Patient Information
Welcome
Thank you for visiting the website of Children's Dentistry of Westerly. Our goal is quite simple: prevent cavities before they happen rather than fix them after they happen. We achieve this goal by nurturing the passion in your child to take responsibility for his or her dental health. We are exemplary educators and have years of experience. Our entire dental team is committed to providing your child with the tools to make this a reality.
We are proud to offer a facility that has the specialized equipment to properly address today's most demanding pediatric dental needs, in a warm and caring environment. Our office is committed to providing you and your child with the highest quality of care. We will make every effort to ensure that your
first visit with us is a comfortable and informative experience.
Click here to download our brochure... (PDF)
Office Design
As an office specializing in pediatric dental care we have incorporated many design features to help your child feel comfortable. We have two basic treatment areas: a semi-open area with 3 dental chairs as well as private treatment rooms. The open area allows the apprehensive child to gain confidence by watching other children enjoy their dental visit. The secluded rooms provide privacy for you and your child when needed. By having both options we can cater to your child and make visiting us a positive experience.
What about infection control and sterilization?
Your health and peace of mind are always our primary concern; therefore, we follow OSHA guidelines and use state-of-the-art sterilization procedures. After each patient's visit, the treatment area is thoroughly disinfected. We ultrasonically clean and heat sterilize all non-disposable instruments. We wear gloves and masks during procedures. Please feel free to ask us for information on the measures we take to ensure the safety of you and your children.
First Visit
The fist visit has 2 major components:
I. Parent Education: We provide you with the necessary information to allow you to ensure optimal dental health for your child. This includes discussing proper brushing and flossing techniques, assessing ideal topical and systemic fluoride needs, identifying any dietary issues or harmful oral habits, as well as other topics pertinent to your child. Our dental team prides itself on being up to date on all topics related to your child’s dental needs. Our 3 full time hygienists have been with the practice for over 45 years combined! This experience gives them a comfort level and skill in managing your child in a caring and professional manner.
II. Examining Your Child: We gently examine your child's teeth and gums. Often times this is achieved in a “lap to lap” fashion with the caregiver assisting the child. We may clean your child's teeth and apply topical fluoride to help protect the teeth against decay. Digital radiographs (x-rays) may be taken to identify any tooth decay and/or to check on the progress of your child's permanent teeth. Digital x-rays have lower radiation exposure versus traditional x-rays. We make every effort to keep this a positive introduction to the dental office for you and your child.
When should I schedule my child's first dental visit?
As soon as your child has teeth, there is potential for tooth decay; therefore, your child’s first dental visit should be scheduled by his/her first birthday or within 6 months of the first tooth erupting.
What should I tell my child about the first dental visit?
We are asked this question many times. We suggest that you prepare your child the same way that you would before their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. This will not be the frightening experience you may remember from your youth. If you are nervous about the visit, then the less you say the better. Once you contact our office to set up your child’s first visit we will forward to you some helpful information. Your child's reaction to his first visit to the dentist may surprise you.
Scheduling
Our office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. We make every effort to stay on schedule to minimize waiting at the time of your appointment. We have found that children that are seen in a timely manner often exhibit better behavior in the dental setting. However, occasional delays to the schedule can occur due to dental emergencies and your understanding and patience are very much appreciated. If you have a dental emergency, every attempt will be made to see you that day.
Request an Appointment
For your convenience, we will try to arrange your office visits for times that fit your schedule. Please complete as much of the form on the right as possible, then click the Request Appointment button at bottom of this page.
Please use this form for appointment scheduling purposes only. DO NOT send personal health information through the form below. Specific patient care questions must be addressed with your doctor during an appointment.
We monitor our appointment requests several times a day and will usually reply within one business day during open hours.
Payment Policy
We require payment at the time service is rendered. The adult who accompanies the child to the office is responsible for payment. For your convenience we accept cash, check, Master Card or Visa.
Financial Options
Financial arrangements must be set up prior to beginning treatment. Our practice offers payment options including financing with monthly installments that can be customized for your individual needs. Our treatment coordinator will be happy to work with you to set up a payment plan that works for you.
Insurance
We are preferred participating providers with Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Metlife, Mashantucket Pequot, and United Concordia. Due to the various dental plans we advise all our patients to contact their dental plan to verify Children's Dentistry of Westerly's participation. We will complete any necessary insurance forms, at no charge, to assure maximum reimbursement to you by your insurance company. Any unpaid insurance portion, (deductibles, co-pays, insurance limitations), will be your responsibility. There is no connection between our fees and what your insurance company is willing to pay.For the sake of maintaining our doctor-patient relationship, we require that you pay our estimated co-pays at the time of the visit. If your insurance company does not pay for treatment within 60 days you must pay the balance and it is then your responsibility to call the insurance company to find out why they have not paid for your child’s treatment.
As a conscientious pediatric dental practice, it is our goal at Children's Dentistry of Westerly to provide the finest care possible for your children. Therefore, treatment is not based on what is covered by your insurance company but on what is best for your child’s dental health. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Please bring your insurance information with you to your child’s first visit so that we can expedite reimbursement.
Directions
If this is the first time you have visited our office, the mapping service below will assist you in finding our location. Simply fill out the form below, and you will be presented with directions that include a map, the travel time, and distance. If you need any additional information, please contact our office at 401-596-8720.
After Hours Emergency
Drs. Shannon and Capalbo are available for dental emergencies after-hours by contacting our office at 401-596-8720.
Emergency Care
Knocked Out Baby Tooth
Apply pressure with wet gauze if bleeding. Contact our office as soon as possible.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Stay calm. Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze. If you can’t put the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in a container of milk (water if milk is not available). If there is no milk or water put the tooth carefully in your mouth between your lip and gum. You must keep the tooth moist! Call our office immediately. The bottom line is if the tooth is out of the mouth and dry for more than 60 minutes the likelihood of saving the tooth is quite slim. If it is kept moist the success rate goes up.
Fractured or Chipped Tooth
Contact our office as soon as possible. Our goal is to save the tooth and prevent infection. Rinse the mouth out with water; apply an ice compress to reduce swelling if soft tissue is also traumatized. Once we have evaluated the fracture, we will recommend the best treatment option. This might include simply disking or “smoothing” a small fracture, to repairing with a white-colored restoration, to possibly more extensive needs based upon the severity.
Toothache
Call our office immediately to schedule an appointment. Avoid any foods that seem to bring on the pain. Children's Advil can assist your child in limiting pain.