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 the child for their comfort. School children with a lot of work to be done should be seen in the morning for the same reason. If you like, you can let us know your preferences in advance by telephone or by e-mail. Please, refer to the form below.
Infants
From the time your child is first tooth erupts, we will provide the most up-to-date and thorough treatment for the dental challenges that may arise. Routine dental visits ensure that any problems are detected and treated early - or even avoided altogether.
The Middle Years
Children are, by nature, extremely active. And during all this activity, they may fall and damage their teeth or gums. Pediatric dentists are trained to minimize the damage that can result from injuries to the mouth; they can even save a tooth that is been completely knocked out!
Teens
As your child enters the teenage years, appearance becomes extremely important. Also, a teen's diet may consist of frequent sweets, snacks and sodas, and a busy schedule may make regular brushing a challenge. As pediatric dentists, we have learned techniques that help us treat the unique problems sometimes encountered with teens. We design treatment programs to specifically address the unique set of circumstances associated with this wonderful but challenging phase of your child's life!
The Special Needs Patient
An important part of a pediatric dentist's education centers on the treatment of patients with medical, physical or mental disabilities. Our training provides us with techniques to effectively and compassionately handle the challenges that may arise during treatment of the special needs patient, so that they may receive the same optimum level of dental care.
Do I Stay with My Child During the Visit?
We encourage you to be present during the initial visit. However, for subsequent appointments we ask that you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We are all highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and soon diminish. Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children.
Please discuss the positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Convey good feelings about dental visits as being part of growing up. Rather than, "The dentist will not hurt you," say, "The dentist will be very gentle." Expect your child to react well and enjoy the first visit to our office and chances are he/she will do exactly that.
What About Finances?
Payment for professional services are due at the time dental treatment is provided. We file dental insurance as a courtesy to our patients and we will be happy to file your claim for you. We also accept most dental insurances, cash, personal checks, and most major credit cards. But most importantly, we will make every effort to provide a treatment plan which fits your timetable and budget, and gives your child the best possible care.
For separated or divorced parents, the parent who brings the child to the office is responsible for payment of fees charged for that child's care. If another agrees to payment responsibility, that person must provide an acknowledgement in writing of their desire to pay for care. It is the responsibility of the person bringing the child to the office to obtain a written agreement and to inform the other person of care being provided.
Our Office Policy
If you have not paid your balance within 60 days a finance charge of 1.5% will be added to your account each month until paid. PLEASE UNDERSTAND that we file dental insurance as a courtesy to our patients. We do not have a contract with your insurance company, only you do. We are not responsible for how your insurance company handles its claims or for what benefits they pay on a claim. We can only assist you in estimating your portion of the cost of treatment, we at no time guarantee what your insurance will or will not do with each claim.
Fact #1: NO INSURANCE PAY 100% OF ALL PROCEDURES
Dental insurance is meant to be an aid in receiving dental care. Most dental plans only pay between
50%-80% of the average total fee.
Fact #2: BENEFITS ARE NOT DETERMINED BY OUR OFFICE
You may have noticed that sometimes your dental insurer reimburses you or the dentist at a lower rate than
the dentist's actual fee. Frequently, insurance companies state that the reimbursement was reduced because
your dentist's fee has exceeded the usual, customary, or reasonable fee used by the company.
Unfortunately, insurance companies imply that your dentist is "overcharging" rather than say that they are "underpaying" or that their benefits are low. In general, the less expensive insurance policy will use a lower usual, customary, or reasonable figure.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, please keep us informed of any insurance changes such as policy name, insurance company address, or a change of employment.
