Please Note
In the event you, the biological parent or legal guardian, cannot accompany your child to their dental appointment, we, Children’s Dental Village, MUST have a note giving the person bringing the child to the appointment permission to sign documents and make dental decisions. NO Exceptions can be made!
Preparing For Your Visit
Congratulations! You have taken the first step to ensure that your child receives great oral care that will follow them for a life- time. We can't wait to meet your child. Below is what to expect from your first visit.
The exam is sometimes very quick but always very thorough. Our doctors are able to gain valuable information from this exam, and will be evaluating your child's growth and developmental status, as well as the health of their teeth and gums. Infants and young children can have developmental conditions that may present themselves in the oral cavity and might only be seen at a dental check-up. Based on the exam, dietary and hygiene recommendations are reviewed with you, as well as any information specific to your child's oral health status.
What Makes Us Different
There are several things that make visiting a pedatric practice different than a general dentist. We treat your child with special care and vocabulary to make their experience positive. Please take some time to read about why Children's Dental Village offers a unique experience for you and your child.
Language
As a Pediatric practice we use a completely different vocabulary when explaining procedures to children and very anxious patients. For us to be most effective we ask that you briefly describe what a dentist does and what the child can expect.
Words to Avoid
- "It won't hurt"
- "Shot"
- "Needle"
- "Pain"
- "Sharp"
- "Drill"
Parents Welcome
Another big difference between our practice and other dentists is that we encourage the parent(s) to accompany the child into the treatment area. There are some guidelines that we ask you to follow.
A Few Guidelines
- Refrain from speaking to the child when the dentist is talking
- Remain seated in the chair provided for you
- If asked to leave, please do so quietly and quickly
- Please silence or turn your cell phone off
- Feel free to ask any questions you may have
We want you, the parent(s), to be as informed as possible with regard to the treatment being provided to your child.
Behavior
Very young children often cry even for simple examinations. This is normal behavior and in no way does it upset us, and you should not be embarrassed nor should you try to quiet your child. Crying actually facilitates our work since it is usually done with the mouth wide open.
Again, thank you for entrusting your child's care to us. If you have any questions please call our office.
Paper Work
So that we may better serve you, please complete the New Patient Form below before your appointment and bring with you to your scheduled appointment. The most important document is the medical history. Complete it as accurately as possible and feel free to make any comments on the form you think may be helpful in understanding your child's health status.
North Spokane Patients
If you would like to complete your child's patient information forms online, you may access our online portal. You may either login to your Patient Portal or complete New Patient Forms below.
Spokane Valley Patients
If you would like to complete your child's patient information forms online, you may access our online portal. You may either login to your Patient Portal or complete New Patient Forms below.
Insurance & Financing
For your convenience we handle all insurance billing and offer several payment options. We accept cash, checks, credit cards and Care Credit. Please bring a current insurance card with you to each appointment. We are contracted providers with the following insurance companies:
- Aetna
- Asuris NW Health
- Delta Dental/Washington Dental Service
- Careington
- Guardian
- MetLife
- Premera Blue Cross
- Principal
- Regence Blue Shield (Basic & Standard &
- Federal Employee Plan)
- United Concordia
- Medicaid (DSHS/ABCD)
FAQ's
Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist
Children require specialized care from a pediatric dentist that has had proper extended training after dental school. They must be dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy to mid-teens. Each age group requires a unique approach to ensure proper dental growth and development.
Care For Your Child's Teeth
It is important to begin good oral health as soon as the child's first tooth erupts. Children should start seeing a pediatric dentist at age 1 or when they have 4-5 teeth, depending on what comes first. Brushing twice a day and flossing with an adult assisting and taking a fluoride supplement is an essential in keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
Preparing Your Child For Their Dental Visit
Refrain from using intimidating words that could cause your child unnecessary fear. Pediatric Dentists and their staff are conditioned to use words that convey a positive and pleasant message. Try to avoid words and phrases that include needles, pull, pain, or drill. Ask the dentist to inform your child of the procedures and answer any questions.
Eat Healthy & Avoid Sweets
Good eating habits is the best way to ensure that your child will have a healthy smile and body. Try to eat a variety of foods that fall under the five major food groups. Reduce the amount of time your child snacks and stay away from hard candy and breath mints. These tend to stay on the tooth enamel and cause for longer acid attacks, increasing the risk of a cavity. Vegetables, low-fat yogurt, and low fat cheeses can replace the typical sweet snack.