with the greatest need, we partner with local organizations to promote oral health education. Our office also hosts community outreach events like Operation Troop Treats, in which children donate candy to send to troops overseas on Halloween.

Kool Smiles is also proud to accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid, TRICARE, and Healthy Connections. We believe great dental care should be accessible to every family, and we’re working to make that a reality.

Call 254-781-0553 to make an appointment with one of our general or pediatric dentists.

Our dental office is located just off of I-77, near the Walmart Supercenter, Sam’s Club and Hobby Lobby.

If you need directions from downtown or from Woodfield, read below.

From downtown Columbia (west of Kool Smiles), take Gervais Street and turn right on Trenholm Road. Turn right onto SC-12 East/Forest Drive. Turn right onto Gregg Street, then turn left into the shopping center. Kool Smiles is on the left, near Hobby Lobby.

From Woodfield (northeast of Kool Smiles), merge onto I-77 South. Take exit 12 for Forest Drive toward Strom Thurmond Boulevard and Fort Jackson. Turn right onto Forest Drive, then turn left toward Little Road. Kool Smiles is to the left of Walmart Supercenter near Hobby Lobby.

Dental Services We Offer

When it comes to dental health, kids have unique needs. It’s important that they receive care and establish healthy habits at a young age to set them up for lifelong oral health. Kool Smiles provides basic dental services commonly needed in children, as well as oral health education. Whether it’s time for a basic cleaning or your kid has a cavity, we can take care of it at an affordable price.

We offer the following dental services in Columbia:

• General dentistry. A general dentist is typically the first face you see for your dental needs—they’re your primary dental care provider. Their training includes an undergraduate education as well as four years of dental school in order to graduate and become a general dentist.
• Oral surgery. Oral surgery is one of dentistry’s nine specialties. An oral surgeon can diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and defects related to the function and appearance of your child’s teeth and jaw. Typically, if you need an oral surgeon, your general dentist will refer you to one.
• Orthodontics, including braces. Braces are the most common treatment for straightening teeth, giving patients the healthy and beautiful smile they deserve. Orthodontists can walk you through your options, including traditional metal braces and clear braces for kids and teens conscious about the look of their smile.
• Wisdom teeth extractions. Wisdom teeth often need to be removed when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for them to grow in properly. Your child’s general dentist will let you know if your child’s wisdom teeth have the space they need.

Affordable Dental Care for Your Kids

Kool Smiles accepts most insurance plans, including TRICARE, Healthy Connections and Medicaid—many dental practices can’t say the same. Some dental offices restrict the number of Medicaid patients they can accept. Not at Kool Smiles. Our team believes that dental health should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer several payment options for the uninsured who are paying out of pocket, including debit and credit cards and CareCredit.

Meet Our Team

There’s no reason your children should fear going to the dentist office when it’s Kool Smiles. Our fully licensed professionals are trained to provide top-notch dental care, while also making your children feel comfortable. Our dental offices are designed so kid enjoy going to the dentist. Our Columbia office even has an indoor playground so they can climb, slide and bounce around while they wait.

Why Take Your Child to Regular Dental Checkups?

It’s easy to remember to take yourself or your child to the dentist when there’s an emergency, or their smile grows out of place. But how can you help prevent those emergencies from happening in the first place or from becoming serious problems? The answer, thankfully, is pretty simple!

Regular dental checkups can prevent problems like cavities and gum disease before they happen or become serious issues. Regular visits to a dentist also have a number of other benefits to your children’s health.

Making the dentist a regular presence in your child’s life can:

• Instill healthy dental habits in your children. Dentists can remind children of the best practices for caring for their teeth on a daily basis, which can ultimately reap benefits in their long-term dental health.
• Spot problem areas early and begin fixing them immediately. Dentists are trained, educated professionals, and they’ll be able to spot issues during a physical examination that your child might not be able to see or feel on their own. Going to the dentist provides an opportunity to target those early issues before they become a real threat to your child’s teeth and health.
• Help you find a specialist. Many people assume that they need to see a pediatric dentist for any checkups their kids might need, but that’s not always the case. Pediatric dentists are specialists who perform specialized treatments when recommended by your general dentist.

Make an Appointment at Kool Smiles

If it’s time for your kids to visit the dentist, Kool Smiles can provide a happy, healthy experience. To schedule an appointment with a Columbia dentist near you, call us today at 254-781-0553.

And don’t forget our Saturday hours! We’re open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for your convenience.