Do you have pressing or unanswered inquiries about your child’s dental health or pediatric services in general? Our friendly staff at The Dentists at Orenco for Kids are happy to answer your questions during your next visit or over the phone, but you might also enjoy reading through the following frequently asked questions and responses!
How do I find the best place for my child to get dental work done?
One of your greatest responsibilities as a parent or guardian is caring for your child’s well-being until they’re old enough to manage themselves, and their smile is no exception. It’s only natural to want to find the most skilled provider to meet you family’s unique needs, but in order to do that, you might want to take a few minutes to write down your primary priorities.
For instance, do you need someone who is in-network with your insurance or flexible financial plans? Are you aware of certain procedures or treatments you anticipate your child needing? Listing these things down helps you identify the most essential criteria in a potential provider to narrow your search.
How much is a pediatric dental checkup and cleaning in Hillsboro?
Did you know that the American Dental Association recommends that kids have their first dental exam when their first tooth erupts, which is usually around one year old? Then, you should schedule a checkup and cleaning for them every six months to guide their still-developing smile.
Unfortunately, you might avoid scheduling an appointment if you’re unsure of the cost of a routine visit. Usually, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $60 for your child’s basic checkup in Hillsboro, though it can vary based on your unique circumstances. For instance, if your family has dental insurance, 100% of standard services might be covered. You might also pay more if your child requires X-rays, fluoride treatments, or other procedures to repair any areas of concern.
How can I find a pediatric dentist who identifies as a woman?
Every child is unique, and depending on their needs, they might be more likely to respond positively to a provider with a gentler touch. If your little one does better with women, you might wonder the best way to find an appropriate dentist to help them.
A quick search using your favorite internet browser can likely return a lengthy list of results because, today, about 1/3 of all licensed dentists and nearly half of current students identify as female. At our practice in Hillsboro, Dr. Beltzner is a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than 25 years of experience, and she collaborates with Dr. Royse to tailor treatment plans to meet your child’s individual needs.
What level of education is required to be a pediatric dentist?
Have you ever wondered what makes pediatric dentists qualified to maintain your little one’s teeth and gums? Rest assured, all providers in the U.S. must meet certain criteria to be licensed, so you can trust that your smile is in good hands.
For example, they must first earn a bachelor’s degree and then achieve a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from one of more than 70 schools accredited by the American Dental Association.
Then, they can choose to focus on one of 12 officially recognized specialties, including pediatric dentistry. This involves extensive classroom and hands-on learning followed by comprehensive testing and exams to become board-certified.
What do you do if you can’t afford a pediatric dentist?
Many pediatric dentists accept different types of insurance plans to lower the out-of-pocket expenses for your child’s dental care. Our friendly office staff is happy to fill out forms or applications to maximize your available benefits on your behalf.
If you have additional questions about affording your little one’s services, feel free to contact us. We do our best to go above and beyond to meet your needs and help make treatments affordable.