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First Visit

Jump to: Ages 0-3  •  Ages 3-6  •  Ages 6-18  •  Office Policies  •  Payment Options
0-3

Ages newborn–3 years old

 

We follow the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that a child's first dental visit should occur by 12 months of age. This infant oral health exam will allow Dr. Hargleroad to examine your child for any dental problems and will allow her to monitor your child's growth and development. She will discuss with you many topics including oral hygiene, diet, fluoride, tooth eruption, and oral habits. Starting dental appointments early will help prevent problems in the future and will ensure a positive attitude toward dental care.

3-6

Ages 3–6 years old

 

Please discuss the many positive aspects of dentistry with your child. Your attitude and impression of dental care will be impressed upon your child. If you have any anxiety toward the dentist, your child will sense the tension. Please try to remain calm and at ease. The purpose of the first visit is to establish a positive relationship with you and your child. One way to convey good feelings to your child about dental visits is to remind them that going to the dentist is a sign that they are growing up. You can explain that the dentist will "count", "brush", and "take pictures" of his/her teeth.

 

Please do not tell your child that the "dentist will not hurt" as this may have never entered his/her mind. Instead, you may wish to assure your child that the dentist and our staff will be fun, gentle and friendly. Explain that the visit will be an exciting experience for yourself and your child. Also, please avoid using words such as "needle", "shot", "pull", "drill" or any other word suggesting unpleasantness. Dr. Hargleroad and our staff have a special way of explaining what will be done in terms best suited for your child.

 

Please remember that some children cry when faced with new and unfamiliar situations. This is a normal reaction and we will work to overcome any apprehension your child may face. Expect your child to do well and enjoy their visit to our office and chances are he/she will do exactly that!

 

We schedule the initial examination of children ages 3-6 years old in two separate appointments. At the first appointment, the child will become familiar with the office, oral hygiene instructions will be given, and dental radiographs (x-rays) will be taken if the dentist feels they are necessary.  The dentist will perform a head and neck examination and then evaluate the health of the teeth, gums and your child's bite. At the second appointment, the child's teeth will be cleaned and fluoride applied if appropriate.

 

After each appointment, the dentist will meet with you and your child to discuss any concerns. If additional services are required, they will be scheduled for a later visit.

 

Although it may at first seem inconvenient, two initial appointments allow your child to become better acquainted with the staff and the office. It also allows ample opportunity for the dentist to meet with you (the parents) and address your questions and concerns.

6-18

Ages 6–18 years old

 

Your child will be scheduled for a 60-minute comprehensive examination.  Please ensure that any records and or radiographs from previous dental providers are forwarded onto our office prior to this appointment.

Office Policies

Office Policies

 

  • ONE parent is invited back to observe during the initial examination and treatment appointments. If you have other children, please arrange to have another adult with you that will watch the children in the waiting area.

  • During treatment appointments, we ask that the parent takes a passive role and observe only.  The dentist and her staff will need your child's full attention in order to communicate effectively and establish trust. As your child matures, we encourage independence and hope that your child will feel comfortable experiencing their dental appointment without the parent present.

  • Cellular telephones are prohibited in the treatment areas. Conversations carried on by others can be very distracting to our patients.  Photography and videography are also not allowed in the treatment areas out of the respect for the privacy of other patients and our staff.  We appreciate your understanding.

  • The scheduled appointment is reserved specifically for your child. If you must cancel your appointment, kindly give at least 24 hours’ notice so that we may accommodate another child. If you have two (2) broken or missed appointments without 24 hours' notice, we reserve the right to NOT schedule any subsequent appointments. Also, if you arrive 10-15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be asked to reschedule for the next available appointment time. We do our best to remain on schedule so that we may see your child promptly at their scheduled time. Our schedule may be delayed in order to accommodate an injured child. Please accept our apologies in advance should an accident occur during your child’s appointment. The same attention will be given to your child, should he/she be involved in an accident.

  • A parent or legal guardian (with proper documentation) MUST be present during the initial examination and any subsequent appointments.

  • We will try to schedule all restorative appointments (fillings, extractions, etc) when your child is at their best. For younger children, this is typically in the morning when they are well rested.

Payment Options

Payment Options
 

  • Please understand that payment of your bill is considered a part of your child’s treatment. Payment is due at each visit for services rendered. We accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

  • For our patients with dental insurance, we are happy to submit your claim and file with most dental insurance companies as a courtesy. We ask that you bring your insurance card and benefits booklet to your initial visit. Please be familiar with your insurance benefits so that you may receive the maximum coverage. We ask that you pay for the non-covered portion at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made. We will promptly file your insurance to expedite payment. However, if you have an unpaid balance on your account after 30 days, you will be billed and payment will be expected at that time.

  • While many people think their dental insurance “covers everything,” most plans have some restrictions—either in the amount they pay or in the services “covered.” Since our office works with hundreds of insurance plans, it is impossible for our staff members to know the details of your plan. We have no control over how much of our fees or which services are covered by your plan. If your child needs treatment other than routine/preventative care, we will give you a written estimate at no cost. This allows you to contact your insurance company to determine your benefits. We recommend that you become directly involved with your insurance company to assure prompt payment to your account.

  • The dentist’s treatment recommendations are based on what she believes is in your child's best interest rather than on what your insurance covers.

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