Office Policies

First Appointment
Please fill out the registration form before you come and bring it with you to the office. Your child's first appointment will include a thorough oral examination by the dentist, along with any x-rays which may be required to make an accurate diagnosis. We may also do a cleaning, and apply fluoride as needed (unless these have been done in the last 6 months).

Dentistry is a health service similar to going to the pediatrician. While we try to make your child as comfortable as possible, the dental visit is not the same as going to a birthday party. For example, some children have difficulty getting their hair cut or letting their parents help brush their teeth. Some children cry as a normal reaction to a new place or activity. We will work with each child as an individual to help them cope with the dental experience.

Everything will be explained to your child utilizing the "Tell-Show-Do" technique. Parents are welcome in the treatment room, but we ask that you be our "silent partners" so that we may get to know the child.

We suggest that you discuss dentistry in a positive way, avoiding negative words like "Shot", "Drill", or saying "It won't hurt". Rather say, "the dentist is going to count your teeth" or "the dentist is going to help your tooth feel better". Treat the visit as a routine, everyday occurrence. We want the visit to be enjoyable and informative!

Fees
At the end of the first visit, we will provide you with a written treatment plan with cost estimates, and the number of appointments needed. Treatment is not performed on this first visit (unless there is an acute, urgent situation) so that your child may become acquainted with us.

Payment is expected at each visit.

Follow-up care (Recall Visits)
We hope that you will share in our belief that regular preventative dental care is a sound investment. It is our joint responsibility to see that your child is properly maintained for the best oral result.

We will provide you the service of sending you a reminder postcard when it is time to return. Please telephone when you receive the card. Another option is to schedule your 6 month visit in advance.

Appointments
Please remember that we only see children and it is impossible for us to see everyone "After-School". We work two Saturday mornings each month during the school year. Please bring your child's school calendar, as it may be helpful when scheduling visits.

Consideration of Others

***Our office requires a minimum of 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.***

If you do not show or fail to call to reschedule for more than one appointment, you will risk dismissal from our practice. Please call 248.478.3232 if you are unable to keep your scheduled appointment. Please be on time for your appointment as we do our best to see each child at their scheduled appointment time.

Emergency Care
For emergency care during normal business hours, please call our office telephone number. If your child has an emergency situation such as a chipped tooth or abscess or you have other concerns, we will do our best to respond to your problem promptly. Please call us as early in the day as possible to arrange for care.

When the office is closed and your child has a serious, urgent and immediate need for dental care, you may contact the answering service at 248.662.5438 who will notify the doctor on call. Please do not call with questions that can wait until normal business hours.

Community Support
We feel strongly that it is important to participate in organized activities and work within the community. We are available for talks on pediatric dentistry and children's dental health to schools, parent's groups, and hospital programs. We support the Girl Scouts, school fundraisers, local youth sports teams, etc.