Our Office Policies
To the Parents
We would like to welcome you and your children to Petit Smiles Pediatric Dentist. As you may or may not know, a Pediatric Dentist is a dentist who has undergone a rigorous and specialized two-to-three year training program beyond dental school that uniquely prepares them to care for your children’s special dental needs. Whether an infant, child or teen, each one requires a different treatment approach than do adult patients. Children are not “small adults” neither physiologically nor psychologically. It is our goal to provide your child with the highest quality of dental care consistent with the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines.
Please give us your full cooperation by becoming a partner in your child’s or teen’s dental treatment and observing the office policies outlined below.
Do I Stay with My Child During the Visit?
We welcome parents to stay with their child during their pediatric dental visits. Parents or guardians are encouraged to be in the treatment area during the initial exam so they may become acquainted with your Pediatric Dentist of choice at Petit Smiles, its staff members and have the opportunity to review treatment needs with the specialist. At subsequent appointments, the presences of the parent or guardian in the treatment area will be established depending on the patient’s needs. Parents or guardians are routinely asked to escort/accompany special needs children and those 3 years of age and younger. We discourage other children being allowed in the treatment rooms while siblings are receiving their dental care. This is done to ensure your child receives the best care under optimum and safe conditions.
How are Appointments Scheduled?
The office attempts to schedule appointments at a convenient time. Pre-school children, infants, should be seen by a Pediatric Dentist in the morning when they are fresher. Children and adolescents with extended treatment needs are often asked to be seen for earlier appointment time when both child and your Pediatric Dentist of choice can provide better individual attention. Appointment times are reserved exclusively for each child and all treatment rooms are prepared before time. Our Pediatric Dentist and staff time are dedicated to your individual reserved time.
Rescheduled and failed appointments
If you wish to reschedule your child’s appointment, we ask that you give us at least 24 hours advance notice. Cancellations received less than 24 hours will be considered a last minute failed appointment. Three (3) failed appointments may result in dismissal from our practice. Families who fail appointment dates with multiple children scheduled may not be allowed to schedule their children on the same day again.
Emergency treatment
If your child has an emergency such as trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, pain or swelling, please call the office. If it is after hours the on-call Pediatric Dentist will return your call.
Financial Guidelines
Payment for professional services is due at the time dental treatment is provided. Every effort will be made to provide explain total treatment and to provide a treatment plan which fits your timetable and budget and gives your child the best possible care.