Office Visits
Our office, as well as the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends that your child visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. The less to-do concerning the visit, the better.
The Dental Home is intended to provide a place other than the Emergency Room for parents.
It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or "hurt". The office makes a practice of using words that convey the same message, but are pleasant and non-frightening to the child.
We have an OPEN DOOR POLICY. That means parents are welcome to stay with their child during their visits. We know that different children have different needs, and we allow the parent to decide if they want to accompany their child or not. For those that feel the need, we often find that parental presence can have a calming effect on both the patient and the parent. We work hard to form wonderful initial dental experiences for all our patients, and our Open Door Policy is a large part of that.
We strive to make each and every visit to our office a fun one!
Office Policies
How are Appointments Scheduled?
The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when time is available. Preschool children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and we can work more slowly with them for their comfort. School children with a lot of work to be done should be seen in the morning for the same reason. Dental appointments are an excused absence. Missing school can be kept to a minimum when regular dental care is continued.
Since appointed times are reserved exclusively for each patient we ask that you please notify our office 24 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment time if you are unable to keep your appointment. Another patient, who needs our care, could be scheduled if we have sufficient time to notify them. We realize that unexpected things can happen, but we ask for your assistance in this regard.
Do I Stay with My Child During the Visit?
We have an OPEN DOOR POLICY. That means parents are welcome to stay with their child during their visits. We know that different children have different needs, and we allow the parent to decide if they want to accompany their child or not. For those that feel the need, we often find that parental presence can have a calming effect on both the patient and the parent. We work hard to form wonderful initial dental experiences for all our patients, and our Open Door Policy is a large part of that.
What About Finances?
Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. Every effort will be made to provide a treatment plan which fits your timetable and budget, and gives your child the best possible care. We accept cash, personal checks, debit cards and most major credit cards.
