FAQ for patients
When should my child see the dentist for the first time?
We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation that children have their first dental visit by their first birthday. Early visits allow us to create a customized preventive treatment plan to help avoid cavities and other dental issues as your child grows.
During each visit, we’ll guide you on your child’s development and address concerns, such as pacifier use or thumb-sucking. Starting dental care early also helps normalize dental visits, reducing anxiety and promoting lifelong healthy habits.
I’m worried my child won’t cooperate. Should we still come in?
Yes! If you’re concerned about your child cooperating, it’s especially important to bring them in. We’ll help your child feel comfortable with the office and build trust through gentle, positive experiences. By familiarizing them with the environment now, any future visits—whether routine or emergency—will feel less intimidating.
Our team uses techniques such as modeling, positive reinforcement, and distraction to help guide your child’s behavior. If needed, we can discuss safe and effective sedation options, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to make the visit smoother.
Do you take x-rays, and are they safe for children?
Yes, x-rays are an essential diagnostic tool, especially for detecting cavities between teeth and monitoring growth. We use digital x-rays with appropriate shielding to minimize exposure and only take them when necessary, based on your child’s individual risk for cavities.
Catching small problems early allows us to treat them conservatively, which saves time, money, and discomfort for your child.
Do you recommend fluoride?
Yes, fluoride is typically applied after cleanings to help prevent cavities. For children at higher risk, we may recommend additional treatments as part of a personalized plan. If you have concerns about fluoride, we’re happy to discuss them during your child’s visit.
How will you keep my child comfortable during dental work?
We use kid-friendly language and explain procedures in a way that keeps your child at ease. It’s best to let us handle the discussion of dental work, as we’re trained to keep the process calm and stress-free. If your child feels anxious, we have several behavior-guidance techniques and offer nitrous oxide when needed.
To make the experience more enjoyable, we have TVs in the treatment rooms and a fun, welcoming waiting area to help your child relax before their appointment.
What types of insurance do you accept?
We accept most insurances and are currently contracted with:
- Aetna
- Altus Dental
- Ameritas
- Assurant
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Careington
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Dentemax
- Dental Network of America
- Guardian
- Harvard Pilgrim
- Humana
- Mass Health
- Metlife
- Neighborhood Health/Minuteman Health
- United Concordia
- United Healthcare
- Principal
We submit claims to your insurance company and do our best to provide accurate estimates for your portion of the cost before treatment. Payment for the estimated portion is due at the time of service.
Are you accepting new patients?
Absolutely! We are always welcoming new patients and look forward to meeting you and your child.
How can I help my child stay calm?
Here are 6 tips to help keep your child calm at the dentist:
- Stay calm yourself—your child will pick up on your emotions.
- Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep before the appointment.
- Keep them entertained with books, music, or games.
- Feed them a healthy snack before the visit—hungry kids are not happy kids.
- Bring a comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket.
- Praise them for their good behavior during and after the visit to create a positive experience.