Kids deserve a dentist who actually understands kids. Two Rivers Dental Group welcomes children of every age, from a one-year-old's first peek inside the mouth all the way through the teenage years. Dr. Matthew Collins is a father of two who knows what works at every developmental stage. Visits at our Springfield, OR office are designed to be calm, fun, and never rushed. We focus on prevention, education, and building a positive relationship with the dentist that lasts a lifetime.
What Parents Worry About
Every parent walks into the dental office with the same set of questions. Here are the four we hear most often, and exactly how we approach each one.
"What if my kid is scared?"
ReassuranceWe start with a tour, not a tool. Kids meet our team, see the chair, and watch what happens before anything touches their mouth. Most kids relax once they realize they're in control of the timing.
"Is the dentist actually good with kids?"
ExperienceDr. Collins has two kids of his own. He knows what works with toddlers, what works with first-graders, and what works with eye-rolling teens. The approach changes with the age, but the patience stays the same.
"When should the first visit happen?"
TimingThe American Dental Association recommends a child's first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits build comfort and catch concerns before they become problems.
"What if my kid has a cavity already?"
No JudgmentCavities in kids are common and not a parenting failure. We treat them with the smallest, gentlest approach possible. Modern materials and quick visits mean your child won't dread coming back.
Care by Age
A two-year-old's visit looks nothing like a fourteen-year-old's. Here's what we focus on at each developmental stage.
Short, low-pressure visits focused on getting comfortable with the chair, the team, and the routine. We check tooth development and talk parents through home care.
Building trust. No tools, no pressure.
Regular cleanings, fluoride, and full exams begin. Baby teeth start falling out, permanent teeth come in, and we monitor everything along the way.
Prevention and routine cleanings.
A mix of baby and permanent teeth. We add sealants to back molars when they erupt, watch for orthodontic concerns, and reinforce daily care habits.
Sealants and orthodontic monitoring.
Wisdom tooth monitoring, sports mouthguards, and helping teens take ownership of their own oral health before they leave home for college or beyond.
Independence and adult-level care.
Pediatric Services
Our pediatric care covers everything your child needs from their first visit through their teen years. Click any service to learn more.
A gentle introduction to the dentist for toddlers and first-time patients. We focus on comfort, exploration, and making the experience positive from the very start.
View DetailsRoutine cleanings tailored to children. Quick, gentle, and engaging. We teach kids age-appropriate brushing and flossing habits while we work.
View DetailsA thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth to prevent cavities. Quick, painless, and one of the best preventive tools we offer kids.
View DetailsProfessional fluoride application that strengthens developing teeth and helps prevent cavities during the cavity-prone years. Recommended every 6 months for most kids.
View DetailsWhy Kids Like Dr. Collins
Dr. Collins is a father of two who lives right here in the Eugene-Springfield area. He doesn't talk down to kids. He doesn't rush them. He explains what's happening before he does anything, and he stops if a child needs a break. The result is kids who actually look forward to coming in.
Dr. Collins parents young children of his own. He understands every developmental stage from the inside.
No rushing, no bribes, no shortcuts. Visits move at the pace your child is ready for.
We teach kids what's happening and why, so they leave understanding their own oral health.
Two Rivers Dental Group serves families across Springfield, Eugene, Coburg, Thurston, Pleasant Hill, Creswell, and the surrounding Lane County communities. Our office at 1717 Centennial Blvd, Suite #3 is open Tuesday through Friday. Call (541) 746-9552 to schedule your child's visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule your child's visit at our Springfield office. Calm, kid-friendly, and never rushed.
Call (541) 746-9552