A forest hideaway for little smiles
Board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Scott Pyo and the Smile Rangers care for infants, kids, teens, and patients with special needs in Gold River, CA. Gentle, fear-free, and surrounded by friends from the forest.
- Board-certified pediatric dentist
- In-office IV sedation team
- Special needs friendly
First visit by age one, AAPD aligned
Infants, kids, tweens, and teens
Board-certified anesthesiologists on the team
Special-needs friendly, sensory aware
A dental home where kids actually want to come back
Our objective is to optimize the oral health of our patients by not only performing routine professional cleanings and dental check-ups, but also educating parents on how to establish proper oral habits from childhood.
We pride ourselves in maintaining an energetic and friendly atmosphere that's perfect for children, with plenty of fun movies, video games, and our fish and turtles our patients love to feed.
Care that grows with your child
Pediatric dentistry isn't one-size-fits-all. Our approach changes with every milestone, from teething to last year of high school.
Comprehensive care from the first tooth to high school
Every appointment is age-appropriate, sensory-aware, and built around prevention. From the first checkup to advanced sedation, we have your family covered under one roof.
Your first visit, step by step
We've designed the first visit to feel like a friendly tour, not an exam. Here's the path from booking to walking out with a smile.
- 1
Request your appointment
Use our online form or call us. A team member confirms your time within one business day.
- 2
Fill out forms online
Complete the medical history form before you arrive. English and Spanish supported.
- 3
Tour the office
Your child meets the Smile Rangers, sees the fish and turtles, and gets comfortable.
- 4
Gentle exam with Dr. Scott
We check teeth and gums, talk through what we see, and answer every parent question.
- 5
Walk out with a plan
Clear next steps, prevention tips, and a follow-up scheduled six months out.
Dr. Scott Pyo, board-certified pediatric dentist
Dr. Scott takes pride in providing highly personalized service, assessing each child's situation individually and discussing the most appropriate treatment options with parents himself, including general anesthesia. We are always happy to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child's treatment plan.
Dr. Scott works with a highly trained, experienced, and caring team at Gold River Pediatric Dentistry. Our goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized care that supports the best possible outcome for every patient.
We are firm believers in prevention and education as the key to a happy and healthy smile.
Step inside, kids will want to come back
Our newly remodeled office runs from the Pediatric Dentistry storefront on Gold Express Drive through a lobby of hand-painted forest murals, video game stations, and a rock-set koi tank kids love to feed, into treatment bays with a TV over every chair.
In-network with Delta Dental PPO, Cigna, and MetLife
We are in-network with Delta Dental PPO, Cigna, and MetLife. We also accept other major insurance plans and are happy to verify your benefits before your first visit and walk you through your options.
- ✓Most major PPO plans accepted
- ✓Multiple payment options for affordability
- ✓Benefit verification before your visit
- ✓HIPAA-secured online forms
Don't see your plan? Call us at (916) 638-8778, we likely accept it.
Read what Gold River parents are saying
We're proud of the relationships we've built with families across Gold River, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and the rest of the Sacramento area. The most honest reviews live on the platforms where parents leave them.
Are you a current patient? Tell us how we're doing.
Tips for parents
Ready to give your child a fear-free dental home?
We are proud members of the Gold River community. Let's establish lasting relationships with your family, starting with your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I take my child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first oral health checkup within six months of the first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. Baby teeth can begin emerging as early as six months, so make sure their dental appointment isn't far behind.
Why are baby (primary) teeth so important?
Primary teeth allow your child to develop speech and chewing, hold the space for permanent teeth, and reduce the risk of expensive orthodontic work later. Healthy baby teeth lower the risk of early childhood tooth decay and pave the way for healthy adult teeth.
Do you offer general anesthesia / IV sedation?
Yes. We have board-certified dental anesthesiologists on our team who provide general anesthesia in our office for patients with special challenges related to age, behavior, medical conditions, or sensory issues. The biggest benefit: your child will not have any memory of the appointment.
Do you treat children with special needs?
Absolutely. Dr. Scott and our team have specific training and experience caring for medically compromised and special needs children, including autism / Asperger's, Down syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, hearing impairment, cleft lip and palate, asthma, and epilepsy.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most major PPO networks including Delta Dental PPO, Cigna, and MetLife. We're happy to verify your benefits before your visit, just give us a call.
What should I expect at the first visit?
Dr. Scott will examine your child's new teeth and mouth to check that proper hygiene is established and screen for any potential issues. As a parent, you will learn how to care for your baby's teeth and have a chance to ask Dr. Scott any questions.
A warm welcome awaits in Gold River
Convenient parking, a kid-first lobby, and a team that knows your child's name on visit two. Come see why families choose us as their dental home.
Office Hours
- Mon 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Tue 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Wed 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thu 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Fri 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sat Closed
- Sun Closed