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 questions at any time if you contact us at (215) 333-9697. The following are some questions many parents ask. We hope the answers will be helpful

Philly's Office Hours:
Monday - Tuesday: 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 7:30pm
Thursday: 9am-5pm
Saturday: Varies

Hatboro's Office Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 6:30pm
Friday: 8am - 2:30pm
Saturday: Varies

The schedule may vary slightly in the summer and due to holidays. One of the offices is open every other Saturday. 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 or (215) 672-5437. We make every effort to maintain time commitments and try to remain on schedule. We request that you extend the same courtesy to us and arrive on or before you scheduled appointment. A child is a special person with their own fears and anxieties. Please be prompt for you appointments. This allows us to ensure proper care and compassion for your child.

If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately. We ask that you give us 24 hours notice if you are going to cancel an appointment. 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. 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. Be assured that we will treat your child as gingerly as we treat our own. Some children may cry during their visit. If this is the case, we may decide to do less a their visit in order to gain your child’s trust.

At the cleaning 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 your child’s occlusion, or alignment of their teeth, 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. The most important time to have thorough brushing is before bedtime. 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 Needs 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, we are able to bring your children to a hospital setting to complete the necessary dental work. This is only used when there is extensive treatment that cannot be completed with the help of 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.  If a problem should arise when the office is closed follow these easy steps to 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.