Get updates
Have a parenting hack to share? Or a topic you'd like to see?
Pediatric specialists your child should see - and when

Your child’s health journey involves more than just visits to the pediatrician. While some pediatric health specialists are essential for every child’s development and preventive care, others are needed based on specific symptoms or conditions. This guide helps parents understand when to schedule those important appointments.
Specialists all children should visit
These specialists play a key role in monitoring and supporting your child’s overall health and development. Every child should see them as part of routine care.
Pediatrician
When: From birth through age 21
Why: Pediatricians are your child’s primary care providers. They monitor growth, development, behavior and provide vaccinations, screenings and guidance on nutrition, sleep and safety.
Schedule:
- Frequent visits in infancy (e.g. newborn, 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12 months)
- Every 3–6 months in toddler years
- Annually from age 3 onward
These visits are also the gateway to identifying when specialist care may be needed.
Dentist
When: By age 1 or within 6 months of the first tooth
Why: Early dental visits help prevent cavities, monitor tooth development and establish good oral hygiene habits. Pediatric dentists also educate parents and children on brushing, flossing and nutrition.
Schedule: Every 6 months
Your pediatrician may also apply fluoride varnish during well-child visits starting at tooth eruption.
Eye doctor (Optometrist or Pediatric Ophthalmologist)
When: First formal screening around age 5, then as needed or indicated by pediatrician
Why: Vision problems can affect learning, behavior and development. Eye doctors detect issues like nearsightedness, lazy eye or strabismus (also known as crossed eyes) early.
Schedule:
- Basic screenings during well-child visits
- Note: Before age 5, the pediatrician will be the primary vision screener. They can provide an ophthalmology referral if they think it would be beneficial for your child.
- Comprehensive eye exams if concerns arise
- Annual exams during school years if your child wears glasses or has vision issues
Watch for signs like squinting, frequent headaches or difficulty reading.
Dermatologist
When: Around puberty (ages 12–15), or earlier if skin issues appear
Why: Dermatologists help manage acne, eczema, rashes and educate children on skincare and sun protection. They also monitor moles and birthmarks for changes.
Schedule: As needed based on skin concerns
Early visits can help prevent scarring and boost self-esteem during adolescence.
Orthodontist
When: By age 7
Why: The American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, children typically have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to spot issues early — such as crowding, bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite) or jaw misalignment. If you’re wondering if it’s time for your child to see an orthodontist, start by asking your dentist! They can tell you if they see any issues with bite or spacing that could be helpful if addressed by an orthodontist.
Schedule:
- Initial evaluation at age 7
- Follow-up visits as recommended based on findings
Early orthodontic care can guide jaw growth, create space for incoming teeth and reduce the need for more complex treatment later. Even if braces aren’t needed right away, monitoring development helps ensure a healthier, more confident smile.
Specialists children may need (on a case-by-case basis)
These specialists are typically consulted based on symptoms, family history or pediatrician referrals. Not every child will need them, but they play a vital role when specific concerns arise:
- ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat): For chronic or recurrent ear infections, chronic middle ear effusions, recurrent cerumen impactions, tonsillitis, snoring or breathing issues.
- Audiologist: For hearing loss, speech delays or failed hearing screenings.
- Allergist: For persistent allergies, asthma, eczema or suspected food sensitivities.
- Speech-Language Pathologist: For delayed speech, stuttering, feeding issues, testing for certain learning disorders or language development concerns.
- Gastroenterologist: For chronic digestive issues, oral feeding difficulties, reflux, constipation or poor weight gain.
- Neurologist: For seizures, developmental delays, autism or coordination problems.
- Orthopedic Specialist: For joint pain, abnormal gait, developmental hip dysplasia, sports injuries or scoliosis.
- Cardiologist: For heart murmurs, chest pain, fainting or family history of heart conditions.
Tips for Parents
- Use well-child visits to discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.
- Track symptoms like frequent infections, developmental delays or behavioral changes.
- Don’t wait—early intervention can improve outcomes and support your child’s growth.
- Take pictures and videos to show the pediatrician. Videos of intermittent behaviors or concerns can be very helpful to understand what parents are seeing or hearing outside of the office.