FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I prepare my child for the visit?

The number one thing you can do is stay calm! If you are calm, so will your child. When preparing for a visit, especially the first time, keep it simple, try not to include too many details. Doing so will raise more questions, and adding more information about an extra treatment like a filling he might need may cause unnecessary anxiety. Keep a positive attitude when discussing an upcoming visit, but don’t give your child false hope. Avoid saying that everything will be fine, because if your child ends up needing a treatment, he might lose trust in both the dentist and you.

Watch Your Words. Don’t use the ‘S’ (shot), ‘H’ (hurt) or ‘P’ (pain) words with children. Let the staff introduce their own vocabulary to children to help them get through difficult situations. Instead, tell your child that the dentist is looking for “sugar bugs” so he can clean them off their teeth. The best thing to have parents tell their child is that we are going to check their smile and count their teeth — that’s it, nothing else.

Do I stay with my child during the visit?

We invite you to stay with your child during the initial examination. During future appointments, we suggest you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We can usually establish a closer rapport with your child when you are not present. Our purpose is to gain your child’s confidence and overcome apprehension. However, if you choose, you are more than welcome to accompany your child to the treatment room. For the safety and privacy of all patients, other children who are not being treated should remain in the reception room with a supervising adult.

What if my child is really scared?

Dr. Denise is very experienced in getting children comfortable in the dentist chair. She establishes a relationship with your child first, to gain some trust. She also uses various techniques to get them comfortable including letting the child pretend to be a dentist! This helps them feel like they are in control of the situations and helps them understand how the tools are used, without fear of the unknown.

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.

We also require that you provide us with your dental insurance information and member ID# before scheduling your appointment.

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. Click here to view more information about finances.