Accepting New Patients at Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry
Welcome to Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry!
We believe every child should look forward to going to the dentist. From your child's very first visit, we create positive experiences that build confidence and establish lifelong healthy dental habits.
Booking Your First Appointment
Ready to schedule your child’s first visit to Mini Miners? Please contact our office. While we take most major insurance plans, we recommend checking your coverage with our insurance experts before your visit. Please check out our Billing & Insurance page for more information.
At Mini Miners, we make dental visits something your child looks forward to!
Our Quick Tips for Parents
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Schedule appointment times when your child is typically well-rested
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Complete new patient forms before arrival
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Bring any questions you have about your child's dental health
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Plan to join your child in the treatment room
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Allow extra time to play on our slide, read a book, draw, or play games in our waiting room
HOW OFTEN should kids & Babies visit the dentist?
Babies should come in for their first dental visits within the first 6 months after their first tooth erupts OR by age 1, whichever comes first. If your baby is not covered by dental insurance yet, we offer an affordable first-time visit fee.
After the first visit, your children should come in every 6 months for regular check ups, even if they don’t have problems with their teeth. Decay on baby teeth takes 6 months to form, so cavities do form fast!
We hope to make Mini Miners your child's dental home where they feel comfortable to visit every 6 months, for needed dental work, or when dental emergencies happen.
Parent Involvement
Going to Mini Miners is a family affair! We welcome parents to stay with their kids during their visit to the dentist. While parents can choose to stay in the waiting room, we find many kids prefer to have their parents close by. Our goal is to have both parents and kids comfortable at each visit.
We Offer “Happy Visits” for Special Needs Children Or Kids with Dental Anxiety
Some kids need a little extra time to ease into new experiences. We offer “Happy Visits” as a way for kids to get comfortable in our space and have a positive experience before a dental appointment. If your child has special needs or has dental anxiety, ask to schedule a “Happy Visit” before you come in for a dental appointment.
At your "Happy Visit," you and your child can play in our waiting room, walk through our office to see the space, and get a prize at the end.
NEW PATIENT FAQS
How long will the appointment be? It depends on your child's age. For children under 4 years old, the visit typically lasts about 30 minutes. For children 4 years and older, please plan for about an hour, as we'll likely take x-rays and perform a more comprehensive examination.
Which dentist will my child see? Your child will see either Dr. Alison or Dr. Ross, both of whom are board-certified diplomat pediatric dentists. Please let us know if you have a preference when you make your appointment, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request.
Is anything going to be owed today? It depends on your insurance coverage. If we've verified your insurance before your visit, we can tell you what, if anything, will be due at the appointment. For patients without insurance, payment is due at the time of service. We do collect a $50 deductible for emergency appointments.
How should I talk to my child about their first dental visit? Keep it simple and positive! Tell them the dentist will count their teeth, take pictures, and clean their smile. Avoid using words like "hurt," "pain," or "shot," or “I don’t like going to the dentist.” Our team is trained to use child-friendly language that won't create anxiety. You also can prepare your child by showing them our Office Tour photos.
Can you see multiple children at once? You can choose what works best for you and your kids. For little kids, we typically have siblings take turns in the same room. For older children, kids typically go into separate rooms and can be seen all at the same time for efficient scheduling.
Will my child get x-rays at their first appointment? We do not typically perform x-rays for kids under 4 years old. For kids 4 and older, they should be getting an x-ray performed once a year, so if they are due for an x-ray, we may perform one at their first visit if your child is cooperative. Fortunately, modern dental x-rays have very low radiation and can be safely administered to even young children.
Is anything going to be owed today? It depends on your insurance coverage. If we've verified your insurance before your visit, we can tell you what, if anything, will be due at the appointment. For patients without insurance, payment is due at the time of service. We do collect a $50 deductible for emergency appointments.