Common Questions:

Dear Parents,

Now that you have arranged for your child's first visit to our office, there may be some questions you would like to ask. We are happy to answer your individual questions at any time. The following are some questions many parents ask. We hope the answers will be helpful to you and your child.

Office Hours

• Mon 9am - 5:30pm
• Tues 9am - 5:30pm
• Weds 9am - 7:30pm
• Thu 10am - 5:30pm
• Sat - By appointment only

The schedule may vary slightly in the summer and due to holidays. The office is closed on the weekends except for the on Saturday a month Dr. Mike works. The office is also closed major holidays, or when we are away attending continuing education programs to increase our skills and maintain knowledge of the latest developments to serve our patients better. Our answering machine will always be available to take messages when the office is closed.

Appointments and Cancellation of Appointments:

We see all patients on an appointment basis and request that you call in advance so we can reserve a time for your child. The office telephone number is: (215) 333-9697. We make every effort to maintain time commitments, trying to remain on schedule, thus avoiding delays in treatment or extensive waiting. We request that you extend the same courtesy to us. A child is a special person with their own fears and anxieties. Please be prompt for you appointments. This enables us to ensure proper care and compassion for your child. They deserve all the time allotted to allow them to feel comfortable. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. We ask that you give us 24 hours notice; you can leave a message on the answering machine. This courtesy allows us to see another child who is waiting for an appointment. If you do not give sufficient notice, a charge will be added to your account for the missed appointment. The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience when available. Preschool children and children requiring the parent in the treatment room should be scheduled in the morning. The child is fresher and we can work more slowly with the child. Missing school is kept at a minimum with regular dental care.

How may I best prepare my child if this is his/her first visit and what is the procedure at the visit?

You can play a large part in preparing your child for their first visit to the dentist. Try to act relaxed and at ease. Any anxiety on your part will be sensed by your child. Tell your child that we will "count" and "take pictures" of their teeth. Do not use fear provoking words such as "hurt, drill, pull and needle." We will thoroughly explain each of our procedures to your child in terms that they can understand before we do it. Depending on their age, we will probably ask you to remain in the reception area so we can spend time alone with your child. Afterwards, we will invite you to the hygiene area so we may review your child's history, diagnosis, or specific problems. Be assured that we will treat your child as gingerly as we treat our own. However, some children will cry as this is a normal response to a strange situation. At this visit we will emphasize oral hygiene techniques to be practiced by both you and your child. We will answer any questions that you may have. A full examination of the teeth and supporting structures will be done and occlusion (bit) will be evaluated. Radiographs (x-rays) will be taken as necessary (not routinely) to assure a thorough and comprehensive examination. In addition a fluoride treatment will be given. Subsequent visits for restorations will be scheduled if needed. When treatment has been completed, your child will be placed on a periodic exam schedule. You will receive a reminder call a few days before you visit is scheduled.

What is your Philosophy of treatment?

Our emphasis is on prevention in both the office and the home. We recommend regular exams and cleanings as well as positive and thorough home care. Home care includes limited sweets, brushing two times a day and flossing at least once a day, preferably before bedtime and sometimes a topical application of fluoride. Because the primary teeth form the basis of the adult dentition, we will do everything possible to preserve the integrity of your child's dentition while fostering a healthy and relaxed attitude toward dental care.

When will the condition of my child's teeth and supporting structures be discussed with me? Who will explain what work is needed and how much it will cost?

At conclusion of your child's exam the doctor will meet with you to explain what has been found and the treatment recommendations. Before you leave the office, our financial secretary will discuss fees and options for payment.

Special Patients:

We do treat children with special needs as well as very young children. Our philosophy is that all children should have a positive dental visit. To enable us to have this positive result, we routinely use nitrous oxide. This alleviates patient's fears and enables them to have the best visit possible. When necessary, an anesthesiologist comes to our office to administer general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to children with extensive treatment that require more than nitrous oxide.

Your aim as parents and our aim as dentists are the same, to keep your child's teeth and mouth in good health and to make the process of doing so a pleasant one for everyone.

Emergency Care:

We recognize that children have emergencies. We will do our best to respond to your problem promptly. If your child does have a serious problem, please call us as early in the day as possible. Emergency patients are usually seen at 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. If the problem should arise when the office is closed follow these easy steps t reach Dr. Lennie or Dr. Mike:

For a serious Dental Emergency:

You can reach the doctor on the office cell phone (215) 514-1348. If there is no answer, please leave a message and the doctor will return your call as soon as possible.