Looking for a children’s dentist in Antioch, California? We compared nine practices serving families in Antioch and eastern Contra Costa County on insurance, hours, services, and patient reviews, using each practice’s own website wherever possible. Details were last checked in October 2026.

Quick Comparison

Clinic	Best For	Insurance Highlights	Hours
Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch	Medi-Cal dentist for kids, bilingual care, special needs, sedation, orthodontics	Medi-Cal Dental accepted; most insurance accepted	Mon–Fri 9–6; some Sat 8–5
Kids Dental World	Pediatric specialist for PPO and Delta Dental families	Delta Dental, PPO; no Medi-Cal	Mon–Fri 8–6 (per Yelp)
Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS	Pediatric dentistry plus orthodontics	Out of network; plans may reimburse part	Mon–Tue 9–5; Wed–Thu 8:30–4; Fri by appointment
Kanopi Kids	Medi-Cal plus braces or Invisalign	Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal and major PPO plans	Not published online
Allstar Pediatric Dentistry	Board-certified pediatric dentist	Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and others	Mon–Thu 8–5; Fri 9–3
North Shore Kids Dental	Saturday visits, sedation options	PPO plans (Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian)	Wed, Thu, Sat 9–6
Ali Shirani, DDS	One dentist for the whole family	Not listed online	Mon–Thu 8–5; Fri 7–3
Simarro Brothers Dental Care	Family dentistry, membership plan	PPO provider; in-house membership plan	Mon–Fri, varies by day
David H. Ong, DDS	Small family practice	Not verified	Not verified

Which Children’s Dentist Is Right for Your Child?

Your child has Medi-Cal. Children’s Choice Dental Care and Kanopi Kids both state that they accept Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal. Kids Dental World states that it does not. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Antioch that accepts Medi-Cal, start with these two.

You have PPO or Delta Dental coverage. Kids Dental World, Allstar Pediatric Dentistry, North Shore Kids Dental, and Kanopi Kids all list PPO plans, including Delta Dental at most of them.

You prefer Spanish-speaking or bilingual staff. Children’s Choice states that its staff is bilingual, and its website is available in English and Spanish. Ask other offices about language support when you call.

Your child needs braces or Invisalign. Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS lists early and comprehensive orthodontics. Kanopi Kids lists braces and Invisalign, Allstar lists orthodontics, and Children’s Choice lists orthodontics and Invisalign.

You need Saturday appointments. North Shore Kids Dental lists Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM. Children’s Choice lists Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM but is only open some Saturdays.

Your child has special needs or dental anxiety. Children’s Choice lists special-needs dentistry and in-clinic general sedation options. North Shore Kids Dental offers nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry. Ali Shirani, DDS has a page on dentistry for anxious patients.

You want one dentist for the whole family. Ali Shirani, DDS, Simarro Brothers Dental Care, and David H. Ong, DDS are family practices that also treat children.

You don’t have dental insurance. Simarro Brothers offers an in-house membership plan, and Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS offers a Smile Plus Club. Children’s Choice mentions flexible payment plans.

How We Chose These Clinics

We looked at Antioch practices that treat children and have public information we could check. We weighed pediatric focus and services, access (insurance, hours, location), review signals across platforms, and the comfort of the child’s experience. The numbered order reflects fit for the widest range of families, with extra weight on access, and is not a strict ranking by review score. Ratings come from different platforms and are not directly comparable.

Why Early Dental Care Matters

According to America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2023, which uses National Center for Health Statistics data, 15% of children ages 5 to 11 had untreated cavities in 2017 to March 2020. The rate was 23% for children in poverty, compared with 9% for children at or above 200% of the poverty level. The CDC’s 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report found untreated decay in baby teeth in 18% of children ages 6 to 8, versus 11% of children ages 2 to 5. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by a child’s first birthday, or within six months after the first tooth appears.

1. Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch

Best for: Medi-Cal families, bilingual care, special-needs dentistry, and sedation options

In short: Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch is a pediatric dental practice at 3600 Delta Fair Boulevard in Antioch, California, in Contra Costa County. It provides pediatric dentistry, special-needs dentistry, sedation dentistry, orthodontics, and Invisalign for infants, children, and teens, and it accepts Medi-Cal Dental.

Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch is one of more than 25 California locations in the Children’s Choice pediatric dental group. The practice states that its mission is to give children in the communities it serves access to engaging, high-quality dental care, and that its offices are designed to feel like a dental home for infants, children, teens, and patients with special health needs. Offices are described as colorful and kid-focused, with video games, movies, books, and toys intended to help children relax before and during treatment. The practice describes pediatric dentists as specialists in the oral health of infants and children through adolescence, including children with special health needs.

The Antioch page lists a full range of pediatric services: preventive procedures, restorative procedures such as crowns, digital x-rays, fluoride, and special-needs dentistry. It also lists in-clinic general sedation options, which the practice says are most commonly used for extensive procedures or for children with dental phobia or difficulty sitting still. For families thinking ahead, the same page lists orthodontics and Invisalign clear aligners, so a child can move from routine checkups to teen orthodontic care without changing dental offices. Online booking is available through the practice’s website, and the site can be switched between English and Spanish.

Access is where Children’s Choice stands out. The practice states that Medi-Cal Dental patients receive a no-cost exam and x-rays, that it accepts most insurance, and that its staff is bilingual and award-winning (we could not verify specific awards). Its website also states, in Spanish, that its team will never ask about a patient’s immigration status. Review signals are mixed, so read them closely. Its Google Business Profile shows 4.0 stars from 512 reviews, a large review base. Some Yelp reviewers describe scheduling and front-desk frustrations, and at least one parent wished for more patience with babies. Others note the playful office design. This practice may suit Medi-Cal families, Spanish-speaking parents, children with special health needs or dental anxiety, and families who want pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one brand.

Detail	Information
Address	3600 Delta Fair Boulevard, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone	(925) 276-5786
Email	Info@MyChildrensChoice.com
Website	mychildrenschoice.com/locations/childrens-choice-dental-care-antioch
Hours	Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (open only some Saturdays, check schedule); Sun closed
Medi-Cal / Insurance	Medi-Cal Dental accepted, with no-cost exam and x-rays (per practice); most insurance accepted (per practice’s referral page)
Languages	Bilingual staff (per practice); website in English and Spanish
Services	Pediatric dentistry, preventive and restorative care, digital x-rays, fluoride, special-needs dentistry, sedation dentistry, orthodontics, Invisalign
Ratings	Google 4.0 (512 reviews)
Verified via	Practice website, Google Business Profile, Yelp

2. Kids Dental World

Best for: PPO and Delta Dental families who want a high-volume pediatric specialist

Kids Dental World is a pediatric dental practice on Lone Tree Way led by Dr. Tim Huang, with Dr. Weilin Shih also named on the website. The website describes the practice as board-certified pediatric dentistry serving Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Discovery Bay, Rio Vista, Concord, Clayton, and Walnut Creek. Yelp lists it as established in 2010 and focused on ages 1 to 18. A WebMD profile notes that Dr. Huang is adjunct faculty in the University of the Pacific’s pediatric dentistry department and a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the California Dental Association, and the Contra Costa Dental Society.

The office is designed around the child’s visit. It has a reading and game area, lets children choose a movie to watch during treatment, gives every child a special prize, and uses digital radiography and modern dental materials. The practice also offers a virtual office tour on its website, which can help nervous children and parents prepare for a first visit. Its Yelp profile says a pediatric dentist is on call for emergencies at all times.

Kids Dental World holds 4.8 stars from 408 Yelp reviews as of September 2026, one of the largest review volumes among Antioch pediatric dentists, and reviewers frequently mention friendly staff, a clean office, and on-time appointments. The owner states on Yelp that the practice is in-network with Delta Dental and accepts PPO plans but not Medi-Cal. It suits families with PPO or Delta Dental coverage who want an established pediatric specialist with weekday hours until 6 PM.

Detail	Information
Address	4045 Lone Tree Way, Suite A, Antioch, CA 94531
Phone	(925) 706-8688
Email	kidsdentalworld@gmail.com
Website	kidsdentalworld.com
Hours	Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sat–Sun closed (per Yelp and WebMD; the practice website shows hours as an image)
Medi-Cal / Insurance	Delta Dental in-network; accepts PPO plans; does not accept Medi-Cal (owner statement on Yelp)
Services	Pediatric dentistry for ages 1–18, digital radiography, on-call emergency coverage (per Yelp profile)
Providers	Dr. Tim Huang, DDS; Dr. Weilin Shih
Ratings	Yelp 4.8 (408 reviews, September 2026)
Verified via	Practice website, Yelp, WebMD

3. Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS

Best for: Pediatric dentistry plus orthodontics from one long-established specialist

Dr. Shelby Smith has practiced pediatric dentistry and orthodontics in Antioch since 1993, and her practice describes her as a specialist with more than 30 years of experience. She earned her DDS at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 1990 and then went to UCLA, where she earned a master’s degree in oral biology and took specialty training in orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Earlier in her career she worked as a staff pediatric dentist at the Eastmont Dental Clinic at Alameda County Medical Center, focusing on behavior management cases, and the Dental Board of California asked her to serve as an orthodontic expert on its peer review board. Her practice displays membership in the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

The practice treats children from toddlerhood into young adulthood and describes pediatric dentistry as a partnership between parent and dentist. Its services include cleanings and exams, tooth-colored fillings, dental sealants, digital x-rays, extractions, and emergency care. Orthodontic care is also offered, with interceptive orthodontics, early childhood phase I treatment, and phase II treatment for older children. The website also lists dental anesthesia reversal among its pediatric technology.

Birdeye shows 4.9 stars from 172 reviews, and Healthgrades shows 49 patient reviews, with parents commonly describing children who look forward to their visits. The practice states on its financial page that it is out of network, although most insurance plans still pay a percentage of its fees, and it offers a Smile Plus Club for families without insurance. It suits families who want one specialist for routine care and orthodontic planning and are comfortable with a shorter weekday schedule.

Detail	Information
Address	2330 Country Hills Drive, Suite 101, Antioch, CA 94531
Phone	(925) 755-5115
Email	Not listed (contact form on website)
Website	drshelby.com
Hours	Mon–Tue 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Wed–Thu 8:30 AM–4:00 PM; Fri by appointment only; Sat–Sun closed
Insurance & Payment	Out of network; most plans may reimburse a percentage; Smile Plus Club for uninsured families; financing available; Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express
Services	Pediatric dentistry, preventive care, cleanings and exams, fillings, tooth-colored fillings, sealants, digital x-rays, interceptive orthodontics, phase I and II orthodontics, pediatric emergencies and extractions
Provider	Shelby Smith, DDS, MS
Ratings	Birdeye 4.9 (172 reviews)
Verified via	Practice website (contact and financial pages), Birdeye

4. Kanopi Kids

Best for: Medi-Cal families who also want braces or Invisalign

Kanopi Kids is a children’s dentistry and orthodontics practice on Buchanan Road in Antioch, staffed by pediatric dentists and orthodontists. Its website states that it accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal along with all major PPO plans, which makes it one of the few pediatric-focused Antioch practices that list both. The practice says it built its office with the same care it would want for its own children, and it also says it sees adults.

Services include cleanings, fillings, and checkups, plus specialized care such as braces, Invisalign, and root canals. For dental emergencies, the website tells parents to call right away and says the practice will work to see the child the same day. A first visit is described as relaxed: children can play with toys and enjoy refreshments, the team takes a few quick photos and scans, and then a gentle exam and cleaning follow. The website features “Kai,” whom it calls its Chief Comfort Officer, as part of its approach to making visits low-stress. It lists online booking, and notes a nearby bus stop at Buchanan Road and Somersville Road.

Yelp shows 4.5 stars from 22 reviews as of September 2026, a smaller sample than the largest practices, with parents describing a relief at finding a kids’ dentist close to home. It suits families who need Medi-Cal acceptance and want dental and orthodontic care in the same office.

Detail	Information
Address	3110 Buchanan Road, Suite B, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone	(925) 281-4893
Email	hello@kanopikids.com
Website	kanopikids.com
Hours	Not published on the practice website. Apple Maps lists 9:00 AM–6:00 PM without specifying days; call to confirm
Medi-Cal / Insurance	Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal accepted; all major PPO plans accepted (per practice)
Services	Cleanings, fillings, checkups, emergency dentistry, braces, Invisalign, root canal
Ratings	Yelp 4.5 (22 reviews, September 2026)
Verified via	Practice website, Apple Maps, Yelp

5. Allstar Pediatric Dentistry

Best for: A board-certified pediatric dentist with early-orthodontic care

Allstar Pediatric Dentistry is a pediatric office on Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch led by Dr. Tyler Beninati, DMD. The practice describes him as a board-certified pediatric dentist who is passionate about helping children build healthy smiles in a supportive environment, and says he is specially trained to put children at ease. It serves families in Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay, Concord, and Walnut Creek.

The practice offers pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Its first-visit page explains that early visits help prevent cavities through education, monitor oral development, and establish a dental home, meaning a trusted office for ongoing care. Parents can preregister online through a patient registration form, and the website also provides online scheduling. Tooth brushing, digit sucking, tooth eruption, cavity prevention, gum disease, and fillings are all covered in its parent education pages.

Birdeye shows 5.0 stars from 9 reviews, and recent five-star Google reviews on the practice site praise Dr. Beninati’s patience and gentleness, with one parent describing a nervous first dental procedure for a four-year-old that went without tears and another mentioning balloon animals after visits. One review refers to the Antioch office as new, so the review base is small, and the rating is best treated as an early signal. Allstar lists many dental plans, and payment is due at the time of service. It suits parents who prioritize a board-certified pediatric dentist and are comfortable choosing a practice with fewer public reviews.

Detail	Information
Address	3432 Hillcrest Avenue, Suite 150, Antioch, CA 94531
Phone	(925) 503-1123
Email	Not listed (contact form on website)
Website	allstarkidsdentalantioch.com
Hours	Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Fri 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sat–Sun closed
Insurance & Payment	Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Ameritas, Cigna Dental, Renaissance Dental, Aetna, Careington, Dental Plans; check, major credit cards, CareCredit; payment due at time of service. Medi-Cal is not listed
Services	Pediatric dentistry, orthodontics
Provider	Tyler Beninati, DMD
Ratings	Birdeye 5.0 (9 reviews)
Verified via	Practice website (contact and insurance pages), Birdeye

6. North Shore Kids Dental

Best for: Saturday availability and sedation options

North Shore Kids Dental is a pediatric practice on Lone Tree Way led by Dr. Amit Goyal. The practice says Dr. Goyal grew up in the East Bay and completed two additional years of specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Temple Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. It describes its approach as care for children and adolescents in a fun, safe, and comfortable environment, using digital technology.

Its website lists cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, sealants, fluoride, mouth guards, space maintainers, pulpotomies, emergency care, and special-needs dentistry. A first visit includes an oral cancer assessment, cleaning, fluoride, digital x-rays, nutritional counseling about habits such as thumb sucking and bottle use, brushing and flossing instruction, and an orthodontic evaluation. The team explains procedures with large tooth models and stuffed animals, offers video games and movies, and encourages parents to accompany their child at the first visit. For anxious children, the practice says Dr. Goyal is trained to provide nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry.

Yelp lists Dr. Goyal’s practice at 4.7 stars from 45 reviews as of September 2026, with parents saying their children look forward to appointments. Yelp lists longer weekday hours than the practice’s own website, so we use the website’s schedule below. It suits families who need Saturday appointments and want a pediatric specialist with children’s hospital training and sedation options.

Detail	Information
Address	5125 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94531
Phone	(925) 775-4586; after-hours emergency line for current patients: (925) 553-7173
Email	Not listed (appointment form on website)
Website	northshorekidsdental.com
Hours	Wed 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Thu 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (per practice website)
Insurance & Payment	Works with PPO plans including Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, and Guardian; cash, money orders, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, CareCredit; checks not accepted. Medi-Cal is not listed
Services	Cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, sealants, fluoride, mouth guards, space maintainers, pulpotomy, emergency care, special-needs dentistry, nitrous oxide, sedation dentistry
Provider	Dr. Amit Goyal
Ratings	Yelp 4.7 (45 reviews, September 2026)
Verified via	Practice website (contact and patient resources pages), Yelp

7. Ali Shirani, DDS

Best for: Families who prefer one family dentist for every age

Ali Shirani, DDS is a general and family dentistry practice on Lone Tree Way that also lists pediatric dentistry and care for infants and children. The practice describes Dr. Shirani as known for a gentle and creative touch and serves Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, and Discovery Bay. It is not described as a pediatric specialty practice, so it is worth asking which provider will treat your child and what pediatric training they have.

Beyond children’s care, the website lists cosmetic dentistry, root canals, dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, periodontal care, tooth extraction, and emergency dentistry, and it has a dedicated page on dentistry for anxious patients. That breadth makes the office practical for households where parents and children want one location, one schedule, and one team. The practice also lists weekend emergency appointments.

Yelp shows 4.8 stars from 210 reviews as of July 2026, with reviewers praising a gentle, compassionate doctor and a welcoming front desk. Insurance is not listed on the website, so call to confirm your plan. It suits families who prefer a single family dentist for all ages and whose children are comfortable in a general dental setting.

Detail	Information
Address	3725 Lone Tree Way, Suite F, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone	(925) 778-1998
Email	Not listed (appointment form on website)
Website	drshirani.com
Hours	Mon–Thu 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; Fri 7:00 AM–3:00 PM; Sat–Sun emergency appointments only
Insurance	Not listed on the practice website; call to confirm
Services	Family dentistry, pediatric dentistry, care for infants and children, dentistry for anxious patients, cosmetic dentistry, root canal, implants, emergency care
Provider	Ali Shirani, DDS
Ratings	Yelp 4.8 (210 reviews, July 2026)
Verified via	Practice website, Yelp

8. Simarro Brothers Dental Care

Best for: Family dentistry with a membership plan for uninsured patients

Simarro Brothers Dental Care is a family-owned practice on Deer Valley Road led by Drs. Nathan Simarro, DDS, and Ryan Simarro, DMD. Yelp describes more than 30 years of family and cosmetic dentistry in Antioch and surrounding communities. The website says the doctors treat patients of every age, lists a children and pediatric dentistry service, and notes that Dr. Nathan Simarro has experience in endodontics, implant dentistry, and treating pediatric patients.

The practice describes preventive services such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants for children, along with sedation dentistry, dental emergencies, implants, and clear aligners. Its technology list includes a 3D cone beam scanner, digital x-rays, and an intraoral camera. The practice says it is a PPO provider that accepts indemnity plans, promotes an in-house membership plan for patients without insurance, and offers CareCredit financing.

Yelp shows about 4.7 stars from roughly 215 reviews. The website lists hours across overlapping lines, so call before visiting. It suits families without insurance who want a membership option and parents who prefer a general practice for the whole household.

Detail	Information
Address	5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 3B, Antioch, CA 94531
Phone	New patients: (925) 723-9090; existing patients: (925) 754-6020
Email	Not listed (contact form on website)
Website	simarrobrothersdentalcare.com
Hours	Mon and Thu 7:00 AM–3:00 PM; Tue and Wed 7:30 AM–4:30 PM; Fri 7:30 AM–12:00 PM (per practice website; confirm by phone)
Insurance & Payment	PPO provider, accepts indemnity plans; in-house membership plan for patients without insurance; CareCredit
Services	General dentistry, children and pediatric dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental emergencies, implants, clear aligners, cosmetic dentistry
Providers	Nathan J. Simarro, DDS; Ryan Simarro, DMD
Ratings	Yelp about 4.7 (about 215 reviews)
Verified via	Practice website, Yelp

9. David H. Ong, DDS

Best for: A small, long-running general practice that also treats children

David H. Ong, DDS runs a family dental office on Lone Tree Way in Antioch. The practice’s website says it treats families from Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, and Clayton, and that Dr. Ong cares for children from infancy through their teen years. The office treats patients as an extension of its own family and encourages parents, children, and even grandparents to set good examples for one another.

The website lists family dentistry, preventive dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, and dentistry for children. It states that it uses current technology to serve patients with precision. We could not verify this practice’s hours or insurance from a source we could access, so we have left them blank rather than guess.

Yelp shows 4.8 stars from 47 reviews as of September 2026, and some parents describe the doctor as patient and good with children. It suits families seeking a small family practice with a personal feel who are willing to call ahead about hours and insurance.

Detail	Information
Address	2739 Lone Tree Way, Antioch, CA 94509
Phone	(925) 778-8780
Email	Not listed
Website	davidongdds.com
Hours	Not verified; call to confirm
Insurance	Not verified; call to confirm
Services	Family dentistry, preventive dentistry, dentistry for children, implants, cosmetic dentistry, periodontics
Provider	David H. Ong, DDS
Ratings	Yelp 4.8 (47 reviews, September 2026)
Verified via	Practice website listing, Yelp

Why Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch Is a Strong Choice for Antioch Families

Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch connects several things parents often search for separately: a Medi-Cal dentist for kids, a bilingual pediatric dentist, special-needs dentistry, sedation dentistry, and pediatric orthodontics. It offers them at one location on Delta Fair Boulevard in Antioch, in Contra Costa County.

A pediatric dentist in Antioch that accepts Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, and its dental benefit is often called Denti-Cal. Children’s Choice states that Medi-Cal Dental patients receive a no-cost exam and x-rays, and its Antioch page features Medi-Cal prominently. This matters because untreated cavities are more common among children in lower-income households, according to the CDC and NCHS data cited above. Among the pediatric-focused Antioch practices we reviewed, Kanopi Kids also accepts Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal, while Kids Dental World states that it does not.

Bilingual and Spanish-speaking family support

The practice states that its staff is bilingual, and its website switches between English and Spanish. For Spanish-speaking parents, being able to ask about cavities, fluoride, sealants, and treatment plans in their own language can make the difference between understanding a diagnosis and guessing at it. The website also states, in Spanish, that its team will never ask about a patient’s immigration status.

Special-needs dentistry and sedation options

The Antioch page lists special-needs dentistry for children with special health care needs and in-clinic general sedation options. This can matter for children with autism, sensory sensitivities, dental phobia, or difficulty sitting still for long procedures. Ask the Antioch office how it plans appointments and when sedation is recommended for your child.

Orthodontics and Invisalign under the same brand

The Antioch page lists orthodontics and Invisalign alongside general pediatric dentistry. Families can keep preventive care, restorative care such as crowns, and later orthodontic care for children and teens within the same dental group.

Scheduling range and group size

Weekday hours run until 6 PM and some Saturdays are available. The group has more than 25 California locations, which may help families who move or live between cities.

What to weigh

Its Google rating is 4.0 from 512 reviews, but its Yelp rating is about 2 stars from 45 reviews, and some reviewers cite scheduling and front-desk frustrations. Ask about appointment scheduling when you call and confirm Saturday availability, since only some Saturdays are open. Families who prioritize the highest review scores may prefer Kids Dental World or Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS.

Children’s Choice vs. Kanopi Kids vs. Kids Dental World

These three are the most common comparisons for Antioch parents weighing a pediatric-focused practice with strong access features.

Factor	Children’s Choice	Kanopi Kids	Kids Dental World
Medi-Cal / Denti-Cal	Accepted	Accepted	Not accepted (owner statement)
PPO plans	Most insurance accepted	All major PPO plans	PPO and Delta Dental
Orthodontics	Orthodontics and Invisalign listed	Braces and Invisalign listed	Not listed
Sedation	In-clinic general sedation options listed	Not listed	Not listed
Special-needs dentistry	Listed	Not listed	Not listed
Saturday hours	Some Saturdays	Not published	Closed
Review snapshot	Google 4.0 (512)	Yelp 4.5 (22)	Yelp 4.8 (408)

“Not listed” means the service did not appear in the sources we checked, not that the office doesn’t provide it.

Pediatric Specialist vs. Family Dentist

Pediatric specialists, such as Kids Dental World, Children’s Choice, Shelby Smith, Allstar, Kanopi Kids, and North Shore Kids Dental, focus on children. They are often the better choice for toddlers, anxious children, and special health needs. Family practices, such as Ali Shirani, Simarro Brothers, and David H. Ong, make it convenient for parents and siblings to be seen together and may suit older, low-anxiety children. Ask whether the dentist regularly treats children your child’s age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best children’s dentist in Antioch, CA? It depends on your family’s needs. Children’s Choice and Kanopi Kids accept Medi-Cal. Kids Dental World has the largest Yelp review volume among pediatric specialists. Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS and Kanopi Kids offer orthodontics alongside pediatric care.

Which Antioch pediatric dentists accept Medi-Cal? Children’s Choice Dental Care and Kanopi Kids both state that they accept Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal. Kids Dental World states that it does not. Others do not list Medi-Cal, so call to ask.

Does Children’s Choice Dental Care in Antioch accept Medi-Cal? Yes. The practice states that it accepts Medi-Cal Dental and offers a no-cost exam and x-rays to Medi-Cal patients. It also states that it accepts most insurance. Confirm your specific plan when you book.

Does Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch offer Saturday appointments? Its website lists Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM but notes that it is only open some Saturdays, so check the schedule before you plan a visit.

Does Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch treat children with special needs? Its Antioch page lists special-needs dentistry for patients with special health care needs, along with in-clinic general sedation options. Call the office to discuss your child’s needs and how visits would be planned.

Does Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch have Spanish-speaking staff? The practice states that its staff is bilingual, and its website can be viewed in English or Spanish.

Does Children’s Choice Dental Care Antioch offer braces or Invisalign? Its Antioch page lists orthodontics and Invisalign clear aligners. Ask the office about eligibility, timing, and whether a referral is required for your insurance.

When should my child first see a dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the first visit by the child’s first birthday or within six months after the first tooth appears, according to Kanopi Kids and North Shore Kids Dental.

Are any Antioch children’s dentists open on Saturday? North Shore Kids Dental lists Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM on its website. Children’s Choice lists Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM but is only open some Saturdays. Call to confirm.

What if my child has special needs or dental anxiety? Children’s Choice lists special-needs dentistry and in-clinic general sedation options. North Shore Kids Dental offers nitrous oxide and sedation dentistry. Ask any office about experience with your child’s needs and how appointments are paced.

What if I don’t have dental insurance? Simarro Brothers has an in-house membership plan, Shelby J. Smith, DDS, MS has a Smile Plus Club, and Children’s Choice mentions flexible payment plans. Several offices accept CareCredit. Ask for a written estimate before treatment.

Who handles dental emergencies? Kanopi Kids says it works to see children with emergencies the same day. Ali Shirani, DDS offers emergency appointments on weekends. North Shore Kids Dental has an after-hours line for current patients. Call the office first for guidance.

Is a pediatric dentist better than a family dentist? A pediatric dentist has specialty training focused on children and may be better for young or anxious children and those with special needs. A family dentist can work well for older children who are comfortable in the chair.

Sources and Verification Notes

• America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2023, Oral Health indicator, childstats.gov (NCHS National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, 2017 to March 2020)
• CDC, 2024 Oral Health Surveillance Report, Editorial Comment, cdc.gov
• Practice websites for Children’s Choice, Kids Dental World, Shelby J. Smith, Kanopi Kids, Allstar, North Shore Kids Dental, Ali Shirani, and Simarro Brothers, accessed October 2026
• Yelp, Birdeye, WebMD, Healthgrades, and Apple Maps listings, accessed September and October 2026
• Children’s Choice Google Business Profile (4.0 stars, 512 reviews), October 2026

Ratings, hours, and insurance acceptance change often, so confirm with the office before booking. This article is for general information and is not medical advice.