How SproutSmile works

What SproutSmile does

SproutSmile is a free service for parents and guardians in the US. We help you find and get matched with a pediatric dentist for your child based on basic details like where you live and how to reach you.

We are not a dental office, dentist, or healthcare provider. We do not give dental or medical advice, diagnose problems, or schedule treatment. We share general, educational information for parents and help connect families with participating dental offices.

If your child has tooth pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, or a dental injury, talk to a licensed pediatric or general dentist right away. If it feels urgent, contact an emergency dentist or seek urgent care in your area.

How it works in 4 simple steps

Step 1: You share your contact details. On our get matched page, you tell us a few basics such as your name, phone number, email, ZIP code, and your child's age range. We collect contact details only. We do not ask you to share your child's medical history or health records on our site.

Step 2: We look for a participating pediatric dentist that may fit your needs. We may consider your location, whether you are looking for a first visit or another routine dental visit, and practical details you share, like preferred times or language needs.

Step 3: We connect you with a dental office. A participating office may call, text, or email you so you can ask questions, confirm whether they are taking new patients, and learn about insurance, Medicaid, CHIP, and office policies.

Step 4: You decide what happens next. You choose whether to respond, book a visit, compare another office, or do nothing. Your child's care is always between you and the licensed dental office you choose.

You stay in control

Using SproutSmile does not lock you into anything. You are free to choose a different office, ask for another match, or stop at any time. The dentist is your choice, and treatment decisions are yours to discuss directly with a licensed pediatric or general dentist.

That means you can ask the office practical questions before booking. Many parents want to know if the office sees young children, what languages the team speaks, whether the office accepts their plan, and what to expect at a first visit. Our guide to choosing a pediatric dentist can help you know what to ask.

We also do not tell an office what care your child needs. Dentists may talk with you about cleanings, fluoride, X-rays, sealants, nitrous oxide, or other care if those topics come up at the office. For advice about your child's mouth, teeth, pain, or treatment options, talk to a licensed pediatric or general dentist.

What information you share

We keep it simple. To help with a match, we collect parent or guardian contact details and a few practical details related to the search. That may include your name, phone number, email address, ZIP code, and details like your child's age range or insurance situation.

We do not ask you to upload dental records. We do not ask for your child's medical history, treatment history, or health records on our site. If a dental office needs health information later, the office will collect that directly from you.

Please do not send private medical details through our forms. If you have questions about a symptom or an urgent dental problem, talk to a licensed dentist.

• We collect contact details only to help with matching
• We do not collect your child's health records on our website
• The dental office handles care, records, and treatment questions

What it costs you

SproutSmile is free for families. You do not pay us to use the service.

Participating dental offices pay us a flat marketing or matching fee. That does not change the fact that you choose the office and decide whether to book.

Your child's dental costs, if any, depend on the office, your insurance plan, and your state. Many children's preventive visits are covered by insurance, Medicaid, or CHIP for eligible families, but coverage rules vary. You can read more on our costs page. Before a visit, ask the office what your plan may cover and whether there may be any out-of-pocket cost.

What to expect after you get matched

After you submit your details, you may hear from a participating dental office by phone, text, or email. Response times can vary by office and by day. Some offices may reach out quickly. Others may take longer.

When an office contacts you, it is okay to ask direct questions. You can ask if they are accepting new patients, if they see infants or toddlers, what ages they treat, whether they accept Medicaid or CHIP, and what to bring to a first visit.

If the first office does not feel like the right fit, you do not have to move forward. Finding a dentist for your child can take a little time, and that is okay.