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Home - Archives for Dental care - Pediatric Dentist

June 5, 2022 by Chameleon

Dental Benefits 101

So you just got dental benefits through your employer, hurray! Where do we begin?

Dental Plan Basics

Some individuals purchase their own dental plan, but most have dental benefits through their employer. When your employer chooses your insurance plan, they decide the plan’s cost and how often you use their benefits. Most employers will also deduct a portion of each of your paychecks to split the cost of the insurance premiums.

Although they choose the plan, your employer is not responsible for administering your dental plan. Instead, they enter into a contract with an insurance company who then acts as your dental plan administrator. Your dental plan administrator can answer questions about your insurance coverage and must reimburse you based on the terms of the dental plan contract.  For some dental services, payment is based on a cost-sharing arrangement between you and your employer. In these cases, you pay for part of the cost, while the plan pays for the rest.

Your Responsibilities

Your dentist may not be familiar with your specific plan coverage so it’s important to know how your plan works. Always read the information booklet or other materials available from your benefits provider.

Some things you should know about your plan:

  • What is covered each year?
  • Is there a deductible?
  • Is there a total dollar limit on my coverage?
  • Can I choose a procedure other than the one my plan covers?
  • Will I still be covered if I change jobs?
  • How much am I covered for cleanings and X-rays?
  • How much am I covered for fillings and root canals?
  • What about other treatments like bridges and crowns, dentures and oral surgery?

You should also be aware of your co-payment. Co-payment — also called co-insurance — is the part of the bill you won’t be reimbursed for. Many dental plans have a percentage of the claim amount (typically 20 to 50 per cent) that is not covered by the dental plan.

Can my dentist waive my co-payment?

No — waiving a co-payment is insurance fraud and is against the law. Your dentist could be fined or even lose their license.   The claim forms you and your dentist sign state which services were provided and how much was charged. The insurance company pays its share based upon the assumption that you will do the same.

Your Dentist’s Responsibilities

Dentists make their treatment plan based on your dental needs. Sometimes, your dental plan coverage and your treatment plan won’t align. If your dental plan only covers part of the cost of your treatment plan, you’ll need to cover the rest.

Your dentist will take you through your personalized treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. They can also help you understand how much may be covered before you move ahead by submitting a pre-treatment form to your dental benefits administrator. Your benefits administrator will provide you with a “predetermination of benefits”. This doesn’t guarantee that the treatment will be covered by your health insurance plan. But it will show you what services are covered and the limitations of your plan.

Remember that your dentist is treating you, not your dental plan. Read more about your dentist’s obligations according to the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

Your Plan and the Claims Submission Process

Once your dental appointment is over, it’s time to make your payment and submit your claim. The way you submit your claim and get reimbursed depends on:

  • whether the dentist submits it for you;
  • whether you assign your benefits to the dentist;
  • or have the plan pay you directly.

Some dentists accept the assignment of benefits. The assignment of benefits means your insurer pays your dentist directly. The dental claim can be submitted to the insurance company by the dental office. All you need to do is provide the dental office staff with your benefit plan number and/or benefits card. Any fees that are not covered by your plan must be paid by you to the dentist.

There are some dentists who do not accept the assignment of benefits; there are some dental plans that will not allow benefits to be assigned. This means that the plan member (you) will be paid by the insurance company. In both cases, this means you’ll need to pay your dental bill upfront. The dental office can still submit the claim electronically to your insurance provider on your behalf and then you wait to get reimbursed.

Getting reimbursed is much faster than it was years ago. Thanks to electronic claims submission, you can see the dentist on Monday and usually get reimbursement before the end of the week. Also, many dentists accept credit cards, which typically have a monthly billing cycle. If you need complex treatment, speak to your dentist about arranging a payment schedule that allows you to budget for expenses.

Benefits of Non-Assignment

The main benefit of the assignment of benefits is the convenient payment process for patients. However, the ODA opposes the assignment of benefits; instead, we believe that non-assignment of benefits is best.

Why does the ODA oppose something most patients find convenient? Because non-assignment means that patients are more involved in their care and the costs involved. 

By being more involved you can:

  • Have a better understanding of your dental plan and can use it wisely.
  • Evaluate your dental plan and identify parts that could be improved.
  • Develop the confidence to discuss fees with your dentist.
  • Most dental offices can submit your claim for you electronically as a courtesy. If you need to submit your own dental claim form and need help, your human resources department or your dental plan administrator can assist you.

This article was adapted from the Ontario Dental Association: https://www.oda.ca/visiting-the-dentist/dental-benefits/

Filed Under: Dental care, Pediatric Dentist Tagged With: affordable dental care, cavities, co-insurance, co-payment, dental benefits, dental insurance, insurance coverage, oral hygiene, pediatric dentist

May 21, 2021 by Chameleon

When Should Children Brush Independently?



When Should Children Brush Independently?

We often find that young children are quite enthusiastic about their independence with brushing, yet they still get cavities! We know it is tempting to take a hands off approach when your youngster is able to brush with an appropriate amount of toothpaste, but if they are not doing a good job then food and plaque left on the teeth overnight can lead to cavities. There are a few considerations regarding the quality of brushing:

Time

When the recommendation for brushing is 2 minutes, this is the average amount of time needed to effectively clean all surfaces of the teeth and tongue. The 2 minutes is not a good indicator of the quality of brushing if some surfaces are left behind!

Dexterity

A certain level of manual dexterity is needed to reach all the surfaces of the teeth, particularly the backsides of the upper and lower molars. Because it is a difficult area to brush and not an area of the tooth that gets swept by the tongue, there is often a large build up of food and plaque that requires more time to clean. Cleaning behind the molars is also quite difficult because of how little space there is towards the back of the mouth. Young children can develop good manual dexterity/hand skills at different ages, and so it is important to recognize that some children will need more help that others.

Consistency

Just like we are motivated to brush and floss before and after seeing the dental hygienist, children can put more effort into brushing only when under supervision. It is possible that when they are not being supervised, young children are not doing as good of a job brushing as they used to!

In general, it is recommended that young children be supervised when brushing to check on the quality of the brushing. Especially when there are new teeth coming in (6 year and 12 year molars), it is important to make sure that the children are brushing further back. Once children are able to demonstrate tasks that require a certain level of manual dexterity (eg. tying their own shoelaces, or being able to write well) they are usually capable of all the toothbrush motions for adequate brushing.

Filed Under: Dental care, Pediatric Dentist Tagged With: brushing with supervision, cavities, dexterity, infant, oral hygiene, pediatric dentist

May 20, 2021 by Chameleon

Can Infants Get Cavities?



Can Infants Get Cavities?

It’s never easy to deliver the news of cavities to parents, let alone when their child is only an infant. It is absolutely possible for children under the age of three to develop cavities.

Let’s take a step back and talk about tooth development. We normally expect a baby’s first teeth around the age of 6 months old, give or take a month or so. Up until the age of 3 years, infants will continue to develop teeth in a symmetrical pattern (left and right sides). A full set of baby teeth comprises of 20 teeth (10 on the top, and 10 on the bottom).

At any point during development, babies can develop dental decay. That means that dentists can see cavities in babies as young as 4-6 months old!

There are usually five reasons why infants develop dental decay:

  1. Goes to bed with a bottle
    • Allowing infants to sleep right after having a bottle or right after nursing is a continuous source of nourishment for your baby AND the bacteria that causes cavities. Even though milk/formula does not usually have added sugar, it does contain some natural sugars which can feed cavity-causing bacteria.
  2. Shares foods and kisses with a caregiver/parent who has cavities
    • Individuals who have untreated cavities have higher concentrations of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, and these bacteria can be spread through close contact and sharing food utensils!
  3. Does not clean teeth after meals
    • Regardless if an infant is still nursing or using a bottle, the teeth and gums should be cleaned with a soft toothbrush or soft washcloth to remove milk/formula residue from the mouth because of the sugars in these foods.
  4. Enamel defects
    • It is rare, but new teeth can erupt from the gums with deformities. These deformities can make the teeth more prone to cavities than they ordinarily would be. Enamel defects can be the result of genetic or environmental disturbances that occurred when the teeth were forming.
  5. Sugar-sweetened medications
    • It is a little known fact that many medications formulated for infants and young children contain sugar syrups (‘simple syrup’) which help with medication compliance. It is important to try to take these medications at meal times if possible or brush the teeth after taking the medication.

The difficulty with treating infants at a young age is often the difficulty of cooperation. Additionally, when infants get cavities at such a young age the enamel is still very thin and immature which allows cavities to progress quickly and cause toothaches. Having toothaches at such a young age has the potential to cause lifelong disturbances in development if there are oral aversions and feeding issues due to tooth pain. For these reasons, it is recommended that infants under the age of 3 years get dental check ups 1-2 times per year.

Filed Under: Dental care, Pediatric Dentist Tagged With: cavities, infant, oral hygiene, pediatric dentist, toothache

May 18, 2021 by Chameleon

Baby’s first visit



Baby’s first visit

When should you bring your baby for a first check-up?

You should bring your baby in for a first dental health check-up in his/her first year and/or after his/her first tooth comes out. If you have concerns before the teeth start to come out, you can contact us to schedule an appointment. Every individual is different, which means that sometimes your child may not reach the same growth milestones as his/her peers. Coming in to see your pediatric dentist is important so that you can find out what kind of growth to expect for your child. Just like raising a child is not one-size-fits-all, so is dental treatment. Your pediatric dentist will let you know what you can do for your child.

What to expect?

We like to start by having a chat to learn about anything important regarding your baby’s health. This includes the teeth and mouth, but also nutrition! Cleaning the teeth is important, but so is being mindful of nutritional habits.

On the first visit, the dentist will check the health of teeth and gums. The dentist will also talk about brushing techniques and let you know how you are doing. If you have any questions, ask away! Our pediatric dentist has a passion for education! We would rather your child grow up with healthy teeth without the need for complex dental procedures.

How often should I bring my baby to the dentist?

As your baby’s teeth are still developing, we recommend coming in for regular check-ups, at least once a year. Of course, if there is anything you are concerned about in your baby’s mouth, you can always contact us to have it looked at.

Filed Under: Pediatric Dentist

May 18, 2021 by Chameleon

Let us be your dental home



Let us be your dental home

What is a dental home?

A dental home is defined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) as “the ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient, inclusive of all aspects of oral health care delivered in a comprehensive, continuously accessible, coordinated, and family-centered way.” Having a dental home is analogous to having a regular family physician for routine concerns.

When should a dental home be established?

It is generally recommended to establish a dental home before your child’s first birthday. We will gladly see your children age 3 and under at no cost so that we can help establish good habits early.


Does my child have to have teeth to see a dentist?

No, it is not necessary for your child to have teeth to be seen by a dentist! We would love to see your baby and help you prepare for when it’s teething time.

Filed Under: Pediatric Dentist

May 17, 2021 by Chameleon

How much toothpaste should I use?



How much toothpaste should I use?

Depending on age, different amounts of toothpaste are recommended for your child. As well as how much toothpaste to use, proper brushing technique is just as important. When you come in for a visit, the dentist can show you how! The following are the recommended amounts of toothpaste to use for different ages:

  • Infants (0-3 yrs): Rice grain-sized or smear
  • Children (3-6 yrs): Pea-sized or less
  • 6+ and adults: Pea-sized

Regular brushing is important to remove any food or plaque on your teeth. It is also important to come in for regular check-ups and cleanings so that we can make sure you are using the right techniques for you.

@chameleondent

How much fluoride toothpaste should children use? #pediatricdentist #kwdentist #foryoupage #dentalhygiene #fluoride

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Filed Under: Dental care, Pediatric Dentist

May 13, 2021 by Chameleon

What is a Pediatric Dentist?



What is a Pediatric Dentist

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In Ontario, a pediatric dentist (sometimes written as “paediatric” dentist or “pedodontist”) is a licensed dentist who has completed at least 2 years of additional training after dental school AND holds a pediatric dental license from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).  The RCDSO is responsible for credentialing and licensing all dentists holding general or specialty titles. The RCDSO credentialing process ensures that the training of the dentist is consistent with the standards outlined by the organization.

The extra training required for pediatric dentistry is a residency program where the dentists limit their practice to the treatment of children of all abilities.  Throughout the pediatric residency, dentists learn about advanced behaviour management, pediatric growth and development, special health care needs, and childhood pathologies.  At the end of the program, pediatric dentists are awarded a certificate.  Some residency programs in pediatric dentistry may also offer a master’s degree.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a “certified pediatric dentist”?

There is no difference between a pediatric dentist and a certified pediatric dentist. The two are interchangeable because all practitioners permitted to designate themselves as pediatric dentists have passed the Canadian specialist exam and are certified by the RCDSO. In Ontario, only pediatric dentists with appropriate credentials will be able to provide sedation to young children (<13 years old), and advanced levels of sedation such as moderate sedation. Providers who are able to administer sedatives has a certificate registered with RCDSO. A few common descriptors that practices will use because they cannot call their dentists pediatric specialists include: “kids dentist”, a dentist whose practice is “limited to children”, “pediatric focused dentists”, “dentist with years of experience treating children”.

Can general dentists see children?

Yes!  All dentists have experience treating children in school, and some general dentists actually prefer to treat children!  In contrast, there are some dentists who prefer NOT to treat children.

How will I know if my dentist is a specialist?

Some practices will list pediatric dentistry in their description BUT not pediatric dentist. Only specialists can call themselves a pediatric dentist in Ontario. All dentists licensed in Ontario must prominently display their current certificate to practice AND have their credentials publicly listed on the RCDSO registry.  You can search for your dentist on the registry here: https://www.rcdso.org/en-ca/find-a-dentist

Filed Under: Pediatric Dentist Tagged With: certified paediatric dentist, certified pediatric dentist, certified pediatric dentists, childrens dental specialist, kids dentist, pediatric specialist

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Kitchener ON

Email: contact[at]chameleondental.ca

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Thu. 8 am – 1 pm
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Schedule is subject to change.

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