Melissa Rozas, D.D.S. - Office Policies & First Visit

How are appointments scheduled?

The office attempts to schedule appointments at your convenience and when time is available. Preschool children should be seen in the morning because they are fresher and we can work more slowly with the child for their comfort. School children with a lot of work to be done should be seen in the morning for the same reason. Dental appointments are an excused absence. Missing school can be kept to a minimum when regular dental care is continued.

Do I Stay with My Child During the Visit?

We ask that you allow your child to accompany our staff through the dental experience. We are all highly experienced in helping children overcome anxiety. Separation anxiety is not uncommon in children, so please try not to be concerned if your child exhibits some negative behavior. This is normal and will soon diminish. Studies and experience have shown that most children over the age of 3 react more positively when permitted to experience the dental visit on their own and in an environment designed for children.

Financial Arrangements and Insurance Policy

We are committed to providing your child with the highest standards of dental care, We welcome your child and family into our practice and we will strive to make your child's dental experience positive and pleasant. In order to achieve these goals, and focus on caring for your child, we need your assistance and understanding of our financial policy.

We are not affiliated with any insurance plan, we would be considered an out-of-network provider. Payment of services is due In full at the time services are rendered. This includes all new patient evaluation appointments, prophylaxis (professional cleanings), emergency evaluations, re-care appointments, and treatment sum of $200.00 or less. If you have dental insurance, we will process your claim for you and have reimbursement from your insurance carrier be sent directly to you. It is your responsibility to give accurate insurance information so that this can be done in a timely manner.

What if your child needs treatment?
If you have dental insurance, we will verify your policy, however, insurance companies do not always release specific information regarding coverage. Please understand that all insurance policies are different and contain various provisions and limitations. We have absolutely no control over the reimbursement process or determination of eligibility. At your child's evaluation appointment, we will provide a written estimate of your out of pocket expense for services that exceed your estimated insurance coverage. We will outline your estimated portion due for each treatment appointment.

Balances
Any under payment made by your insurance company is your responsibility. You will receive a statement reflecting the balance, and we ask that you pay your remaining portion by the due date listed. If we have not received payment from your insurance company within 45 days of the service being rendered, you will be responsible for the balance. Any account that is overpaid will receive a prompt refund. Our office reserves the right to stop filing your insurance if at any time there is a problem with your account because of your carrier, or your unwillingness to cooperate.

What if my child does not have dental Insurance and needs treatment?
We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Canceled Appointment: We reserve the right to charge $35.00-$50.00 for appointments canceled or broken without 24 hours advance notice.

We must emphasize that as dental care providers, our relationship is with you and your child. If you should have any questions regarding the above information, please don't hesitate to ask. We will be happy to help you in any way possible.

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DENTAL INSURANCE

In an effort to help you understand your insurance policy and maximize your insurance benefits, we would like to share some facts about dental insurance with you.

FACT #I - Dental insurance is a contract between you, your employer and the insurance company. We are not a party to that contract.

FACT #2 - Dental insurance is NOT meant to cover all fees. It is meant to be an aid to your investment in your child’s dental healthcare. Many routine dental services are not covered by dental insurance.

FACT #3 - Many carriers claim that they reimburse the insured promptly "up to 80% or up to 100% of the total fees." In actuality, we have found that most plans cover about 40%-50% of average fees. Some plans pay more, some less. The less paid for the insurance by your employer, the less coverage you will receive.

FACT #4 - Usual, Customary or Reasonable Fees, UCR, a term used by your insurance carrier, is an arbitrary amount which the insurance company chooses to pay for each procedure. It is not based on the average charge of practicing specialist in the area; it is merely the "allowable" amount they will reimburse so they can make a net 20%-30% profit. Our fees are within range of other pediatric dental offices in the area.

FACT #5 - Insurance companies will not release the exact amount they will pay for a procedure until the treatment is completed and the claim is submitted. They will only state the percentage of their fee schedule that they will cover.

We will make every effort to assure you receive maximum benefits. We will file your insurance at no charge. In order to provide this service, we will need your updated insurance information before each appointment.

Please do not hesitate to ask questions about our financial policy. We want you to be comfortable in dealing with these matters. If you have any questions regarding your insurance, we ask that you contact your company regarding the specifics and details of your plan.

At what age should my child first visit the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that a visit to the dentist should be scheduled by the child's first birthday. At this young age problems can be detected, treated early, or avoided completely. More importantly, it can help establish a positive relationship between your child and the dentist.

What will happen during my child's first visit?

Dr. Rozas will examine your child's teeth and gums, checking for decay and other problems or abnormalities in the mouth. Your child's bite, proper alignment of jaws, and spacing for permanent teeth will also be evaluated.

X-rays may be taken to evaluate for hidden decay, position and location of the developing permanent teeth. We will also discuss potential problems such as nursing decay, pacifier and thumb-sucking habits. Dr. Rozas and her staff will advise you on a program of preventive health care including brushing, flossing, proper nutrition, and the use of fluoride.

What do I tell my child about seeing the dentist?

Tell them that the dentist is a friendly doctor who will help them take care of their teeth. Talk about the visit in a positive matter of fact way, as you would any important new experience. Don't let the child know you feel any anxiety about going to the dentist and don't use a dental visit as a punishment or threat. A visit to the dentist should be a delightful adventure for a young child.

Do I stay with my child during the visit?

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Children's behavior in the dental office:

Pleasant visits to the dental office help a child establish trust and confidence that will last a lifetime. Pediatric dentists and their staff have been specially trained to help young, apprehensive children feel good about seeing the dentist and taking care of their teeth. Friendly, compassionate professionals and bright, cheerful office surroundings are all there to help your child feel comfortable and at ease with visiting the dentist. We recommend scheduling younger children in the morning, when they are more rested and cooperative.

How often should regular visits be scheduled?

Ordinarily, periodic recall appointments, which include an examination, preventive dental education, cleaning and fluoride treatments will be recommended twice a year. The frequency of dental visits will partly depend on your child's eating habits; how clean his or her teeth are kept; and if he/she has a history of dental decay.

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