Family Dentist

Choosing the right dental home for your family is one of the most important healthcare decisions you can make. When every member of the household, from a six-year-old nervously attending their first dental exam and cleaning to a grandparent in need of restorative work, can be treated under one roof, it reduces the complexity of managing everyone’s oral care. A true family dental practice offers continuity, trust, and clinical range that makes a big difference over the years.

At Pine Glen Dental Group, we have been serving families in Peoria, Illinois, for more than two decades. Dr. Lori Rice joined the practice in 2002 and purchased Pine Glen Dental Group in 2012; today she leads the practice alongside Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native who joined as an associate dentist in 2026. Together, our dentists have built multigenerational relationships with families throughout the community. We are a general dental practice that welcomes patients of all ages, including children. We offer children’s dental care alongside restorative, cosmetic, and preventive services for adults, making it possible for every member of your family to receive comprehensive, personalized care from a team they know and trust.

What Family Dentistry Really Means

Family dentistry isn’t a made-up marketing term. It reflects a provider’s commitment to treating patients across every age group and life stage. Young children need preventive care focused on building healthy habits and protecting developing teeth. Adults require everything from routine maintenance to restorative solutions as wear and life circumstances take their toll. Older patients often face more complex needs, including crowns, bridges, implant restorations, and addressing years of deferred care.

Care for Kids That Builds a Lifetime of Good Habits

Children who receive consistent dental care early are far more likely to maintain those habits into adulthood. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children in the United States, yet it is largely preventable with regular checkups and proper hygiene.

Our team works to make every child’s visit a positive experience. We take the time to educate young patients and their parents about proper brushing techniques, dietary habits that protect enamel, and the role that consistent visits play in preventing cavities before they can even start. Our preventive dental program is designed to keep teeth healthy at every age, reducing the need for more complex treatments down the road.

Comprehensive Restorative Services for Adults and Older Patients

Adults and aging patients have different needs, and our practice is equipped to address them with precision and care. Dr. Rice and Dr. Thelen are both recognized for their detail-oriented approach, with Dr. Rice known for her meticulous work in restorative and cosmetic dentistry and Dr. Thelen bringing a special interest in restorative care to the practice. Whether a patient needs a filling to address decay, a crown to protect a compromised tooth, or a bridge to replace a missing one, we deliver results that are both functional and aesthetically natural.

For patients with multiple dental fillings or older restorations that need attention, we conduct thorough evaluations to determine the most conservative and effective course of treatment. Our goal is always to preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible while ensuring long-term stability and comfort.

Why Families in Peoria Choose Pine Glen Dental Group

Pine Glen Dental Group holds a BBB A+ rating, accredited since 2008, and a 4.7-star Google rating from patients throughout the Peoria community. We have also earned the Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite designation every year from 2018 through 2024. These recognitions reflect the kind of trust that is built over decades of providing consistent, high-quality care.

Our practice is fee-for-service, meaning that we are not contracted with any insurance network. This model allows us to prioritize your care over the constraints of insurance-driven treatment plans. We work with patients who carry dental insurance on an out-of-network basis and will submit claims on your behalf to help you recover the most from your benefits.

A Personalized Approach to Every Visit

One of the most valued aspects of a private family dental practice is the relationship between patient and provider. We do not operate on a revolving-door model. Dr. Rice and Dr. Thelen take the time to understand each patient’s history, concerns, and goals, which leads to better clinical decisions and a more comfortable experience.

From your first oral examination through years of ongoing care, you will work with the same trusted team. This continuity makes it easier to track changes over time, catch issues before they become major problems, and build the kind of dental home where patients of all ages actually want to return. For families interested in improving the appearance of their smiles while maintaining oral health, we also offer cosmetic dental services, including teeth whitening and more.

Schedule Your Family’s Appointment at Pine Glen Dental Group

Dr. Lori Rice graduated summa cum laude from Southern Adventist University and earned her dental degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, finishing at the top of her class in 2002. Dr. Jacey Thelen, D.D.S., a UMKC graduate and Peoria-area native, joined Pine Glen Dental Group as an associate dentist in 2026, sharing the same commitment to precision, quality, and genuine patient relationships that has defined this practice for more than two decades.

If you are looking for a family dentist in Peoria, IL, who will treat every member of your household with the same level of care and attention, we would love to meet you. Contact our office to schedule appointments for your whole family and experience the difference that comes with choosing a practice built on more than two decades of community trust.