Accepting New Patients at Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry
Welcome to Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry!
At Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry, we think trips to the dentist should be something kids actually enjoy. That's why we focus on making every appointment, starting with the very first one, a positive experience that helps children feel confident and sets them up for a lifetime of good oral health.
Booking Your First Appointment
Ready to schedule your child's first visit to Mini Miners? Getting started is simple.
Contact our office by phone at (303) 500 3202 or by text at (720) 734 5890. Our friendly team will answer your questions, find a convenient appointment time, and help you understand what to expect.
We accept most major insurance plans and recommend verifying your coverage with our insurance experts before your visit.
For Children Under 4 Years Old
First visits for younger children typically last about 30 minutes. Dr. Alison or Dr. Ross will gently examine your child's teeth, gums, and oral development. They will discuss feeding practices, oral hygiene habits, and answer any questions you have about caring for your little one's smile.
For babies and toddlers, parents hold their child on their lap during the exam. This position keeps your child comfortable and allows our team to perform a thorough, gentle examination.
For Children 4 Years and Older
Plan for about an hour for your older child's first visit. This appointment typically includes X rays, a comprehensive examination, and a professional cleaning. Our team uses child sized instruments and digital X ray technology to ensure comfort throughout the visit.
Children get to choose their movie from over 70 options to watch on our ceiling mounted TVs. They also select their favorite toothpaste and fluoride flavors. These choices give kids a sense of control that helps reduce anxiety and makes the experience enjoyable.
Quick Tips for Parents Before the First Visit
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A little preparation goes a long way in helping your child have a positive first dental experience.
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Schedule appointment times when your child is typically well rested. Morning appointments often work best for young children who may get tired or cranky later in the day.
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Complete new patient forms before arrival so you can focus on your child rather than paperwork.
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Bring any questions you have about your child's dental health. Our team loves educating parents and helping families establish great oral hygiene routines at home.
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Plan to join your child in the treatment room. Unlike some practices, we welcome parents to stay with their kids during treatment.
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Allow extra time to play on our slide, read books, color, or enjoy the arcade games in our waiting room. Arriving a few minutes early lets your child get comfortable in our space before the appointment begins.
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Keep your conversation about the visit simple and positive. Tell your child the dentist will count their teeth, take pictures, and clean their smile. Avoid words like hurt, pain, or shot. Our team uses child friendly language designed to prevent anxiety.
What to Expect at Your Child's First Visit
We Welcome Parents in the Treatment Room
Going to Mini Miners is a family affair. We welcome parents to stay with their kids during every visit to the dentist.
While parents can choose to wait in our fun waiting room, we find many children prefer having their parents close by. Younger children often sit on a parent's lap during examinations. Older children appreciate knowing mom or dad is right there if they need reassurance.
Our goal is to have both parents and kids feel comfortable at each visit. We work in partnership with families because we believe this approach creates better outcomes and builds lasting trust.
Ten Common Reasons Families Become New Patients
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Your baby is approaching their first birthday and it is time for that important first dental visit
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Your child had a negative experience elsewhere and now fears going to the dentist
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You want a children's dental specialist rather than a general dentist who sees all ages
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Your toddler's teeth show early signs of decay, discoloration, or other concerns
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Your child has special needs and requires a practice experienced in patient, accommodating care
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You noticed your newborn struggling with breastfeeding and suspect a possible tongue tie
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Your older child needs dental work but gets extremely anxious about procedures
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You want a dentist who welcomes parents in the treatment room during treatment
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Your family recently moved to the Dacono, Firestone, Frederick, or Erie area and needs a new dental home
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Your child had a dental emergency and you need a practice that prioritizes urgent care
How Often Should Kids and Babies Visit the Dentist?
First Dental Visit
Babies should come in for their first dental visit within six months after their first tooth erupts or by age one, whichever comes first. This early visit allows us to check for proper development, discuss feeding practices, and catch any potential concerns before they become problems.
We also see newborns for tongue tie evaluations. If your baby is struggling with breastfeeding, a tongue tie assessment can identify whether a simple release procedure might help.
Regular Checkups
After the first visit, children should come in every six months for regular checkups, even if they do not have any visible problems with their teeth. This schedule matters because decay on baby teeth can form within six months. Regular visits allow us to catch cavities early and provide preventive treatments that protect your child's smile.
We want Mini Miners to become your child's dental home where they feel comfortable visiting every six months, receiving needed dental work, and getting care when dental emergencies happen.
Conveniently Located Near Dacono
Mini Miners Pediatric Dentistry is located in the heart of Erie, just a short drive from Dacono along the I 25 corridor. Families throughout the Carbon Valley region, including those near the Colorado National Speedway and the Firestone Trail, find our location easy to reach.
Our office sits in the Erie Commons shopping area at the corner of Briggs Street and Erie Parkway, between I 25 and Highway 287. We offer plenty of easy parking and are just minutes from most local schools in the area.
New Patient Frequently Asked Questions
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 will 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 diplomate pediatric dentists. Please let us know if you have a preference when you make your appointment, and we will 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.
What if my child is very anxious or has special needs? We specialize in helping anxious children and patients with special needs feel comfortable. We offer Happy Visits to build familiarity before treatment, and we provide all levels of sedation from mild nitrous oxide to deeper sedation for children who need additional support.
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.