Pediatric dentistry
in Waupaca
— Gentle dental care for kids of all ages
At Crystal River Dental, we make every child’s dental visit a positive experience — from their very first tooth to their teenage years. Our team loves kids, and it shows. We avoid sterile clinical tension entirely.

5★ Rated • Trusted by hundreds of Waupaca families

4.9 Average Rating

Verified Patient Reviews

Now Open

Accepting New Child Patients

Most Insurance

Pediatric Plans Accepted

Ages 1–17

Comprehensive Family Welcome

Why children's dental care matters from day one

Establishing early dental checkups matters immensely. Early childhood visits help block tracking abnormalities, reveal skeletal spacing conditions, and protect emerging enamel. Our team focuses heavily on reassuring anxious parents and removing dental fear entirely.

By implementing proactive "tell-show-do" behavioral methodologies, children discover our clinical spaces at their own pace, transforming dental maintenance into a predictable, fun, and non-threatening lifestyle milestone.

Quick Pediatric Facts

First Recommended Visit: By age 1 or within 6 months of first tooth

Routine Checkup Cycle: Every 6 months
Anxiety Support: Safe sedation options available
Insurance Standard: Most plans fully include pediatric care

Our Pediatric Services Portfolio

Gentle, age-appropriate treatments structured specifically to protect growing teeth and encourage life-long oral wellness habits.
Child's-first-dental-visit
Child's first dental visit

A non-invasive introduction walkthrough including light polish, dental developmental check, and specialized preparation instructions for parents.

Pediatric-cleanings-&-exams
Pediatric cleanings & exams

Gentle scaling checkups, professional plaque removal, protective fluoride paint applications, and safe, age-appropriate low-dose digital imaging.

Protective-dental-sealants
Protective dental sealants

Thin plastic coating matrices smoothed directly into the deep grooves of permanent back molars to seal out decay-causing food structures.

Fluoride-treatments
Fluoride treatments

Professional, highly concentrated topical fluoride application to re-mineralize micro-decay zones and safely harden young enamel shells.

Child-friendly-cavity-treatment
Child-friendly cavity treatment

Gentle cavity removal and color-matched composite fillings for primary or permanent teeth managed via ultra-calm technical phrasing.

Space-maintainers
Space maintainers

Custom dental appliances designed to keep correct spacing tracks secure for incoming secondary adult teeth if primary baby teeth are lost early.

Pediatric-sedation-dentistry
Pediatric sedation dentistry

Safe, strictly monitored nitrous oxide gas or gentle oral sedation parameters to protect highly anxious or very young children from distress.

Early-orthodontic-evaluation
Early orthodontic evaluation

Interceptive Phase 1 structural skeletal assessment around age 7, aligning perfectly with standard American Association of Orthodontists rules.

Why Waupaca Families Bring Their Kids to Crystal River Dental

Genuinely fun, kid-friendly environment

Our office architecture intentionally lowers environment anxiety from the waiting room straight through to our operatory rooms, keeping tracking sequences stress-free.

Gentle "tell-show-do" patient approach

We never rush a growing child. Our hygienists demonstrate tools on specialized puppets first, removing mystery objects completely before care begins.

Extensive experience with anxious children

We provide multiple pediatric dental sedation solutions. Our staff has successfully guided hundreds of hyper-sensitive or nervous pediatric guests through positive visits.

Real Patient Feedback

True transformation stories highlighting our compassionate, relation-first hygiene protocols.
Google reviews

Trusted by local families

4.8 ★★★★★ Google
Dave N
Dave N3 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly and great service

Kathy Wagner
Kathy Wagner3 months ago
★★★★★

Everything they did was pain free. Thank you

Timothy Lemerand
Timothy Lemerand4 months ago
★★★★★

CRD stands behind its work and products Rarely do you see a company that has such integrity.

Stacy
Stacy2 months ago
★★★★★

All employees are very nice and listen to ymy issues and explain what needs to be done Angela cleaned my teeth gently and took…

Heather Krueger
Heather Krueger3 months ago
★★★★★

They were very nice and took care of me right from the start

Alyssa Schauer
Alyssa Schauer3 months ago
★★★★

Dr. B was thorough and I am glad that my son had his chipped tooth filled by him.

Michael Messing
Michael Messing2 weeks ago
★★★★★

The new dentist was very friendly and good and the hygienist was great.

desiree lucena
desiree lucena1 month ago
★★★★★

A perfect place with super-professional people who provide excellent service. I was extremely satisfied with their work.

Joel Altenburg
Joel Altenburg5 months ago
★★★★★

I found a diamond of a dentist office in Waupaca, WI . From the reception desk to the dental assistant and more it was…

Mary Lindenmeyer
Mary Lindenmeyer2 weeks ago
★★★★★

You really care about your clients!!! More than the one I had after40 plus years in Waupaca !!! Thank you for caring Mary Lindenmeyer

Ruth Hanson
Ruth Hanson1 month ago
★★★★★

Very thorough exam and nice people!

Becca Lewis-Clifton
Becca Lewis-Clifton3 weeks ago
★★★★★

After starting in 2022, at CRD, I was happy the practice finally settled down with you Dr Jon as the permanent dentist! WELCOME I…

b c (BC)
b c (BC)3 weeks ago
★★★★★

Very through and honest dentist. Sugested but did not try 2 push expensive improvements.

Barbara
Barbara4 months ago
★★★★★

I always feel very cared about. 😊 I am cared about as a person compassionately and professionally! 😊

Tonette Decker
Tonette Decker4 months ago
★★★★★

I like Dr. Nyugen my dentist here at Dental Crystal River – Waupaca very professional , smiles and explained procedures he performs. He gave…

Russell Delgado
Russell Delgado5 months ago
★★★★★

A very good dentist and very nice and friendly

Del Volpel
Del Volpel5 months ago
★★★★★

Outstanding care. Professional and compassionate.

Marlene Germundson
Marlene Germundson4 months ago
★★★★★

The assistants and the doctor are very nice and explains things very well.

Denny Schroeder
Denny Schroeder4 months ago
★★★★★

Always a pleasant experience Thank you

Emilie Eppensteiner
Emilie Eppensteiner1 month ago
★★★★

I chatted with hygienist and dentist. Both were nice and knowledgeable. I had a filling done. Went good.

Jan Niemuth
Jan Niemuth2 weeks ago
★★★★★

Routine 6 mo cleaning and exam today. Punctuality is appreciated. Comfortable, painless procedures done in time alloted with next appointment already scheduled. A real…

Christal Berg
Christal Berg5 months ago
★★★★★

I feel very comfortable there

Beth Ann Zellmer
Beth Ann Zellmer1 month ago
★★★★★

Today, I had a cleaning of my teeth at Crystal Dental. The service I received was excellent. The new dentist was thorough completely, as…

Christine Galyardt
Christine Galyardt3 months ago
★★★★★

Love the dentist! They are very caring and efficient.

Tami French
Tami French4 months ago
★★★★★

First experience went awesome & I look forward to my future visits! I broke my tooth and they got me in asap and will…

Pauline Suhs
Pauline Suhs4 months ago
★★★★★

Very kind and efficient. Friendly staff.

Karen Galske
Karen Galske4 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Lap Nguyen was the dentist I saw today, and I was very impressed. I recently moved to Waupaca and needed to find new…

dirk williams
dirk williams2 weeks ago
★★★★★

I had my first visit. I had to miss my first appointment….The staff was very accommodating in rescheduling and meeting my schedule!

Ben Schroeder
Ben Schroeder5 months ago
★★★★★

Great customer service and friendly staff! Outstanding dentist!

doc finn
doc finn1 month ago
★★★★★

I'm very pleased with the service and the professionalism at Crystal River dental. I felt well informed and very comfortable with the staff and…

Lisa Kasner
Lisa Kasner5 months ago
★★★★★

Crystal River Dental is a very professional and caring establishment. The atmosphere is relaxing. I have personally had great, informative and quality service everytime….

Avilomah Ridge
Avilomah Ridge5 months ago
★★★★★

I had dental phobia, but everyone here is so kind, patient and understanding. Dentist does top notch work. They've turned me into a loyal…

Edward McCardell
Edward McCardell5 months ago
★★★★★

Crystal River Dental does a fantastic job. Hygienist Angela is very thorough and takes the time to explain everything. Very pleased.

Sherry Werner
Sherry Werner2 months ago
★★★★★

She was awesome. She was concerned and listened to me

Cindy Roberts
Cindy Roberts4 months ago
★★★★★

All of the staff are so very friendly. They always get to me on time. They make going to the dentist a nice experience….

LRSchuelke
LRSchuelke3 weeks ago
★★★★★

Dentist, associates, & all office staff are absolutely awesome. They don’t treat their patients as a number. They all take time to listen &…

Kay Konen
Kay Konen1 month ago
★★★★★

Hygienist was great,and Dr.'s explanation of teeth matters explained throughly.

Timothy Hein
Timothy Hein2 weeks ago
★★★★★

Crystal River Dental is a top notch practice from top to bottom. Highly competent and professional. I'm very happy to be their patient.

Darrell Bartel (Flatlineyourbird)
Darrell Bartel (Flatlineyourbird)2 months ago
★★★★★

Amazing from when you first walk in the door until you leave. Everyone treats you special and such great care. Explains everything every step…

Gator G
Gator G3 months ago
★★★★★

Great and helpful always listens to my concerns

Judith Gudex
Judith Gudex4 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience at Crystal River Dental. My Hygienist, Angela did an outstanding job and I really appreciated meeting Dr. Nguyen. Very professional staff and…

Joyce Greenholdt
Joyce Greenholdt4 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Nguyen and all the staff have been friendly, helpful, very skilled, and very good at explaining options and performing procedures w/a minimum of…

Sharrey Kalbus
Sharrey Kalbus2 months ago
★★★★★

Very professional and friendly.

Gary Prochnow
Gary Prochnow2 months ago
★★★★★

I had work done in both Waupaca and Wausau locations over the past year. Doctors and staff were excellent. Worked with me financially to…

Dorene Knolle
Dorene Knolle1 month ago
★★★★★

Every was nice and helpful.

Janet Kitzrow
Janet Kitzrow4 months ago
★★★★★

I had an exam with Dr Nguyen, that was very thorough. I appreciate his comprehensive oral cancer screening and advice

Mary Robinson
Mary Robinson4 months ago
★★★★★

Great dentist and coworkers!

Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly4 months ago
★★★★★

They are very friendly an efficient

Sherry Nushart
Sherry Nushart5 months ago
★★★★★

My Hygienist, Angela, was very friendly and thorough. She has nice conversation and lets me answer. You know how hard it is to answer…

Kevin Killeen
Kevin Killeen5 months ago
★★★★★

Great care, friendly staff. Hard to find a dentist this good and caring but this place is the one to go to.

Vicki Sommers
Vicki Sommers4 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly and efficient, best dentist I've ever had. Due to exposed roots teeth are very sensitive, but they are so careful.

Anthony Brzozowski
Anthony Brzozowski1 month ago
★★★★★

Had a crown done today, always professional and painless work done by the dentist here at Crystal River Dental ! The staff is always…

Paul Hanneman
Paul Hanneman2 weeks ago
★★★★★

I appreciate their honest work and explanation of what is going on when I get X-rays and progress reports on if anything is changing.

Dale Hazard
Dale Hazard5 months ago
★★★★★

Even being late everyone was pleasant

Deb Ostrander
Deb Ostrander4 months ago
★★★★★

Jan, their dental hygienist did a fabulous job cleaning my teeth. Very knowledgeable and thorough.

Brenda Sedlar
Brenda Sedlar3 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone there is friendly. The office is spotless and the hygenists are very thorough. Office staff is informative and welcoming.

Tracy Karabelas
Tracy Karabelas1 month ago
★★★★★

Love this place & the Dentist! They are efficient, friendly and realistic! They work with you for the best outcomes! Awesome place!

Dennis Marten
Dennis Marten2 weeks ago
★★★★★

Very nice, I was totally comfortable. Thanks.

Steve and Linda
Steve and Linda4 months ago
★★★★★

They have always done a great job with my regular teeth cleaning. got same day service for removal of two infected wisdom teeth. Entire…

Debra Olsen
Debra Olsen1 month ago
★★★★★

For the first time in my life I am not afraid to go to the dentist. Awesome doc and staff. So thorough and gentle….

Kathy Baker
Kathy Baker5 months ago
★★★★★

Hygienist, Angela, very thorough, does an excellent job explaining teeth and toothbrush issues. Reminding me to change the electric toothbrush head more often, perhaps…

Marilyn Lange
Marilyn Lange5 months ago
★★★★★

Dr. Nguyen and staff are great. I'm very happy with the excellent care and the efficiency of Crystal River Dental.

Jim Tomasko
Jim Tomasko4 months ago
★★★★★

Everyone is very polite and helpful. I had to make a last minute appointment because of a broken tooth. They got me in fast…..worked…

Linda Mueller
Linda Mueller5 months ago
★★★★★

Every time I’m here the entire staff is friendly, helpful, kind and on top of any and all issues. I’ve had Invisalign here 1…

Debby Dear
Debby Dear2 months ago
★★★★★

I couldn’t be happier with Crystal River Dental. Everyone from the front desk to the dentist and dental staff are warm, friendly, profession and…

martine mancini
martine mancini3 months ago
★★★★★

Service was on time and very friendly.

Debbie Altenburg
Debbie Altenburg4 months ago
★★★★★

Friendly Staff and the dentist is the best dentist I’ve ever been to 😊

Mark Forseth
Mark Forseth5 months ago
★★★★★

Excellent care in a friendly and professional manner.

Mark wheaton
Mark wheaton4 months ago
★★★★★

Great attention to detail.

Lynn Anderson
Lynn Anderson5 months ago
★★★★★

I highly recommend Crystal River Dental. Everyone there is professional and kind. I have been treated with care and concern for all my issues….

Nate Kahler
Nate Kahler1 month ago
★★★★★

First visit to Crystal River Dental. The staff was very accommodating and helpful.

Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson5 months ago
★★★★★

Very happy with the crown Color was perfect and so was the fit.Thank you!

All-Time Greatest Music
All-Time Greatest Music2 months ago
★★★★★

The young lady that cleaned my teeth was very thorough and had a very pleasant personality!

Linda Kubczak
Linda Kubczak2 months ago
★★★★★

Very sad to see Doctor Lap Nguyen had left sure enjoyed going to have him as a dentist. Have a fill in now till…

Aaron Mueller
Aaron Mueller1 month ago
★★★★★

Very pleased! As an itinerant substitute dentist she did a fantastic and thorough job.

MJB
MJB1 month ago
★★★★★

Good experience! Dr.Saad, assistant Lisa, and hygienist Angela have all been very professional and helpful. Receptionist and billing make appointments friendly and easy.

Cara Frias
Cara Frias5 months ago
★★★★★

Friendly, professional, took the time to answer my questions.

Bpontzloff Bigboyss
Bpontzloff Bigboyss2 months ago
★★★★★

Very friendly and professional staff.They are honest and do a great job.

bonnie banaszak
bonnie banaszak1 month ago
★★★★★

Thank you for getting me in today you made my day.

Cliff
Cliff4 months ago
★★★★★

Glad to be here: good listeners, good attention to detail, and hospitable. All make you feel comfortable.

Chuck Wieland
Chuck Wieland3 weeks ago
★★★★★

Tina was excellent in what she was doing with my teeth. Was able to get me in a little earlier the schedule. Never a…

Anna Gallegos-Hunt
Anna Gallegos-Hunt2 months ago
★★★★★

Dr Nguyen is a very knowledgeable and caring person..he explains options and the why of it all I really like Alicia at the front…

Julie Johannes
Julie Johannes3 months ago
★★★★★

Met Hygienist Angela today for the first time. She was extremely thoughtful, thorough and educational. The interim Dentist was equally warm and friendly as…

Karin Nieubuurt
Karin Nieubuurt5 months ago
★★★★★

Staff is always upbeat and friendly.

Patricia steinbarth
Patricia steinbarth2 months ago
★★★★★

Very competent and friendly people. Angela did a great job cleaning my teeth.

Bonita Erdmann
Bonita Erdmann3 months ago
★★★★★

I was very pleased with the staff and Dr. Matte. Thank you.

Lynn Eberly
Lynn Eberly4 months ago
★★★★★

I had my bottom teeth removed. I had no bruising, swelling or any pain, just some discomfort at times. I would recommend Crystal River…

Chad
Chad4 months ago
★★★★★

It was a great experience, they were very unstanding and very kind.

Jesus isLord
Jesus isLord2 months ago
★★★★★

The dentist is very cordial and respectful. I appreciate the care she gives.

John Charleston
John Charleston4 months ago
★★★★★

Professional and sensitive to patients needs.

Nancy Anderson
Nancy Anderson3 months ago
★★★★★

I had a wonderful experience. The dental hygienist was very nice and was also encouraging to me and my home care. The dentist was…

Brittany Durrant
Brittany Durrant2 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience! Made me feel very comfortable and wanted to make sure I was okay with all decisions!

Josh Jahnke
Josh Jahnke5 months ago
★★★★★

Doc was great. Got one tooth pulled didn't feel a thing. Doc was very informative about what I needed to do after. Definitely will…

Linda Hughes
Linda Hughes5 months ago
★★★★★

The receptionists, the hygienist, Nicole and Dr. Nguyen were all very communicative, professional, efficient and friendly. A dental plan was put in place for…

Lois Richter
Lois Richter2 weeks ago
★★★★★

The staff at Crystal River Dental is very professional, friendly & efficient. I am so happy that I found them.

Heather Meyer
Heather Meyer3 months ago
★★★★★

This dentist made me feel BEYOND comfortable! I have never had a dentist so forward, open, and understanding. I left feeling so happy and…

Christopher Gudex
Christopher Gudex1 month ago
★★★★★

Very professional and thorough.

Jeanine Kes Bode
Jeanine Kes Bode5 months ago
★★★★★

Always on time. Always very friendly.

David Golke
David Golke3 months ago
★★★★★

I've been with crystal river for about a year now and they have been nothing but great! I'd recommend them to anyone in the…

Randy Thern
Randy Thern3 weeks ago
★★★★★

The cleaning was done in a relatively painless way. The exam was thorough and I was given a reasonable long-term plan for treatment.

Darrell Bartel
Darrell Bartel2 months ago
★★★★★

Amazing Dental Care. From the Receptionist, throughout the whole process, Everyone makes you feel special. Explains everything and great listeners. Thanks for all you…

Cindy Cate
Cindy Cate1 month ago
★★★★★

I thought she is very kind and gentle! Gave me good advice for future care!

Stephen L Manske
Stephen L Manske3 months ago
★★★★★

I've been really impressed with the service and the quality of work. This visit provides the extra effort I've done has been beneficial.

Rodney Frankovis
Rodney Frankovis3 months ago
★★★★★

Very good. On time and thorough.

Marcia Lieske
Marcia Lieske3 months ago
★★★★★

Great experience! Very thorough, friendly & gentle. They provide detailed explanations of procedures and upfront pricing, which I appreciate. I'm confident that I made…

Cindy Buenning
Cindy Buenning4 months ago
★★★★★

As a first time patient, I was very happy with the hygienist and the dentist.

Gwynn Schroeder
Gwynn Schroeder2 weeks ago
★★★★★

The appointment was right on time. My cleaning was great without discomfort. Dr. did a check that all was done.

Frequently Asked Children’s Dental Questions

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, you should arrange your child's initial diagnostic visit by age 1, or within 6 months of their very first primary baby tooth emerging.

Keep conversations positive and simple. Avoid utilizing words that introduce subconscious fear patterns, like "hurt", "shot", or "needle". Reading a picture book about a friendly dentist character helps tremendously.
 

This is incredibly common. We implement slow "tell-show-do" behavioral techniques and offer safe, soothing nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or liquid oral sedation alternatives for children who require supplementary support.

Yes, the vast majority of PPO insurance frameworks categorize standard childhood prevention checkups, sealants, and cleanings under fully funded preventative parameters (covered at 100%).

Absolutely. We are a comprehensive family dental practice. We welcome patients of all age buckets and specialize in organizing practical, back-to-back appointment tracking blocks for multiple family members together.

Children should visit our office every 6 months for a standard exam and clean. Growing children with high active decay tracking indexes occasionally require structural checks more frequently.

Give your child the lifelong gift of a healthy smile.

Crystal River Dental is proudly opening welcoming booking slots for new pediatric patients throughout Waupaca County. Let’s start safely.