We Are True Pediatric Specialists

Many general dentists identify their practices with the description of “Family Dentistry.” Parents are often unaware that general dentists are not required to have additional training beyond graduation from dental school in order to treat children.  But, Pediatric Dentistry is a recognized specialty which requires an additional two year residency program after graduation from dental school. Pediatric dentists are trained for the specific needs of children in the same way as pediatricians. This additional education includes child psychology, growth and development, prevention, restorative techniques, sedation, and general anesthesia. Pediatricians recognize the benefit of seeking specialized care and prefer pediatric dentists for their own children. We are honored that 27 local pediatricians have chosen us to care for their children or grandchildren.

We Are Dedicated to Prevention and Early Detection

A 2007 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 28% of children in the U.S. have at least one cavity by age five. The younger the child, the more difficult it is for the child to tolerate treatment. This is why “behavior management,” including sedation and general anesthesia, is a significant part of a pediatric dentist’s education and experience. So the ideal is to avoid treatment for small children by preventing early dental disease.

A 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement advises that early childhood cavities are highly preventable. We know this is true, and our practice is totally dedicated to avoiding the need to treat tooth decay in children under the age of six. We invest a great deal of effort in working with the pediatricians in our area to encourage the one year-old exam, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. At that first visit, we give a thorough explanation of dental disease, including the causes, risk factors and common myths about tooth decay. We assess the child’s risk for developing cavities and we tailor a specific prevention plan. We are very successful at identifying the early signs of trouble so we can delay the progression of the disease.

An additional benefit of the early examination is that we are able to detect cavities at an early stage so that, if treatment is necessary, our options are much easier. Children who start with us at twelve months of age very rarely require treatment before age six. In comparison, those who have the first exam at age three or four are far more likely to experience early childhood tooth decay. This shows us that our approach is successful.

Families appreciate our efforts to avoid the need of treatment and “behavior management,” and focus instead on making their children’s dental visits a fun experience as they grow up with us.

We Have a Successful Approach to Treating Cavities

Despite our commitment to prevention counseling we cannot entirely eliminate dental disease. Fortunately, the children who have the advantage of following our prevention program from age one will usually not have a cavity before age six. With our experience and our caring approach, we are confident that grammar school children will find any needed treatment to be a positive experience. We prefer to have parents sitting with the child during treatment. This is usually the child’s preference as well, and it allows the parent to see and hear the dentist relating to the child. Children who do develop cavities before age six are naturally more apprehensive. We schedule additional time for these children and work with both the parent and the child through thoughtful explanations to increase their confidence and comfort. In the event that we are unable to overcome their fear, we have nitrous oxide sedation or general anesthesia available.

We Have a Strong Commitment to Quality

We firmly believe that children should not have the same cavity filled more than once. Our fillings are of the highest quality and they last. We support that claim by placing a warranty on our work.

Taking high quality x-rays allows us to adjust the frequency of x-rays for each patient based on that child’s individual risk for decay. Most of our patients only receive an x-ray every twelve or eighteen months.

We Have a Staff with High Credentials

Every member of our team that is involved in providing dental care for our patients is a Registered Dental Assistant (R.D.A.) Many practices employ dental assistants who do not meet the state licensing requirements and testing that are necessary to become an R.D.A. Registered Dental Assistants are required to maintain their licenses with continuing education guidelines. We are proud that we hold this standard in order to ensure the highest quality of care and service to our patients.

We Are in a Beautiful and Fun Environment

Our office has a cozy atmosphere that is designed to feel more like a house than a
clinical setting.  Careful use of materials that can withstand the process of continual disinfection and still have a domestic appearance gives our office an ambience unlike most dental settings.  Each chair features a huge picture window with a peaceful garden view.  The birdhouses attract many birds and the occasional squirrel that entertain the children. The walls hold a gallery of beautiful wildlife photography with a baby animal theme. Soft, relaxing classical music provides a sense of calmness in the air. Toys and books are available throughout the office so the children are sure to have fun when they visit us.

We Utilize the Best Technology

Hidden within this comfortable environment is state of the art equipment that allows us to deliver the highest quality of care.  Digital radiographs provide quality images that make it possible to reduce the number of
x-rays that we need for each child.  Parents and children can view the enlarged radiographs at each chair on the flat screen monitors so that communication with the dentist is more complete. We use three different types of sterilizers in addition to a medical grade high heat dishwasher.  Every week we submit spore tests from our sterilizers to an independent lab to verify that our sterilization process is effective. Instead of using a standard syringe for local anesthesia injections, we use The Wand, a mechanized anesthetic delivery system that uses a computer chip to deliver a less threatening and more comfortable injection. At every level, our equipment is serviced and maintained to allow us to deliver our care in the most effective manner available.  This is one of the many reasons the practice has developed an outstanding reputation and has thrived in its current location for thirty years.

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