Children’s Dentistry in Chickasaw, AL: Calm, Patient Care for Kids and the Whole Family

Finding a dentist your child won’t dread shouldn’t be hard. At North Bay Dental in Chickasaw, Dr. Jeremy Hardy and our team care for kids and their parents under one roof, so the people who know your child’s smile also know yours. The thing patients mention most is how calm it feels here, and that matters even more when the patient is six years old.

A Dental Home for Your Whole Family

North Bay Dental is a family practice, not a kids-only office. That means one address, one front desk, and one set of records for everyone in your house, from a child’s very first checkup to a grandparent’s crown. We see children starting at age 3 for cleanings and checkups, and we provide treatment such as fillings for children ages 10 and up.

Dr. Hardy is a general dentist and a dad of three, so he knows what a dental appointment looks like from the parent’s side of the chair, right down to the after-school scramble to get there on time.

What Happens at Your Child’s First Visit?

A first visit at North Bay Dental is about getting comfortable as much as getting clean teeth. Our littlest patients sit right in a parent’s lap for their checkup. For kids ages 7 to 12, we schedule a 30-minute visit that includes a cleaning, an exam, X-rays and a fluoride treatment. Afterward we walk you through what we saw and answer your questions. And yes, there’s a prize box with toys and stickers on the way out.

That conversation is the part Dr. Hardy cares about most. As he learned from his own mentors, not everyone needs every detail of a procedure, but everyone wants to be heard. Parents are no exception.

How We Help Nervous Kids

Patients often say Dr. Hardy’s calm, laid-back manner helps them relax, and we bring that same unhurried pace to children. We explain things in kid-friendly words, go at your child’s speed, and never scold a scared child or a worried parent. If today isn’t the day, we’ll try again next time. For kids who need a little extra help relaxing, laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is available at a parent’s request.

As Dr. Hardy puts it, “We are in the people business, not the tooth business.”

Children’s Dental Services at North Bay Dental

Our children’s dental care includes:

• Checkups and cleanings to keep teeth and gums healthy as your child grows
• Dental sealants, a thin protective coating that keeps food and germs out of the grooves of back teeth
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen growing enamel
• Fillings to repair a cavity before it spreads
• Crowns (caps) to protect a tooth that is too damaged for a filling
• Extractions when a tooth can’t be saved or is crowding the teeth coming in behind it
• Sports mouthguards for young athletes
• Orthodontic referrals when we notice your child may benefit from braces

Treatment such as fillings, crowns and extractions is provided for children ages 10 and up.

Honest Answers, No Pressure

Dr. Hardy’s approach is simple: “We treat every patient as an individual. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan, so our job is to lay out what we see and what your options are, and then let you decide what makes sense for you and your family.”

Insurance, Membership, and Payment Options

North Bay Dental is in network with most major dental insurance plans, including:

• Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier
• Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, plus UniCare/Wellpoint plans
• United Concordia TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) and Active Duty Dental Program (ADDP)
• Ameritas PPO
• Careington
• Southland

For children, we also accept ALL Kids, Alabama’s children’s health insurance program. We do not accept Medicaid. Don’t see your plan, or don’t have insurance? Call us, and ask about the North Bay Dental .

Meet Dr. Jeremy Hardy, DMD

Dr. Hardy earned his dental degree at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry and completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in 2006. He has cared for families in Mobile and Baldwin counties since 2010 and lives in Fairhope with his three kids and a Goldendoodle he calls his fourth child. His family are big Disney fans, which tends to come in handy with younger patients.

Children’s Dentistry FAQs

At what age should my child first see the dentist?

We start seeing children at age 3 for cleanings and checkups. For treatment such as fillings, we see children ages 10 and up.

Is North Bay Dental a pediatric dentist?

No. North Bay Dental is a family dental practice, and Dr. Jeremy Hardy is a general dentist who cares for kids and adults alike. If your child ever needs specialty care, such as braces, we’ll refer you to a provider we trust.

What if my child is scared of the dentist or starts to cry?

That’s completely normal. We show your child each tool before we use it, move at their pace, and if today isn’t the day, we’ll try again next visit with no pressure.

Are dental sealants worth it for kids?

Sealants are a thin protective coating painted onto the chewing surfaces of back teeth, where grooves make it easy for food and germs to hide. They’re quick and involve no drilling. We’ll tell you if your child is a good candidate.

Can I schedule my kids and myself on the same day?

Yes. Our front desk can book siblings and a parent back-to-back on the same day, so you can make one trip instead of several. Just ask when you call (251) 456-8406.

Do you offer laughing gas for kids?

Yes. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is available for children at a parent’s request. Just let us know if you think it would help your child relax.

Do you accept my child’s dental insurance?

Most likely. We’re in network with most major dental plans, including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Concordia (TRICARE), Ameritas, Careington and Southland, and we accept ALL Kids for children. We do not accept Medicaid. Call us and our front desk will check your benefits.

Book Your Child’s Visit in Chickasaw

North Bay Dental is at 457 N Craft Hwy in Chickasaw, AL 36611, and our office is open Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm.