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.

Family Dentistry Services at Pine Glen Dental Group

Every member of your household can find care under one roof, from a child’s first cleaning to restorative work for a grandparent. Our family dentistry services include:

If your family needs a service that falls outside these, our team will walk you through the options during your visit and coordinate care so nothing falls through the cracks.