Kids Dentistry

Care for Each Person Each child has a different chance of getting cavities, so we give each child and parent the care they need.

Education and Getting the Word Out
We work hard to make sure you have all the information you need to make well-informed decisions about the health of you and your family.

Appointments
The first visit to the dentist is very important. They learn how to take care of their teeth. Both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association say that it should be between 12 and 15 months. A dentist should check up on your child often. The doctor will check the child’s growth and development and look for signs of future problems. When you take your child to the doctor, you should also make appointments for the next six months. If you need to cancel an appointment because of an emergency or illness, please let the office know as soon as possible so that we can reschedule. To reschedule an appointment, you must let us know 48 hours in advance, or you may have to pay a fee.

Choices about money
Every child should have a good experience at the dentist. We have ways to help you pay for your child’s dental care, whether you pay out of pocket or have insurance.

Insurance
People often ask us what kinds of insurance we take. Calling our office is the best thing to do. We’ll be happy to check your plan and benefits and do all the paperwork for you. Even though insurance covers most of the necessary procedures, it rarely pays for all of the treatment. So, we’ll keep an eye on your insurance payments and let you know if there are any problems or delays. At the time of your appointment, you have to pay your co-pay. Any amount that isn’t covered by insurance is the patient’s responsibility.

Emergencies
Most days, our staff will start taking phone calls at 9:00 a.m. If you have a question or a problem that doesn’t need to be fixed right away, they will be happy to help you. You can call the doctor on his or her cell phone if you have an emergency, like a broken tooth or a swollen face. The office answering machine gives that number. Please remember that the doctors take turns being on “call,” and if you have a problem that can’t wait, you may need to be seen somewhere other than your usual office. If your problem is too important to wait for a return phone call, you can see a dentist on call at Children’s Hospital.

Parking is available right next to the offices in Monroeville and North Hills. Patients who go to the West Penn location of Western Pennsylvania Hospital can park in the garage.

Take care of your kids Whenever at work We’d like parents to come with their kids to their first appointments.

At that time, the hygienist and doctor will talk about how to take care of your teeth, your diet, and anything else that is important.
If you have any questions at that time, we’ll be happy to answer them.

When your child is old enough for kindergarten, we ask that you wait in the waiting room so that our staff can talk to your child better and help them become more independent. We appreciate you working with us.

You can talk to the doctor at any time after your appointment. We will do everything we can to make sure your child has a good time here. Don’t worry if your young child cries.
We’ll work hard with them and with you to make them and you feel better.

Then, if needed, nitrous oxide and sedation can be used. We don’t need these tools very often.