Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child have his or her 1st dental visit?

The academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children should see a dentist when they get their first tooth and no later than 1 year of age.

Can I accompany my child when brought back for dental treatment?

Absolutely, we have an “open door” policy and find that some children do better if accompanied by their parent or guardian.

What can I expect at the first dental visit?

You can expect a comprehensive examination, tooth cleaning, fluoride treatment, and x-rays if possible. Our goal is to have their 1st visit be a positive experience that will set the tone for future visits.

What treatment options are available for an anxious, fearful, or special needs child?

Each child is unique and different needing individualized care. Some will do fine with no sedation or special modifications of dental procedures. Others will need a private room, an extra assistant, and light sedation. Still others will need to be treated in a hospital setting with general anesthesia. Once we get acquainted with you and your child, we together can plan what might be the best way to provide dental treatment for your family.

Where are you located?

We are located on the southeast corner of Creek Road (7400 South) and Union Park Avenue (1300 East) in a new, state of the art office park. Take the Union Park exit of I-215 and go south to Creek Road.

What are sealants? How effective are they?

Sealants are a plastic covering placed on the chewing surfaces of molars or other teeth with deep grooves. Well-placed sealants can reduce decay on chewing surfaces by over 50%. Some teeth receiving sealants will get decay in the future but they tend to get the decay later and the decay tends to be less severe. Although no preventive therapy can completely eliminate decay, sealants are another way to substantially reduce the decay we have over our lifetime.

Do you treat special needs patients in your practice?

Yes, we see patients with special medical, emotional, physical, and behavioral needs. Each is special and unique and together we can determine what might be the best way to treat your child. Until we know what to expect, we will go very slowly and only proceed when we are all in agreement.

What about fluorides. Do they really help?

The fluoride ion incorporates itself into enamel making it more resistant to decay. Fluoride is found in toothpastes, some rinses, some gels, most water supplies and in many prepared foods. Fluoride in community water supplies provides proven benefits to most children; however, a small fraction of children may have sensitivity to fluoride. Although no preventive strategy can completely prevent decay, fluoride has been shown to significantly reduce decay in children, which can last for a lifetime. Each child has different needs; at your child’s first appointment we can determine if fluoride can benefit them.

How often do children come in for orthodontic appointments?

Most orthodontic cases require that the patient return for adjustments every 4-8 weeks. Each case is different and will need to have a custom treatment plan. We follow our cases more closely than most orthodontists in order to monitor progress and make sure that oral hygiene is maintained.

What insurances do you accept?

We are preferred providers for Selecthealth, BCBS of Utah, Valuecare, Federal BCBS, PEHP and CHIP, DMBA, Aetna PPO, Aetna DMO with referral, Medicaid (generally 3 yrs or under or by referral of a pediatrician). We will bill other insurances companies, however, we are not preferred providers for them. Our policy is to submit all insurance claims on a daily basis. You need to know how your dental plan is designed including its limitations and deductibles so that you can be prepared to pay your portion on the day services are rendered. We will be happy to assist you in obtaining maximum benefits.